For those who are interested in social media (social networking), I am sure you have heard of Twitter. If you are using it, be sure to follow me at http://twitter.com/reginasmola. I would love to read your tweets. If you are not using Twitter, I invite you to sign up for an account (it's free) so you don't miss out on this wonderful social networking tool.
What are Twitter hashtags:
You may notice in your tweet messages a hash tag symbol followed by a word (i.e., #followfriday, #gno, etc.). Hashtags were developed to create groups on Twitter. These are the most popular tagged tweets on Twitter offering real-time news and what's happening now on a specific topic. Hashtags are driven by the community and offer additional context and metadata to tweets. For a more in-depth explanation of twitter hashtagging, visit: http://twitter.pbwiki.com/Hashtags
Where to find Twitter's hash tags:
There are various places to find Twitter hashtags. Here are a few places I use:
http://search.twitter.com/ - Look for "Trending topics" below the search box or click "Advanced Search" for a specific hashtag.
http://hashtags.org/-Offers the most popular, newest, count, and recent hash tags. You can follow a specific hashtag, as well as subscribe to the RSS fee.
http://twemes.com/ Find the newest and most popular global tags (hashtags) on Twitter. You can track you favorite Twitter hashtag, subscribe to the RSS feed, and add the hashtag widget to your website.
http://twittgroups.com/index.php A Twitter Groups Directory.
How to create your own #hashtags:
First, you must follow @hashtags, http://twitter.com/hashtags. You will be followed back and this activates the hashtags service to utilize your hashtag.
Second, create your own hashtag by tweeting a message and include your hashtag in your tweet (i.e., I just followed #hashtags - I am going to be using #stamps as my hashtag since I collect stamps and want to track the conversations.)
Thirds, track your hashtag to view real-time conversations at http://hashtags.org/. Each twitter hashtag is indexed with it's own URL and RSS feed.
I would also like to share a great link on how a very popular Twitter hashtag got started, #followfriday:
http://learntoduck.com/micah/follow-friday
Happy Twitter Hashtagging,
Disclosure: No compensation was received for reviewing this product. My opinion of the product was not influenced by the product’s company or their representatives.
I love this article and it has helped me a great deal in learning how to do a hashtag for Friday Night Disco Trivia. Thanks for sharing your expertise in this area. You rock!!
Thanks, Kelli. I am glad I could help. I like the Twitter hashtag you chose for Friday Night Disco Trivia, #FriNightFever. I will be sure to check it out on Friday nigthts at 11 pm E.S.T. Sounds like fun.