Are you using #hashtags correctly?

Can you tell the difference between hashtags that are good for your brand and hashtags that clutter up the conversation? Good, strategic use of hashtags increase viewers, likes and attention for your brand. On the other hand, using them wrong can turn your audience away.

In the financial world, there is so much to be shared, and there’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re talking to an empty room. Trying to prevent this, many companies turn to hashtags on social media. After all, that’s what millennials are doing, right?

The problem with this outlook is that many times hashtags get left out of overall strategy. Your whole board has discussed and agreed upon launching a new website, and your marketing team has strategized how best to share it. Then when it comes down to posting on social media, that job gets pushed aside until someone has a free moment–and in that moment they decide to add a few (or way too many) hashtags to increase viewers.

So how can you improve hashtag use for your credit union? Here are a few ideas:

1.) THINK ABOUT THEM EARLY

This is not to say that the board or CEO has to approve every hashtag before use, but if you keep the idea back of mind something good might come out early on. Even if specific hashtags aren’t decided on at the first steps, they should definitely be thought about by the entire marketing team.

2.) PERSONALIZE SPARINGLY

One of the biggest problems with hashtag use is when companies try to incorporate too many long, personalized or off-topic tags to one posts. It’s important to remember hashtags allow your members to join the conversation. One or two hashtags unique to your credit union allow members to remember and share with ease. An additional single hashtag for specific initiatives can work similarly. Use brand hashtags often to allow recognition.

3.)DON’T OVERUSE

By now pretty much everyone has seen brands that overuse hashtags. While it’s important to add enough to reach out to your audience, it’s equally as important to only use hashtags that make the most sense for what you’re posting.

4.) PAY ATTENTION TO OTHERS

Although hashtags are a big topic currently, they still aren’t for everyone or every social platform. Knowing what’s best for your credit union involves paying attention to other conversations, from members and competition. For example, hashtags are great on Twitter and Instagram, but some data has shown they don’t work well on Facebook. Also, places like LinkedIn don’t support hashtags at all.

Social media, hashtags, and pretty much all forms of marketing lately are always changing. It’s important to stay on top of what’s happening by listening as much as you speak. Using hashtags incorrectly can be a red flag to consumers your credit union is out of touch or behind with technology in other areas. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to connect with current and future members.