How do you create a hashtag for an event?
Originally answered on Quora
So how do you create it?
First, look at the event — does it have an acronym or a shortened form. What do you call it offline and on social media? If possible your hashtag should be related to the actual event name.
You could have a year in your hashtag if it’s a regular thing such as #Quora19 to separate out tweets which were for last year.
Check its history
You want to check the history of the hashtag and make sure your acronym isn’t related to something controversial or illegal. It would be best to find a hashtag that isn’t used that often (or at all) although this may not always be possible.
Make sure that you do your research on your hashtag before you use it because you don’t want someone calling you out for another meaning of your hashtag you didn’t intend.
How do you launch it?
You want to put the hashtag across all the event paperwork. Online and offline anything that relates to the event preferably should have the hashtag on. This could include a speakers list, floor plan, directions, timetable for the day etc. Everything should have the hashtag to raise constant awareness.
Keep it the same on all socials
You want people to talk about the event no matter what the platform which is why it’s so important to have it the same. You want to actively be using the event hashtag when promoting the event (as well as your usual hashtags so it gets initial exposure.
YOU WANT TO GIVE PEOPLE A REASON TO USE IT
This is why I see so many business/event hashtags flop. The simple reason: only the business posts on them.
This means they can look a little sparse and your hashtag isn’t really working for you.
To get people involved. You can do this through
- Questions
- Anything Live
- Giveaways
- Asking people to share moments
- Twitter Chats
The list goes on. But what’s important is it gets people engaged with what you’re posting on the hashtag and more importantly getting them to post their own.
Event hashtags are also mentioned in my post on the types of Twitter hashtags and my pro tips to use them.
