--- title: "Get on the Brand Wagon | #BrandGoals" description: "#BrandGoals | The TLS Brand Wagon delivers candid marketing insights, practical brand-to-demand tips, and a healthy dose of humor for brands navigating the AI era." image: https://www.tlsbrandwagon.com/hubfs/DALL-E%20brand%20building.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.tlsbrandwagon.com/blog/tag/brandgoals#main-content) [![TLS BW 2 color wtag](https://www.tlsbrandwagon.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TLS%20BW%202%20color%20wtag.png?width=600&height=300&name=TLS%20BW%202%20color%20wtag.png)](https://brandwhisperer.ai/) - [Services](https://brandwhisperer.ai/#services) - [Blog](https://brandwhisperer.ai/#blog) - [Gallery](https://brandwhisperer.ai/#gallery) - [About](https://brandwhisperer.ai/#about) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Services](https://brandwhisperer.ai/#services) - [Blog](https://brandwhisperer.ai/#blog) - [Gallery](https://brandwhisperer.ai/#gallery) - [About](https://brandwhisperer.ai/#about) - [Contact us](https://www.tlsbrandwagon.com/blog/tag/brandgoals#contact-us) [Contact us](https://www.tlsbrandwagon.com/blog/tag/brandgoals#contact-us) [![TLS Brand Wagon Studio](https://www.tlsbrandwagon.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TLS%20BW%202%20color%20wtag-1.png?width=600&height=300&name=TLS%20BW%202%20color%20wtag-1.png "TLS Brand Wagon Studio")](https://tlsbrandwagon.com) # Get on the Brand Wagon ## [Hashtags in the Branding Game: #Trending or #Tired?](https://www.tlsbrandwagon.com/blog/hashtags-in-the-branding-game-trending-or-tired) Posted by [TLS Brand Wagon](https://www.tlsbrandwagon.com/blog/author/tls-brand-wagon) on Sep 21, 2024, 1:20:47 PM Ah, hashtags. The little pound sign that went from dialing an operator 📞 to dialing in on culture 🌐. Whether you're hashtagging for fame, fortune, or fun, there’s always the question: are these symbols still relevant in a world where algorithms seem to have more secrets than a spy novel? 🕵️‍♀️ So, I did what any curious brand consultant would do in today’s environment—I asked ChatGPT. 💡 😆 ### Here are the top five questions I threw at the AI, along with my #IRL 2 cents. 💰 1. **Are hashtags still relevant to algorithms and traffic-building?** **In short:** Yes, but it’s complicated. Hashtags can still boost discoverability, but their golden era might be behind us. Algorithms have gotten sophisticated (thanks to the AI disruptor). They don’t just *see* your hashtags anymore, they assess the whole package. **My IRL 2 Cents:** I just can’t help using hashtags, and my thinking is they’ll become popular again like vinyl – nostalgic and trendy 😉 Minimally when I see them in use, I pay attention to what comes after the hash. So, I say, use them, but don’t put all your eggs in the #hashtagbasket. 🥚🐣 Make sure your content is pulling its weight, too. 💪 1. **If not, why are they still being used?** **In short:** Hashtags are still used because they offer a quick way to connect with trends, themes, and niche communities. Even if they aren’t driving massive traffic, they’ve become part of the culture. **My IRL 2 Cents:** Me, I’m that social media person who won’t let them die. 🙋‍♂️ I figure it's like bringing an umbrella ☂️ on a cloudy day—might not rain, but you’d rather have it than not. 🏖️ #BetterSafeThanWet. 1. **Does it make sense to use a branded hashtag, why or why not?** **In short:** A branded hashtag is like having your own secret handshake 🤝... if it’s actually memorable. When done right, it can build a community or movement around your brand. But if you’re just hashtagging yourself for the sake of it—don’t bother 🚫. **My IRL 2 Cents:** If you're gonna go branded, go big 💥. Own it. Create something that people *want* to engage with (no one wants to #LoveThisCompany2023 🙄). Example? #SOCcess. Yes, I made that up during a former engagement to combine Security Operations Center + Career Success. It *could* have taken off… if only it had been fully supported. (See bonus tip below 👇.) 1. **Which platforms do hashtags matter most?** **In short:** Instagram is the best for hashtags, while Twitter (or X—whatever we’re calling it these days) still relies on them, though more sparingly. LinkedIn? Facebook? TikTok? Hashtags can give you a viral nudge, but it’s really all about the content. **My IRL 2 Cents:** The golden rule 📜: Use them where they count, but don’t clutter your copy with 30 hashtags hoping to game the system 🎰. That’s like showing up to a cocktail party with a megaphone 📢. Awkward. 1. **What are examples of outlandish / clever-performing hashtags?** There are some truly iconic ones out there. #ThrowbackThursday—a classic 🕰️ #TacoTuesday—Yes, please 🌮 #ExplainThe90sToA10YearOld—pure gold ✨ **My IRL 2 Cents:** Clever or outlandish, hashtags should fit your brand personality. The more authentic, the better. And no, #BuyMyStuffNow is not authentic 🙅‍♀️. For my personal brand, I’ve been using what I consider a classic throwback to the ‘guess what day it is’ ad with #WednesdayWisdom. --- **BONUS TIP: Ready to roll with a branded hashtag? Here’s your must-do list ✅:** - **Promotion**: Mention it in your posts, bios, emails, even your packaging if applicable. 🛍️📲 - **Consistency**: Use it on *everything*—not just as an afterthought 💭. - **Engagement**: Interact with people who use your hashtag. Make them feel seen! 👀👏 - **Encouragement**: Create a challenge or contest around it. Give people a reason to use it 🎉. Remember: Your branded hashtag should be more than just a catchphrase; it’s an invitation to join a movement, conversation, or lifestyle 🌟. If you’re not ready to commit, it might end up as #HashtagRegret 😬. *P.S. Back to #SOCcess—had the team fully rallied behind it, we could’ve created something huge 🏔️. But alas, a hashtag without action is just a sad string of characters 🥀.* *P.P.S. 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