Mastering Hashtags on Facebook: Strategies and Best Practices

Hashtags have been a game-changer in the world of social media, enabling users to connect with like-minded individuals and participate in broader conversations. On Facebook, hashtags have a unique role and set of rules. This guide will walk you through how to effectively use hashtags on Facebook, the value of hashtags, and how Facebook handles them differently from other platforms.

Understanding Hashtags

A hashtag is a keyword phrase without spaces, preceded by the pound sign#. For example, 'InboundHour' and 'ChocolateLovers' are both hashtags. These phrases tie conversations and content to specific topics, allowing users to find related content easily.

How Hashtags Work on Facebook

On Facebook, hashtags work similarly to other social platforms like Twitter or Instagram. They tie the conversations of different users into one stream, allowing you to find related content. However, there are some unique aspects of how hashtags function on Facebook:

Visibility and Publicity

Unlike Twitter and Instagram, where many people have public accounts, most Facebook accounts and posts are private. This means that hashtags in your posts are not searchable unless you are using them in posts from influencers, brands, or pages with public content. To search for hashtags on Facebook, you can either do a simple search or type the hashtag directly into the URL.

How to Use Hashtags on Facebook

Create Your Post: Publish a Facebook post to your Page or timeline that includes the hashtag you want to use. Ensure Visibility: Make sure your post is public if you want users other than your Facebook friends to find it. Click the button to the right of the status update field to make your post public. Search and Explore Hashtags: Use the search box in the top left-hand corner of your screen to find hashtags related to your interests.

Stream of MotivationMonday

Here's what a hashtag stream on Facebook might look like using MotivationMonday as an example:

Top: A stream of Facebook posts using the hashtag that have seen the most engagement, usually from influential people or brands. Latest: A stream of public Facebook posts usually by influencers, brands, or publishers. People: People on Facebook with a name officially associated with the hashtag. Photos: A stream of public Facebook posts using the hashtag that have photos in them. Videos: A stream of public Facebook posts using the hashtag that have videos in them. Shop: Pages selling products directly to Facebook users. Pages: Facebook Pages associated with or posting about the hashtag you're searching for. Places: Places in the world with a name officially associated with the hashtag. Groups: Groups with a name officially associated with the hashtag. Apps: Facebook apps with a name officially associated with the hashtag. Events: Facebook events with a name officially associated with the hashtag.

Why Hashtags Matter

Hashtags have been a powerful tool for individuals and brands since their inception in 2007. Notable social media influencer Chris Messina recognized their potential right away, noting that they are easily accessible, learnable, flexible, and consistent across devices. These qualities make hashtags a valuable tool for increasing visibility and engagement.

Types of Hashtags

Hashtags are often used to unite conversations around diverse topics, including:

Events or conferences: Such as INBOUND17 or Rio2016. Disasters or emergencies: Such as Alepp or PrayForNice. Holidays or celebrations: Such as WorldNutellaDay or NationalCatDay. Popular culture topics: Such as GameofThrones or PokemonGO. General interest topics: Such as WinterWonderland or ChocolateLovers.

Best Practices for Using Hashtags on Facebook

To get the most out of hashtags on Facebook, follow these best practices:

Use Hashtags Sparingly: Overuse can lead to frustration and annoyance for your audience. Participate in Relevant Hashtags: Choose hashtags that align with your content and target audience. Monitor Hashtag Performance: Keep an eye on which hashtags are driving traffic and engagement. Engage with Your Audience: Use hashtags to start conversations and engage with your followers.

Conclusion

Hashtags are an indispensable tool for creating visibility and engagement on Facebook. By understanding how they work and following best practices, you can effectively use hashtags to connect with your audience and grow your online presence. Whether you're a brand, influencer, or individual user, mastering the art of hashtags can significantly boost your social media success.