Tips on using Facebook Hashtags for Business

by Startacus Admin
Tips on using Facebook Hashtags for Business...
Ok, let’s start with a little basic explanation. The use of Hashtags is synonymous with Twitter and although the more techy amongst us will know that the hashtag was originally known as the ‘Internet Relay Chat’ symbol used to label groups and topics together, the use of Hashtags on Twitter, has taken this communication method to the masses. In fact, we’ve previously written a post on the ‘invention’ of the Twitter Hashtag if you are interested!
So, in generic terms the hashtag is a way of signposting a topic, person or theme, so that other interested parties can find the content that you share and you can also find (or attempt to) find the stuff you care about too.
Facebook has now entered this space because in reality it is a commercialisation opportunity for them. After all 1 billion people looking for keywords that have been hashtags must be a pretty attractive prospect for advertisers and businesses who would be happy to pay to be at the top of this hashtag space.
However, they’ve also entered this space because there is no real reason to try to reinvent an already established method of signposting topics. Hashtags hasn’t been a popular topic for some Facebook users - stemmed primarily by businesses’ lazy use of tweets including hashtags being shared simultaneously on Facebook feeds (check out the anti-hashtag facebook groups for proof of this!).
By entering the interactive hashtag arena, Facebook have in fact moved the subject on somewhat. Now for all Facebook users with business or community pages, it is more a case of how you can use Facebook hashtags to benefit your business.
And the reality is, there's nothing out of the ordinary to report:
Make them searchable
So, if you are using hashtags and making sure that the content that you share on facebook - be that announcements, product launches, special offers, pictures, articles or blog posts, it’s vital to have a few hashtags included in the “say something” section. Think carefully though about the words that you use to hashtag. As much as you might think #DoubleRoastedDrippedToPerfectionCoffee is a great hashtag, how many people realistically are going to be searching for just this topic? Realistically? Out of a billion people? Probably just you! However if you sell coffee in London, using the hashtag against these two key words (Coffee and London that is) will potentially open your post update to a new audience. So Tip one - Don’t be too clever and make your Facebook hashtags searchable.
Don’t over-use
This is the same as Twitter, but try not to over-use hashtags #in #every #single #word. This really misses the point in using hashtags and actually is rather off-putting to many people - including your potential new audience that are searching for topics, products or services using the hashtag function.
Don’t use trending hashtags for the sake of it
So #JustinBieber is trending on Facebook as a popular #hashtag and thats pretty understandable since he’s a pretty popular figure for some. However what is not understandable is you, Mr or Mrs Coffee Seller from London trying to jump on the bandwagon by using the #JustinBieber hashtag in your status update unless of course there’s a pretty explanatory and justifiable reason to. Trying to be popular just doesn’t work, especially if you are trying after all.
Don’t just use your twitter feed
Pet hate. Pet hate. #pethate. This really is a pet hate of ours anyway, irrespective of hashtags, as integrating your twitter feed into your Facebook page is really rather lazy and very annoying. Twitter feed after twitter feed appearing on your Facebook page can make your Facebook space just look pretty darn boring and unwanted. So you can imagine at the moment that loads of businesses, currently using Twitter hashtags anyway, will be more inclined to integrate Twitter statuses into Facebook. Perhaps this is just a pet hate of ours! However although this may grow you a few new Facebook likes, will it really grow an interactive and interested audience for your business? Probably not!
Now for a little self-promotion. Our own Startacus Facebook page can be found via this very handy link and if Facebook’s your thing, you might also be interested in reading our previous tips post on Using Facebook for Business. Promo over now - apart from...
If you like what you see here on Startacus, why not become a member of our growing community? It's free! And you'll get all this - exclusive access to our Business Toolkit, discounts and offers galore for your business via our member only business deals, the chance to network and connect with loads of fellow self-starters, and maybe even become our celebrated 'Self-Starter of the Week' and tell the world your startup tale! Join right here for free...
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.

Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.

With the UK facing a clear digital skills gap, Amy Caton, Digital Talent and Impact Senior Manager at BT Group shares some insights on what businesses should do to close that divide.

The lowdown on Berlin-based Beazy and its innovative solution that helps teams to plan, produce and deliver creative content and helps businesses to connect with talented content creators.

The lowdown on Fluffy, the app offering dog training, 24/7 vet messaging and insurance to give pet owners peace of mind and support them with their pet care responsibilities.

Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.

Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.

Kingussie High School scoops first place for Junior and Senior categories at this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition.

The lowdown on Manchester-based Arctic Shores and its innovative recruitment solution to help candidate potential count as much as skills and experience.

With the demand for tattoo removal now greater than ever, specialist NAAMA Studios makes a bid for a further £11m in funding.
Published on: 23rd June 2013
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Tech Nation report reveals UK Tech could quadruple in value by 2032 with right conditions 23rd Mar 2023 Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
- Neurodiverse learning and training platform Neve shares major six-figure investment opportunity 22nd Mar 2023 Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
- Huckletree opens new London hub for tech companies pioneering Web3 solutions 16th Mar 2023 Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.
- OpenSponsorship making its move into the music sector 16th Mar 2023 Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.