Twitter hashtags are an effective way to categorize tweets and help people discover content related to their interests. By following trending hashtag topics, you can stay up-to-date with the latest conversations and join in the discussion. Here are some best practices for following and subscribing to hashtag topics on Twitter.
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A hashtag is any word or phrase preceded by the # symbol, like #MondayMotivation or #SuperBowl. On Twitter, hashtags:
- Categorize tweets – Hashtags group tweets together by topic so it’s easier to find information.
- Increase discoverability – Adding relevant hashtags to your tweets allows them to be found by more people interested in those subjects.
- Identify trends – Twitter tracks hashtag usage to surface trending topics. Following trending hashtags helps you join timely conversations.
When you click on a hashtag, you’ll see a feed of all public tweets using that hashtag. You can also search hashtags to discover content.
Follow a Hashtag Feed
To subscribe to a hashtag feed:
- Search the hashtag – Type the hashtag into Twitter’s search bar, like #socialmedia.
- Click “Latest” – This shows tweets with this hashtag in chronological order.
- Bookmark the page – Add the search feed URL to your browser bookmarks.
Now you can click your bookmark anytime to view the latest #socialmedia conversations.
However, this method requires manually checking for updates. For real-time monitoring, use TweetDeck or a social listening tool like Brand24.
TweetDeck allows simultaneously tracking unlimited hashtags in columns:
- Click “Add column” > “Search”
- Enter the hashtag (with #)
- Columns automatically refresh with new tweets
You can also filter columns by keywords, users, etc. TweetDeck is the best free tool for monitoring multiple Twitter hashtags.
Leverage Social Listening Tools
Robust social listening tools like Brand24 and Sprout Social provide additional capabilities for tracking hashtags:
- Real-time monitoring – Get instant alerts when your hashtags are mentioned.
- Competitive analysis – See how competitors use certain hashtags.
- Hashtag suggestions – Discover additional relevant hashtags to follow.
- Performance analytics – Track engagement metrics for your hashtag strategy.
While TweetDeck is free, social listening tools offer more advanced features for those managing multiple branded hashtag campaigns across social platforms.
Tips for Following Hashtag Topics
When subscribing to hashtags on Twitter, keep these best practices in mind:
- Track 5-10 hashtags max. Following too many can lead to overload.
- Focus on 1-2 primary branded hashtags for your business or products.
- Mix proactive & reactive tracking. Proactively follow industry hashtags while monitoring trending topics as they emerge.
- Use both niche & popular hashtags to connect with your target audience.
- Refine based on performance – Keep hashtags that drive engagement; swap underperforming ones.
Join Trending Hashtag Conversations
Here are some ways to discover trending topics on Twitter to tap into:
- Check Twitter’s Trending categories on mobile or desktop
- Look at Trending Hashtags on Brand24 or Sprout Social
- Use Trendsmap to visualize real-time trends
- Follow relevant industry experts and brands to see the hashtags they use
When deciding whether to jump into a trending hashtag conversation, make sure:
- The hashtag aligns with your brand identity and values
- Your tweet provides a unique contribution rather than repetitive content
- You have the resources to monitor and engage with the conversation
Leveraging trending hashtags at the right moments can expand your reach and increase engagement. But only participate authentically when you can add value.
Measure Your Hashtag Performance
It’s crucial to analyze the performance of your hashtag efforts over time to improve. Social listening tools provide hashtag analytics to evaluate:
- Volume – How often is it mentioned? Is usage increasing?
- Reach – How many users are participating?
- Engagement – How much interaction (likes, retweets) is it driving?
- Sentiment – What’s the tone of the conversation using this hashtag?
Use these insights to identify your best hashtags to double down on and underperforming ones to eliminate or improve.
Optimize Your Hashtag Strategy
By following these hashtag best practices on Twitter, you can keep your finger on the pulse of timely conversations, connect with interested audiences, and boost engagement.
Focus on a few branded hashtags aligned to your business. Track relevant industry hashtags and trending topics as they emerge. Analyze performance to refine your approach for maximum impact.
Hashtags distill broad conversations into easily discoverable niches. Make sure your brand has a seat at the table in the Twitter discussions that matter most to your audience.
