The hashtag (the pound sign) has become very popular on social media sites. Often the hashtags are silly or funny, and sometimes they link important topics that are trending so that the public can see all the posts related to a topic in one place. The definition of a hashtag according to Google is: on social media sites, a word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#) can be used to identify messages on a specific topic.

So, how can hashtags help your social media marketing plan? Here are four ways that I have found benefits in incorporating the hashtag into my posts.

1) Create Brand Recognition Using Hashtags

A great way to start using hashtags is to create unique hashtags for your business. For example, I like to post a quote about marriage each week on Monday. I use the hashtag #cheersmarriagequotes. By consistently using this hashtag, it links all these posts together, so if someone was looking through any of my social media sites and liked the quotes, they could click on the hashtag and read them all.

To find out if the hashtag you created is unique, visit sites such as tagboard.com or hashatit.com to see if your hashtags are in use.

2) Network Using Hashtags

One of my favorite ways to network on social media is using the hashtag #followfriday. It is a great way to introduce your preferred vendors to your social media followers. It also gives you a little extra connection with that event professional. If we take Facebook as an example; not only will your followers see your #followfriday post, but the other vendors following will see that they were tagged in your posts. This gains you exposure with their following.

3) Gain Free PR from Bloggers and Wedding Curators

You may be familiar with the hashtag #weddingwednesday. It usually accompanies photos of the planner’s work, or maybe a blog post with images of a wedding they have created. If you are not participating in #weddingwednesday, you’ll want to start immediately. Many wedding bloggers, tastemakers, magazine editors, and influencers search the #weddingwednesday for new and innovative content to share with their followers.

4) Use Hashtags Related to Your Market

If you are a Dallas area wedding planner, you will want to use hashtags related to weddings in your area such as #dallasweddings #dallasweddingplanner #weddingsindallas #dallastexas #eventplanner. Many potential clients will search those types of hashtags on Instagram and Twitter to find photos and content. This can help potential clients find your business.

Use your hashtag(s) on all of your social media outlets for the best results!

Today’s post is a guest post from Amber Peterson. Amber is the owner of Cheers Wedding & Event Planning in western Washington. She has a Masters Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and previously worked as a marketing consultant for wedding industry professionals. Amber is also the co-founder of the Skagit Wedding Society.