How to Create a Hashtag Campaign

By Victoria Stoklasa, CEO

Hashtag campaigns are a great way to engage your followers, find new ones, and sell your product or service in a fun way. However, mastering a hashtag campaign isn't easy...it takes a strategy that you follow closely. At Bon Visto Media, these are the methods we use for a successful hashtag campaign.

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Create an Awesome Hashtag

Creating your hashtag requires finding a happy medium. It can't be too generic, like #business, but it can't be too obscure, like #edbiz12kc. We recommend a phrase that is unique but easy to type and understand. For example, Nike Women has been using the #betterforit hashtag with great results--it's an easy yet unique phrase that has a lot of meaning behind it.

Piggyback on Other Hashtags

To help new users find your social media account, try piggybacking on other hashtags. Write content that includes your unique hashtag as well as a more common hashtag. If your unique hashtag is for a marketing conference, you can write tweets like this: "We're so pumped for #marketconf2015...can't wait to hear from #marketing experts!"

Piggyback on Trending Topics

Have a look at the trending topics on Twitter to see what the majority of users in your area are talking about. This is a way to engage in a conversation with others and let them know that what you have to say is relevant to their interests. If your area joins in on the #MotivationMonday hashtag, write tweets such as, "We're prepping for #marketconf2015 and working with awesome presenters...great way to start the week! #MotivationMonday"

Give an Incentive

Users won't automatically jump on your hashtag campaign...will want a reason to use your hashtag and get in on the action. We recommend giving them an incentive to participate in the conversation. For instance, you could send out the message, "Tweet why you want to go to #marketconf2015 for a chance to win free admission!"

Don't OVerdo it

If you keep using your unique hashtag over and over again, it's going to stop packing its punch after a while...in fact, it could become annoying. Monitor your user engagement and find out the days and times that the most users are online, and use those as the top times to share content with your hashtag. Also make sure to not let your hashtag run indefinitely...you can either set a definite end date, or you can continue to monitor your reach to see if the hashtag isn't being used as much by other accounts.

Have you tried using a hashtag campaign? What advice do you have? Let us know in the comments!