#why #can #people #not #understand #hashtags?

No disrespect to those new to Twitter but there seems to be too much #pointlesshashtagging

First, let me explain what the *point* of a hashtag is:
Adding a hash to a word, changes that word into a unique string. That makes it separate and uniquely identifiable in search.

OK so far?

We might want to do that if we wanted to create a grouping or topic and allow users to follow it – maybe an event, or a cultural meme – “Hi everyone, welcome to the event, the hashtag for today is #philsevent if you use that, everyone will be able to keep track of the conversations”

There are other themes and memes too: #business #liverpool #legal #tourism – you get the idea. They are dynamic and loose, unlike @usernames which are specific individual addresses.

Anyone can create a hashtag BUT creating one is no guarantee that anybody will search for it or see it. #veryfewpeoplearesearchingforthispointlesshashtag

For tactical communications, they can be useful in getting more reach – adding a good, popular hashtag means users searching for it will potentially see your tweet. If your event is in Liverpool, a #liverpool hashtag increases its reach.

BUT

Occasionally, hashtags can be used as a means of expression. A means of punctuation or emphasis and usually this has no technical benefit or function. #important

If it’s funny or meaningful, great but where they are without meaning, its a blunt reminder that the writer just #does #not #get #twitter

I’ll get my #coat

By Phil Blything – Director of Liverpool Digital Marketing Agency, Glow New Media.

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