The Power of a #Hashtag

 

Used on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, Tumblr, Flickr and many other social networks (even Facebook introduced them recently!), hashtags (#) are much more than mere phrases preceded by a hash mark. They help us filter through massive arrays of information, stay on top of current events, and be in the loop regarding the latest trends. Moreover, if used right, hashtags can significantly boost the effectiveness of your brand’s online communication strategy. And having learned what works and what doesn’t from our own experience, we’re happy to share advice on leveraging the power of a hashtag for those in the business of fashion.

 

Why

 

There are many reasons you might want to start incorporating hashtags into your social media updates.

 

#1 – Updates with hashtags are reported to receive twice more engagement than those without.

 

 

#2 – By using a hashtag related to a certain event, a presentation, a product, a new line or any other subject matter that is near and dear to you, you can start a dialog around this topic and invite your followers to participate.

 

 

#3 – Incorporating a popular hashtag into your message can help increase your brand’s exposure, because people who are outside of your followers’ pool, but are monitoring the trending tag, will see your update in their news feed.

 

#4 – Hashtags are great for categorizing messages (e.g. #news, #sale).

 

What

 

Although #fashion and #style are perfectly good hastags, they are just too general and bland for a fashion label’s social media profile. Being more specific and going with the flow will help you generate more follower interest in the form of likes and shares. Here are some great hashtags to jazz up your updates.

 

#OOTD (Outfit of the Day), #WIWT (What I Wore Today) & #Outfit – This works well for suggesting cool garment combinations for different occasions, as well as prompting clients to share photos of them wearing your styles.

 

 

#StyleChat – Perfect for offering styling tips, fashion advice, and discussing other related ideas.

 

#PhotooftheDay or #PicoftheDay — Use this tag to show off your favorite images and share photos that describe or characterize your day, especially if these are “behind the scenes” pics capturing your team at work.

 

#NoFilter — Since your photoshoot images are already perfect, feel free to add this hashtag to brag about it.

 

#ThrowbackThursday or #TBT – Offers a great way to remind your followers of your label’s accomplishments, revisit milestones, go back to the brand’s origins, and recollect previous seasons’ staple looks. Only to be used on Thursdays.

 

 

#WeHeartIt – For sharing things, brands, trends, and news you like.

 

#inspiration – Your followers will love a glimpse into the inner workings of your creative mind, and this tag offers means to showcase things that touch and inspire you.

 

 

#boutique – Works best for messages related to your own and your retailers’ stores.

 

#sale – Who doesn’t love one!

 

#ss14 and other seasonal hashtags – Include them to create distinctions between all the different collections you’ve produced.

 

 

Don’t shy away from using funny hashtags. People enjoy a healthy dose of humor and find brands that occasionally joke around more relatable than those that don’t.

 

#TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) – Even if you absolutely love your job, there’s nothing wrong with sharing your enthusiasm for the weekend, especially if the workweek has been incredibly busy.

 

#WRBS (Would Rather Be Sleeping) – We all get bored from time to time, and admitting that you’d rather be sleeping than doing something is bound to make your followers sympathize.

 

#iCantBeTheOnlyPerson – Sharing a little-known fact about yourself encourages your audience to follow suit and has the potential to spark a lively conversation.

 

 

How

 

To make sure you get the most out of using hashtags in your social media messages, stick to these simple rules:

 

– Include no more than two hashtags into one message, or engagement will drop.

 

– Always CamelCap the hashtag (e.g. not #throwbackthursday, but #ThrowbackThursday).

 

– Keep your hashtags short.

 

– Use only relevant tags (i.e. no #JustinBieber if your message has nothing to do with him).

 

 

– Introduce a new hashtag (related to your product or an event you’re hosting) in conjunction with the one that’s already popular or known.

 

– Don’t be too general (i.e. use #fashion), or your message will get lost in the newsfeed.