Happy Social Media Day! Thanks to the social media experts at Mashable, June 30 marks the fifth year of this internet holiday. Over the course of these years, we’ve seen the steady increase in social media users, which now includes both individuals and businesses. We’ve also seen the continued development of new, savvy social media platforms. From YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn to Pinterest, Snapchat, and Instagram, we’re connecting in ever increasing and varied ways.

So, it was quite timely when, on this special day, a friend of mine approached me with a serious expression on her face. She pulled me aside, made sure the coast way clear, and whispered, “What are hashtags and how do I use them?”

I threw an arm around her and gave her a tight reassuring squeeze that all would be okay. Ironically, I received the same question earlier in the day from a coworker. Seeing the glaring signs, I knew I had to write about this. I raced to my laptop, whipped it open, and jotted down the details below. For you millennials out there, this one may be old hat for you. For you newbies to the social media world, have no fear. I’m here!

Hashtag Defined

A hashtag is a word or phrase proceeded by a # (the number/pound sign) that is used to categorize a list of topics. For example, #whatsahashtag.

By tagging your message with the number sign, it will be easily found in your social media platform’s search function. By searching with a hashtag, a list of all conversations that have used this tag will turn up in your search results. Hashtags were originated by Twitter; however, they are now being used on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google+. If you haven’t heard it by now, you’ll begin to notice how it’s infused in our lexicon. #everywhere!

How It’s Used

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, viewers were encouraged to follow and comment on the event on social media using #WorldCup2014. This is similarly seen proceeding, during, and following award shows and in political races. If a large number of people begin to use the hashtag on Twitter, it will be noted as a “trending” item.

You can use the hashtag either proceeding, following, or within your main message text. The usage has now evolved to become a way in which people can express their current mood: #needtorelax #exhausted #excitedforthefuture

During Twitter meetups AKA Tweetups, hashtags form an ideal way to follow conversations during these events. If you are hosting a Tweetup, you should register your hashtag to ensure that other people won’t be using it in a separate conversation. There are a few services, such as Twubs, that are excellent sources.

How To Create A Hashtag

1. Begin with the # sign.

2. Use a word of phrase without spacing. #All1Word.

3. Be creative. A generic, one word tag may get lost in the shuffle. Try using two or more words.

4. Make it memorable, particularly as it applies to your brand. There should be some relation, unless of course you’re lightheartedly hashtagging.

5. Use existing hashtags for discussions you’d like to join.

6. Try not to use too many hashtags in one message. Remember you’re often limited by characters, and you don’t want your tags to overpower your message. #fail #EnoughHashTagsAlready!

If you’d like to make a mark with your brand, secure a unique hashtag for your audience to use. In case you missed it, mine is #BeTheBestBrand. Feel free to retweet this!