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Health & Fitness

What are Facebook Hashtags?

Facebook recently announced the addition of linkable hashtags to help users connect with others around the globe on topics of interest. The hashtag (#) originated with Twitter users as a way to sort and share information on a specific topic or area of interest. Facebook execs are hoping the hashtag will link like-minded users and entice them to stay on the Facebook search engine, known as the graph.

How do we use Facebook hashtags? As a Social Media Strategist I get to test a lot of social media to see what works best for my clients and the Stratford area community. I would like to challenge you to use #StratfordCT as a way to connect all of us, our news and events, on Facebook. (Truth be told, I would love to see more use of that hashtag on Twitter too!)   

Small businesses can use hashtags related to their industry and geographic area. #marketing for marketing tips, #socialmedia for social media tips, #CTMarketing or #CTsocialmedia. This will not only link interested users to your valuable information, it has the potential to link your business to other business owners for potential partnership opportunities.

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Event planners can use hashtags to spread the word about their industry and geographic area - for example #Danbury #socialmedia or #DanburyCTsocialmedia or #DanburyCTevent. Calling out for sponsors and vendors can be easier and less costly when you utilize social media like Facebook for marketing.

Here are a a few of the #hashtags I am using and following on Facebook:

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#StratfordCT

#entrepreneur

#giveaway

#thankyouthursday

#happymonday

#quotes

#FeatureFriday

#socialmedia

#thankyouthursday

#smallbusiness

While we don’t know the long term impact of Facebook hashtags, we can link to each other on a local level through social media. The long-term impact of Facebook hashtags remains to be seen but the possibilies are endless. 

In the comments below, tell us how you’re usng hashtags on Facebook -- or if you care about them at all. We love receiving feedback from you!

Cynthia Cavoto is the Founder of Firebrand Social Media bringing social media solutions to businesses. She and her team ignite the online fire for businesses to establish and build an online audience on a variety of social media platforms. She can be reached at cynthia@firebrandsocialmedia.com.


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