Anyone Using Hash Tags on Facebook Posts? Any Success or Tips?

[Former_Member]

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts, success or tips for using hash tags in Facebook posts.

I have been experimenting with the use of hash tags in my posts. Before I do a post for an Etsy listing or a link to a helpful resource, I search for related hash tags regarding the post. I've then been placing at least 3 hash tags in my post. I think it maybe too early to tell as far as results go.

Like everyone else I'm trying to get more interaction with Facebook users, likes, shares, views, etc.

I have noticed when making any posts...that a link to an Etsy listing gets very little views. I can post a helpful link to an outside resource and I get way more views. I'm hoping by using hash tags in those links other than Etsy it will help me get more shares, likes and views.

Anyone having success or tips for hash tags?

[Former_Member]

Great question! I'm following. I only use hashtags on Facebook for throwback Thursday. I forget to use them other times which is funny because I use them often on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. I'm interested to see what others say.

[TheOrangeApp]

So far on Facebook #hashtags seem to be used more for either current affairs (#superbowl) or for expressing emotion (#sohappytoday).


TLDR - Conclusion for those of you who can’t be bothered to read the whole answer :)

- If you are able to create a new hashtag that you think will generate buzz or capitalize on an existing hashtag, go for it.

- Too many hashtags in a single post can hurt engagement.

- Most importantly, don’t forget to test! Check your Insights regularly and see if hashtags are helping or hurting your reach and engagement.

~~~~~

 I have mixed feelings about the efficacy of hashtags on Facebook and don’t often use them so I can’t give you personal experiences (hopefully others will chime in), but here are some thoughts:


Potential Advantages of hashtags:


1. Traffic from Facebook: Facebook shows trending topics on the side of the page. But these are usually more news / current affairs related. It’s difficult for an Etsy seller to find many such relevant topics. One exception may be something like #MothersDay.

2. Traffic from Search: there are a lot of Google searches with the # sign. So if you use a tag that may be searched for commonly on Google like #EtsySale or #ValentinesDayGift, it may get you some traffic. However these hashtags will probably be quite popular so you'd be fighting for views.

3. Create your brand: This is good way for people searching for your brand to find any references by you / about you, but it usually works better for established brands.



Potential disadvantages of hashtags:


1. Some people find hashtags intrusive on FB, but this is subjective.

2. Using too many hashtags is bad for your reach & engagement.



Best Practices & Tips:


- DO NOT use irrelevant hashtags just to get views.

- Don’t stuff hashtags. Try not to use more than 1-3 tags in a post. Studies have found that too many hashtags can be considered spamming and can seriously hurt engagement

- Use a hashtag in a post and see if the reach/engagement of that post goes up (you can find details in Facebook Insights)

- Consider using hashtags that have been popular on Twitter/Pinterest etc on your FB page and see if these work.

- Use hashtags to promote special events like #contest, #giveaway or #backtoschoolsale

- Keep hashtags short and clear

- Research any potential hashtag you are considering using. It may have already have been used for something very different from what you’re trying to project.

- Mix it up. Don’t force hashtags into every post - use them only where it makes sense.


If you’ve been using hashtags, please do share your experiences with us!

[vinieschild]

Good information. I use hashtags on Pinterest and just recently noticed a friend using them on Facebook. I will try it.

[Former_Member]

Great information. Thanks for sharing, Sahiba!

[TheOrangeApp]

Here are examples of how some brands have successfully used hashtags on FB: http://simplymeasured.com/blog/2013/07/29/5-effective-tactics-for-facebook-hashtags/

[Former_Member]

I have been using Buffer to schedule posts to my multiple social accounts. I include hash tags because I know that the info will be posting to my Twitter account. If I remember, I'll go in and remove them before they post to my FB account but I usually forget. I didn't realize it could have a negative effect. :-(

[TheOrangeApp]

Jenet, as long as you aren't stuffing your post with hashtags, you should be okay. 1-3 are fine. Just try not to exceed that number.

Here's a study on how multiple hashtags affected performance on Facebook: http://mashable.com/2014/03/21/facebook-hashtags-brands/

[TheOrangeApp]

hmmmm...apparently using more than 2 hashtags on Twitter can also hurt engagement (thought 1-2 hashtags per post increase engagement): http://blog.bufferapp.com/a-scientific-guide-to-hashtags-which-ones-work-when-and-how-many

[TheOrangeApp]

Even if you don't read the entire article above (though it's definitely worth a read if you're interested in the topic), definitely take a look at these tools to help with hashtag research:


Hashtagify.me

One of the most complete hashtag tools you will find, Hashtagify.me has reams of data you can use to analyze hashtags. The most helpful could very well be the first data you’re shown: related hashtags and their popularity. When you type in a hashtag, the service will show you other hashtags to consider and will display visually how popular each hashtag is and how closely it correlates to the original.


RiteTag

RiteTag helps ensure that the tags you use are well-chosen by showing you how good, great, or overused a particular hashtag is. The visual organization of hashtags into colored bars works great for quick analysis at-a-glance.


Tagboard

With Tagboard, you can see how your hashtag is used across multiple networks. The results pages on Tagboard show hashtagged posts from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Vine, and App.net


Twitalyzer

Though not an explicitly hashtag tool, Twitalyzer does show hashtags as part of its audit of Twitter accounts. Input the username of someone you want to investigate, and Twitalyzer can tell you what hashtags he or she uses most often. This can be really helpful in finding out how your niche’s influencers tweet.


Trendsmap

Local businesses might find value in Trendsmap, which shows you relevant hashtags that are being used in your geographic area.

[PrairiePrimitives]

Renee, I read that uploading a pic to your Facebook page directly and including the link to the item in your shop as a comment works better.

I've been doing this for a month or so and it seems that people ARE seeing these posts. I get likes and an occasional comment, which is VERY different from what I was getting when I used Etsy's convenient button at the top of the listing page!