There is a broad smile on my face at the moment I am finalizing this article because I am one of those who never the knew how to use hashtags on social media platforms.I recently learned about it and honestly I feel I have been digitally stupid for a long time.This is the main reason why I am writing this article,to educate others on the significance and usage if hashtags.
In today's digital era, social media platforms have become integral to professional learning networks (PLNs). These online spaces provide opportunities to connect, collaborate, and share resources with like-minded professionals from around the globe. Amidst the vast amount of content available, hashtags have emerged as a powerful tool that can enhance PLN engagement on social media. In this article, we will briefly explain what a hashtag is, how to create a hashtag on social media and the power of hashtags can have on PLN social media platforms.
WHAT IS A HASHTAG?
Digital communication has its norms and symbols with specific communicative purposes.A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the "#" symbol, used to categorize and organize content on social media platforms. It turns the word or phrase into a clickable link, allowing users to easily
find and participate in discussions related
to that specific topic.
When people click a hashtag or search for a hashtag, they'll see results that contain the hashtag so they can learn more about topics that interest them.
When used correctly, hashtags give context to your social posts, help people interested in your topic find your brand and help expand your influence and followers.
HOW DO YOU CREATE A HASHTAG ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
Hashtags are an important part of all social media communication. If you have your own hashtag and it clicks, it will start spreading and your brand will reach more people. You have to make it your central tag. Use it with every post you add, not only on every social media channels you own. When all your communication is tagged with one particular hashtag, the chances that people will like and start using it in their own posts increases significantly.
To make a hashtag, write # (the number sign) along with a topic or phrase written as one word and add it to your post (ex: Busy changing digital mindsets ! #Digitalskillsforteachers.
There are many factors you need to consider before and while creating a hashtag.
● Relevance: Ensure that your hashtags are relevant to the content you’re posting.
● Research: Take the time to research popular and trending hashtags related to your content.
● Specificity: Use specific hashtags rather than generic ones. Specific hashtags help target your audience more effectively and increase the chances of engagement from users interested in your content.
Eg: #ELTAfricafemaledigital rather than #ELTfemaledigital
● Keep it Simple: Avoid using long or overly complicated hashtags.
● Avoid Overusing: Don’t overload your posts with hashtags. Using too many hashtags can come across as spammy and decrease the readability of your posts.
ENHANCING PLNs WITH HASHTAGS; HOW USEFUL
Now that we know what a hashtag is, how to create one and what to consider while creating them,let us learn why we need to use hashtags to engage our PLNs on social media.
Pomoting Discovery
Hashtags play the role of signpots that help users find relevant content and conversations on social media platforms easily. So If you make relevant post and include a well used hashtag, you are increasing discoverability of your content.
Building Communities
Hashtags creates virtual communities around specific topics, fostering collaborations with PLNs.Teachers can join or even start conversations using specific hashtags.For instance educators interested in project-based learning can participate in discussions,ask questions using hashtags like #PBL.
Finding CPD Opportunities
Hashtags are virtual doors to numerous professional developmemt opportunities.Many educational organizations use hashtags to facilitate conversations and networking among members.Educators can follow event specific hashtags to engage with like-minded colleagues on topics of interest.
Amplifying Advocacy
If you are an advocate present on social media, hashtags provide a platform for you to amplify your voices. It help you share your perspectives, experiences, and ideas with a broader audience, potentially making an impact beyond their immediate PLNs.
Hashtags have transformed social media platforms into vibrant spaces for teachers to connect, collaborate, and grow their PLNs.Incorporating hashtags into our social media practices allows us to tap into the collective wisdom of the global teaching community and make meaningful contributions to the field of education. So, start exploring relevant hashtags, join conversations.If you have been using hashtags randomly and abusively,I hope you will now have a sense of measure.
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