Nonprofit Twitter Tips #3: Hashtag Like a Pro [VIDEO]

By now, we’ve delved deep into the mysteries of Twitter for nonprofit organizations. I’ve explained how nonprofits should share other people’s content if they want to be shared in return. I’ve examined how following too many people can be a huge mistake for the eager nonprofit social media user.

Now it’s time to talk hashtags. What are those words that come after the # symbol? And how can you use them to get more exposure, more followers and connect with other people who are talking about the exact things you are?

Glad you asked.

Nonprofit Twitter Tips #3 – How to Use Hashtags:

Transcript:

So far, we’ve covered 2 commandments of Twitter. Have you been following them? If so, you’ve been sharing other people’s content and only following relevant Tweeters. You know, the ones who boost your cred.

Today, you’re ready to take on Twitter Commandment #3: Thou shalt hashtag correctly.

So, who doesn’t want more followers? Anybody? Exactly. Everybody would love to have more followers. And hashtags are the way to get you there.

Hashtags help you reach people who are searching for exactly what you’re talking about.

So, what shouldn’t you do? Avoid using hashtags that connect every word you’re saying. You’ve seen the tweets with hashtags longer than the original content. Nobody wants to take the time to figure out where the spaces belong in your run-on sentence. They’ll probably overlook your tweet right away.

Instead, use relevant and concise hashtags that draw people to your content. If you’re tweeting an article about fundraising, make sure to use the hashtag “fundraising.” Likewise for social media or volunteer management.

If you’re tweeting about a conference or event, look for the hashtag and add it to your tweet so that more people will notice it. Or, you could create your own hashtag for an event your organization is sponsoring.

Be realistic. Will you get your hashtag trending? Probably not. But you will get your tweets discovered by more and more people, steadily increasing followers. Get out there, and hashtag away—correctly. Thanks for watching.

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Lyndsey Hrabik

Lyndsey is a former editor for Nonprofit Hub and Nonprofit Hub Magazine. She now serves as a guest contributor, writing on topics such as social media, technology, marketing and starting a nonprofit.

April 29, 2013

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