New Facebook Hashtags Are a Powerful Tool

Imagine being able to join conversations with potential clients about your top selling destination. Imagine searching what’s top of mind – and finding it via simple clickable links.  

This is now a reality, as hashtags have come to Facebook.

You can now leverage your conversations by topic, destination or supplier when you use the # symbol in your posts. Hashtags let you mark and categorize by topic or keyword, then see a feed of posts about that topic.  

This powerful feature was first available on Twitter. Now its benefits can be used to find others talking about a specific word, acronym or phrase on Facebook. It gives you greater social reach and exposure.

The look
Here’s what it might look like in your next post:

Travel pros are beginning to use a # to highlight a destination in Facebook posts.  

Imagine using hashtags to showcase your niche or specialty – #honeymoon and #cruise come to mind. Also, consider using a #FavoriteSupplier (insert your favorite supplier name) to enhance your credibility.

In researching hashtags recently, I found a number of people looking for a travel agent to book their next trip.

A tip: Visit #travelagent frequently as you may find some potential revenue waiting for you.  

Use existing—or create new–hashtags
You can use existing hashtags or create your own. To create a new # is simple.  Just type # in front of any word, acronym or phrase, no spaces.  

Here are some examples from our industry.

Some pros are creating their own customized # giving them a personal feed of their own posts. When talking to clients you can simply provide them with the # you’ve been using and it will show them your personal feed of info.  

For example, one may do some research and find that #CruiseExpert isn’t being used and will then adopt that # for their own use. Keep in mind that another person is not precluded from using this #.  

Best practices
Research
Research which #s are being used and the conversations within those #s. Ensure that your audience is there and engaged. Learn and listen. To do this research, simply type into the Facebook Search bar the word or phrase you’d like to search out.  Here’s an example. Then select the choice with the # icon shown in a gold box.  

When joining conversations here, remember it’s crucial to offer help, answer questions and provide your insights. People buy from those they know and like.

Keep it simple
Like Twitter, keep your use of hashtags to one to three per post.  Remember, some people may still be turned off by # and not fully understand their use.  Less is more!

Relevant # are key.  Keep on topic with your own key words.  Some posts I’ve seen include a trending # in order to be seen by a wider audience.  People will realize the sales motivation and won’t be impressed.

Integrate with Twitter
When you post to Twitter and Facebook you can now more easily repurpose your posts into tweets.

Join conversations
The fun of using # is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and chat with people with similar interests.  Maximize your conversations by providing value and not always selling.  Remember, social media is Social!

Also, keep in mind you may be reaching potential new clients and your enthusiasm and personality will be what people remember when making their travel plans.

What hashtags are you using in your #Facebook posts?