Do you know what a hashtag is?
I bet you’ve seen hashtags already, in social media, or even in blog post titles.
Perhaps you’ve used them. Perhaps not.
At any rate, today I’m going to help you get a clearer understanding of what hashtags are… and give you some sample hashtags you can use… if you are a writer or author.
I also want you to share this information with your friends and followers, so please share this post on social media, including on Twitter!
Now, let’s get to it…
What is a Hashtag, and Why are Hashtags Used?
Hashtags are created by inserting the number sign (often called the tic-tac-toe board or the pound key) in front of a word or a group of words.
The word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#) is used to identify messages on a specific topic.
Hashtags are used on different social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Instagram.
A hashtag is a word or a group of words preceded by a pound (#) sign, which is used to categorize and find conversations around a particular topic or trend.
Hashtags help people find information on specific topics.
For example, writers who are looking for writing tips will use and search for #writingtips. Do-it-yourself-ers will look for #DIY or #DIYtips. Businesses will use #B2B (Business to Business) or #B2C (Business to Consumer), and marketers will use #mktg.
There are tons of hashtags out there. Hashtags can be created for any topic, too.
Using Hashtags in Blog Posts
If you are a writer or an author, chances are you already are blogging as a way to help promote your writing.
(If you’re not, you should be! Here’s why.)
Recently, I created a post for my freelancing business site, Wording Well, called Do YOU Use Hashtags in Your Blog Post Titles? Yay or Nay?
That post contains a ton of information, so I urge you to check it out to gain a clearer understanding of what hashtags are and how to use them… and why you should or shouldn’t use them in your blog posts.
If you simply want more information on hashtags, also read How to Use Hashtags: A Complete Guide.
Sample Hashtags for Authors and Writers
#amwriting
#amediting
#writingtip or #writetip (used by writing coaches, editors, etc.)
#writingprompt
#writingsprint
#nanowrimo (a big one in November!)
#writerwednesday
#fridayreads
#ff (Friday Follow)
Genre Hashtags:
#book
#novel
#nonfiction
#fiction
#paperbacks
#shortstory
#story
#shortstories
#shortreads
#litfic is for literary fiction
#histfic and #histnovel are for historical fiction
#womensfiction
#scifi or #science #fiction
#paranormal
#crime
#suspense
#kidlit
For Promotions:
#bookgiveaway
#free
#freebie
#teasertuesday
#samplesunday (for offering snippets of your work or a link to a sample chapter)
#novelines (for quotes from any novel, yours or someone else’s)
#poetrymonth (in April)
#indiethursday (this is for readers who support independent booksellers, not indie authors)
#new
#special
#free
#freebie
#bookbuzz
For Indies:
#indieauthor
#indiepub
#indie
Platform-specific hashtags:
#ebook
#amazon
#kpd
#smashwords
#kindle
#sony
#nook
#nookpress
#kobo
#ipad
For more information, check out 100 Twitter Hashtags Every Writer Should Know.
Or Literary Related Hashtags For Authors (& Readers).
Or any of the other tons of resources out there! 😉
Finding Popular Hashtags to Use… Easily
Sure, you could read through the posts using the links I just mentioned.
But if you’re short on time, just go on Twitter. (And follow me!)
Then… type the # symbol and then start typing a word. A bunch of common hashtags will pop up.
Choose the one you want to use.
It’s that easy!
Chime In!
Do you use hashtags… at all?
What do you use hashtags for, and how do you use them?
Let’s talk about this topic in the comments!
