Hash Tags on Twitter: How to use them and why to use them

Hash tag on Twitter. Why to use them and when to use them.

First things first, the hash tag is also known as the pound key. In the UK you say Hash and in the United States we say pound.

Part 1: Why to use the hash tag.

Now, you use the hash tag to tag your tweets. By tagging your tweets, you make them more search friendly by associating them with a particular term. So if you own a bakery you can end your tweet with #bakery.

When someone does a search for bakery, your tweet will show up in the search, it may not be at the top, but it will be there.

It is important to remember that people tag all kinds of crazy things in their tweets. There are no rules. So, there is nothing stopping a pornography twitter account from tagging there tweets with #bakery.

This can cause big problems. When someone does a search for #bakery, your tweet and a pornography tweet will show up in the same search.


Part 2: When to use the hash tag

I say, save your hashing for big events, like conferences, meetings, and trade shows. Usually, the coordinator of a large event will create a specific hash tag for the event.

Here’s an example: The hash tag for the National Restaurant Association Trade shows is #NRAshow

Because the event is so large and the hash tag is so specific, it makes it much easier for people to search for tweets relating to this topic.


You can easily create your own hash tag for an event. I would use a combination of letters and numbers that make sense.

Example: #SmithFR2010 which mean smith family reunion in 2010.

You get the picture, right?

But before you start telling everyone the hash tag for your event, do a quick search to make sure no one else is using it.

Remember…Stay Social