In 2007, the first hashtag was created on Twitter. Since then, marketers have used this social media function for the promotion of their brands. It helps users find content by simply searching for the relevant keyword with the “#” symbol. The use of hashtags on social media platforms can be a powerful way to communicate with people. These hashtags can also be a great way to encourage participation and build customer relationships. Keep reading to find out more about these campaigns.Â
What Are Hashtag Campaigns? Â
Hashtag campaigns are used by brands all over the world. These campaigns are run across social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Most of these campaigns use short and concise terms for their hashtag.
To keep it interesting, some brands even use wordplay to come up with unique hashtags. The trick is to promote your brand or products/services in the hashtag. Some brands even use hashtags to address social causes.
All of us have used hashtags at some point in our lives, like #OOTD or #MondayMotivation. This just goes to show the relevance of hashtags. If a topic is trending, everyone wants to get on board with it.
Hashtags: Multipurpose Tools?
Hashtags can be used for more than one purpose. The most popular reason why brands run these campaigns is to boost visibility. But there are other reasons too, like increasing user engagement and assisting SEO efforts.
Social media hashtags work by grouping keyword-related content in one place. This makes it easier for people to view similar content. For marketers, this is an excellent way to make the brand more discoverable.
If a brand decides to embark on a social initiative, one of the best ways to go about it is by running a hashtag campaign. CoCa Cola’s #ShareACoke campaign is a great example of this.
Hashtags can be an excellent way to de-stigmatize certain issues. Brands can use hashtags to boost sales and raise awareness about important issues. It all narrows down to the objectives of business. In 2023, it will be essential for brands to be socially responsible.
Share-Worthy Hashtag Campaigns
Here are some of the most creative hashtag campaigns that gained popularity on social media platforms. While some of the campaigns tackle social issues, others are for entertainment purposes only.
The bottom line is that hashtags are a powerful way to promote a brand on social media platforms. These can be highly effective in increasing user engagement. Hashtags provide marketers with an opportunity to realize multiple business objectives at once.
These are some of the most successful campaigns ever run on social media platforms.
#WorthSaying By Loreal Paris
Many beauty and skincare brands have used social media platforms to voice out real concerns facing women. Loreal Paris is one of them. Their #WorthSaying campaign focuses on what women have to say by giving them space to share it.
This incredible hashtag was used by big celebrities like Blake Lively. This hashtag received positive reviews from followers of the brand.
#JustDoIt By Nike
This motivational hashtag was introduced by Nike. The #JustDoIt hashtag uses the brand’s tagline to promote not only their products but also a healthy lifestyle. This hashtag gained widespread popularity across social media platforms.
Many social media users have used this hashtag with their posts and are continuing to do so. This creative hashtag reflects the brand’s vision and promotes their products and services.
#OreoHorrorStories By Oreo
This Halloween inspired hashtag was introduced by Oreo. This is from the era of Vine. It asked users to re-enact popular scary movie scenes. Users had to incorporate Oreo in their play. This hilarious trend gained a lot of popularity on social media platforms.
This campaign goes to show the creative potential of hashtags. Although hashtags have become a lot less popular as compared to before, they are still a fun way to market a brand.
#DoUsAFlavour Campaign By Lays
This hashtag uses wordplay to create an interesting term. Lays offered a cash prize of one million dollars to the lucky winner. All social media users had to do was suggest new and exciting flavor ideas.
The cash incentive offered resulted in millions of submissions from participants all over the country. Lays was able to boost user engagement and encourage participation among people. This is the perfect example of a successful campaign.
Hence, brands should take notes from the success of such a campaign.
Hashtags: Drivers of Social Change?
Hashtags have been popularly used to drive social change, like the #MeToo campaign. But the question is can brands use it to raise awareness about social issues? The answer is yes. Brands can use hashtags to inform users about social issues that are related to their products/services.
For example, brands could introduce hashtags relevant to ethical sourcing. This information can help increase the credibility of the brand and boost sales. As a result, this can help drive social change.
Hashtags are used by brands to generate revenue and increase popularity. However, many brands do not realize the power of such campaigns in addressing important issues faced by many members of society.
Hashtags: An Outdated Marketing Trick?
Hashtags first rose to prominence in the early 2000s. Soon, marketers realized the importance of this function and started using it to their advantage. This led big brands like Coca Cola to run campaigns on platforms like Instagram.
These types of campaigns became highly popular. In 2023, the relevance of hashtags seems to be declining. This is because other, more innovative, campaigns are being introduced. For example, influencer-brand partnerships seem to have taken the limelight in 2023.
Do you have a favorite hashtag campaign? Share it with us in the comment section!