| How to Use Hashtags Posted: 13 May 2021 05:00 PM PDT Hashtags (#) are used to sort and categorize content on certain social media sites. Using hashtags makes it easier to find the things you post online, and they're a great tool if you're growing a business or looking for more followers. If you've never used them before, don't worry! It's super easy and you have a lot of freedom when it comes to inventing your own hashtags. All you have to do is put a # symbol in front of a word (or string of words with no spaces) and you've made a hashtag! #SuperEasy [Edit]Hop on popular trends. - Check out what's trending on Instagram or Twitter for ideas. Most websites that use hashtags have a "trending" or "top" tab where you can see the most popular posts. If you want to hop on the bandwagon to get most eyes on your posts or you're just digging for fresh ideas, this is a great place to start.[1]
- There are only a handful of websites that support hashtags, although they do tend to be bigger platforms. The popular sites that use hashtags include Twitter, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tumblr, and Pintrest.[2]
- You can also pull up a third-party search site, like Keyword Tool or Hashtagify, to scan through the most popular hashtags showing up on a given website.
- Use hashtags to punctuate a comment with added flair. Hashtags are a great way to emphasize a point you make, pepper in a little colorful commentary, or drive home the tone of your post. The benefit here is that you can sneak in additional information as you see fit. This is especially helpful if you don't want your post to be misinterpreted.[3]
- For example, if you posted a complaint about a big truck blocking your street, you might use something like #CityLiving or #FirstWorldProblems to contextualize your frustration.
- If you post something political, you can throw in something like #Discourse or #PoliticalAnalysis to emphasize the seriousness of your post, or #ImpeachEverybody to throw a little humor in there.
[Edit]Stick with a few simple tags for search purposes. - If you aren't trying to get fancy and you want views, use 3 hashtags. Choose a few simple hashtags that directly pertain to the subject of your post. Make one of them extremely short and broad, another one slightly more descriptive, and a third tag that's highly specific. This will keep readers from feeling overwhelmed with tags, while increasing the odds that people stumble on your post.[4]
- For example, if you're a food blogger, you might use #Food, #Foodie, and #GourmetMeal to make that photo of the artisanal flatbread you just ate more searchable.
- If you are commenting on a political story, you might use #Politics, #America, and #CongressionalDebate.
- The classic #Selfie, #NoFilter, and #NoMakeup, is a popular example of this streamlined approach.
[Edit]Inject a bit of humor. - A hashtag is a great way to present a punchline or include a joke. Since hashtags are naturally tacked on at the end of content, they're a great way to "hide" a punchline without giving the joke away at first glance. A lot of hashtags become popular exclusively because they're funny, and you can put your spin on a popular joke or try to come up with your own![5]
- If you post a photo of yourself wearing an ugly sweater and your caption is something like, "Look at this beautiful sweater my friend bought me!" you might add something like #WorstGiftEver or #TooCoolForSchool.
[Edit]Categorize your own content. - If you post often, hashtags can make it easier to sort through old posts. You don't have to use hashtags to reach other people or add additional information to your posts. Hashtags were originally invented to categorize things, so they're a great way to sort stuff out. It'll be a lot easier to find things in the future if you want the ability to go back and check out a previous post.[6]
- You can do this on any platform where you have the ability to search your own content. So, in Twitter, you would search @YourUsername followed by the hashtag you used. You won't be able to do this on every site, though.
- For example, if you post about political issues, but you also catalogue your vacations online, you might use #Politics and #Vacation to separate your posts into digital folders.
- If you do this, keep it simple. You want to be able to remember your categories in the future and the more specific you get, the harder it will be to recall the hashtag.
[Edit]Contribute to a specific conversation. - Subcultures often use hashtags to hold public conversations. If you're always posting about skateboarding, look at other posts by skateboarders to see what hashtags they use. Historians, political commentators, and even medical professionals are in the habit of using hyper-specific hashtags to hold large-scale conversations in their fields of interest, so don't hesitate to use hashtags this way.[7]
- You may not get a ton of views on every one of these posts, but it's a great way to reach a specific demographic if you want to contribute to conversations you care about.
[Edit]Overload your posts to get more views. - Spamming your posts with hashtags can draw you massive attention. If your only goal is to get as many eyeballs on your content as possible, using as many hashtags as possible is the best way to get your views up. Some people may get frustrated with you for doing this, but the more hashtags you use, the more likely your content is to pop up in the search engine.[8]
- Be careful with this one. You may get more views, but people may see through what you're doing, and some folks may stop following you.
- While a lot of hashtags definitely lead to a lot of views, there's no evidence that it means more interaction. Don't expect a ton of people to comment or like your content when you do this.[9]
[Edit]Use hashtags to get your brand out there. - If you own a business, hashtags are a phenomenal tool. If you haven't used hashtags before and you're looking to develop your online business, you're missing out. A lot of potential customers may not be seeing your advertisements or posts, so getting in the habit of attaching hashtags to your content is a great way to expand your market reach.[10]
- If you have any doubts about hashtags from a marketing perspective, know that tweets with at least one hashtag are 55% more likely to be retweeted![11]
[Edit]Find popular trends to promote your business. - Seek out hashtags that tie your service or product to popular trends. This is a great way to sneak your content into a larger conversation that's taking place online. If you can find a trending hashtag online that somehow relates to your product or service, then you're going to see a lot more traffic.[12]
- For example, the #Merica tag is used to poke fun at American stereotypes. If a fast-food company starts promoting their new bacon double-cheeseburger, they might use #Merica to get some fresh eyes on their content.
- There are apps and software out there, like RiteTag and Hashtagify, that will try to match your content to popular and related hashtags people are engaging with.[13]
- Always make sure that you're using hashtags responsibly. If everyone is tweeting #DownWithBigBrands because some CEO committed a crime or something, using the hashtag to promote your small business may be seen as opportunistic and tone-deaf.[14]
[Edit]Create an original tag to improve your brand. - Crafting fresh, brand-specific hashtags is a great way to go viral. Even if going viral isn't your primary goal, using a consistent hashtag or two will make it easier to see how folks online are interacting with your business. If you use the same original tag over and over again, you can search it online to see what other people think of your brand.
- This is also a great way to tie your business to a certain geographic location. If you own a shop in downtown Buffalo, you might use #BuffaloNY or #BuffaloBusiness to emphasize the location of your shop.
- For example, if you own a business called Joe's Watch Repair, a tag like #JoeKnows or #JoesOnTime can really stick out online. It's likely that some people out there may even use your tag for some other reason to give you an even bigger boost online!
- If you go this route, you can always pay an influencer or give them products to promote your business on their platform!
[Edit]Warnings - It's important to note that you can use numbers inside of a hashtag, but you can't use symbols or punctuation. In other words. #hashtag4ever will work, but #hashtag-4-ever will only be interpreted as #hashtag by search engines.[15]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Open Up Posted: 13 May 2021 09:00 AM PDT Do you have trouble opening up to the world around you? If so, you have nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it takes a lot of courage to be open, honest, and vulnerable with the people in your life, whether they're a friend, loved one, partner, or acquaintance. Don't worry. We've put together some tips, tricks, and suggestions that might make it a little easier to open up in your next conversation. [Edit]Identify the root of the problem. - Opening up is scary, and requires you to be vulnerable. If you're having trouble taking that leap of faith, think about what's holding you back. You might be worried about the person leaving you behind further down the line, or judging you for whatever you have to say.[1] Once you figure out the root of the problem, you'll have an easier time taking control of your thoughts and feelings.
- For example, a close friend betrayed your trust and shared a secret, you might have trouble trusting other people.
[Edit]Embrace your strengths and positive qualities. - Opening up is all about learning to be comfortable with who you are. Try to pinpoint any negative thoughts that pop into your head throughout the day. Instead of thinking about your insecurities and weaknesses, focus instead on what you're good at, and what makes you you. Embracing the positives is a big step toward conquering your insecurities, and helps you feel more comfortable and confident opening up.[2]
- For instance, you might admire how pretty your smile is, or how good you are at making people laugh.
[Edit]Practice opening up on social media. - Conquer your fear of judgment and rejection in baby steps. It takes a big leap of faith to really make yourself vulnerable and open up—but you don't have to do this all at once! Try being a little more open and vulnerable on your social media accounts to help build your confidence. Quick, honest social media posts are a great way to embrace your authentic self while you practice opening up.[3]
- For instance, you might tweet about how you had a tough day at work. If you live with a chronic illness, you might shed some light on your daily experiences.
[Edit]Work on your self-confidence. - Boost your self-confidence by practicing self-care. Take time each day to pamper and care for yourself, even if it's just for a few minutes. Self care can be something as simple as picking out a nice outfit, scheduling a doctor's appointment, or hopping in the shower. The better you feel about yourself, the more confident and comfortable you'll feel opening up.[4]
[Edit]Find common interests. - Common ground makes it easier to strike up a conversation. Sign up for a club or class, or hang out with friends and acquaintances that have similar interests as you. Use your common interest as a conversation starter, and see where things lead. Plus, it's a lot easier to chat with people who enjoy the same things as you![5]
- If you sign up for a cooking class, you could say something like, "I love being able to experiment with new ingredients in the kitchen. What are some of your favorite go-to recipes?"
- If you join a biking group, you might open up and say something like, "Bike rides are so therapeutic for me. After a tough day, a long bike ride always makes me feel better."
[Edit]Ask people questions about themselves. - Asking questions can make it easier to open up in a conversation. More often than not, people enjoy sharing and chatting about their lives. Use this to your advantage, and ask a friendly question to get the conversation going. Throughout your chat, pipe in about your own experiences.[6]
- You might ask someone how their weekend went. Once they've shared their story, jump in and describe what you did on the weekend.
- Asking questions is a great way to see what you have in common with other people. Chances are, the more questions you ask, the more comfortable you'll feel opening up later on.
[Edit]Use open body language when you talk to people. - Changing your body language can make you feel more confident and approachable. When you feel nervous and vulnerable, you might hunch your shoulders, cross your arms, and/or avoid making eye contact. Instead, try standing up straight, keeping your arms open, and maintaining eye contact. These small habits may help boost your confidence, and make it easier to open up to others.[7]
[Edit]Say what's really on your mind. - Open, honest communication makes it easier for you to open up. Try not to beat around the bush in your conversation. Instead, say exactly what's on your mind, and wait for the other person to respond. When you make yourself vulnerable, you actually open yourself up to a more honest, genuine, and productive conversation.[8]
- If you're talking to your partner, you might say, "I feel like we don't get a lot of quality time together" instead of saying "You spend too much time at work."
- If you're chatting with a friend, you could say, "I feel like our friendship isn't a priority to you" instead of saying "You never answer my texts."
[Edit]Use "I" statements. - First-person statements help put your thoughts and feelings into words. If you're feeling vulnerable, you might speak in second person, or rely on the other person to get the conversation going. That's okay! In your next conversation, try to label your own thoughts and feelings using the word "I."[9]
- For example, say something like "I'm so happy we were able to meet for lunch" instead of saying "Are you happy to be here?"
- Statements like, "I always enjoy spending time with you" "I loved getting to chat with you" and "I hope we can hang out again soon" are some other "I" statements you can try.
[Edit]Challenge yourself to be a little more vulnerable. - Create small goals for yourself in your daily routine. You might visit a club and try to talk to 1 new person, or have a deep phone conversation with a friend or loved one. Set small, attainable goals for yourself that help you open up at your own pace.[10]
- For instance, instead of talking to a friend about school or your favorite TV show, you might talk about something that's stressing you out.
[Edit]Meet with a counselor. - A counselor can help you tackle your fear of opening up. Schedule an appointment with a therapist and share some of your struggles. They can help you get to the root of your fears, and give you lots of tips on how to open up and connect with others.[11]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Find a Topic for Your Research Paper Posted: 13 May 2021 01:00 AM PDT Sometimes, finding a topic for a research paper can be the most challenging part of the whole process. When you're looking out at a field brimming with possibilities, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Lucky for you, we here at wikiHow have come up with a list of ways to pick that topic that will take you from the more vague brainstorming all the way to your specific, perfectly focused research question and thesis. [Edit]Review your course materials. - Your textbook, syllabus, and class notes can help you find a topic. If you're writing your paper for a class, skim through your course materials to see what sparks your interest. Major academic journals in your field of study might also give you ideas for a topic.[1]
- If your textbook has discussion questions at the end of each chapter, these can be great to comb through for potential research paper topic ideas.
- Look at any recommended reading your instructor has suggested—you might find ideas there as well.
[Edit]Search hot issues in your field of study. - Run an internet search or talk to your instructor. Scholars in a field of study always know what issues are really hot in the field at any given time. If you want to write something more cutting edge, focus on these newly emerging issues.[2]
- Think about current events that touch on your field of study as well. For example, if you're writing a research paper for a sociology class, you might want to write something related to race in America or the Black Lives Matter movement.
- Other instructors in the same department or field might also have ideas for you. Don't be afraid to stop in during their office hours and talk or send them an email, even if you've never had them for a class.
[Edit]Go for a walk to get your brain going. - Being active can stimulate your mind to focus on topic ideas. If you've been churning through materials and just can't come up with something that really strikes you, taking a break will help. And research shows walking will boost your creative thinking by as much as 60%![3]
- If you want to walk with a friend and discuss topic ideas as you walk, that can help too. Sometimes, you'll come up with new things when you can bounce your ideas off someone else.
[Edit]Ask your family or friends for input. - Bounce ideas off of people you know to get their thoughts. Talking to other people is a great way to work through your general ideas and figure out more specifically what you might want to write your paper on. Pay particular attention to any questions they ask—those can be great at generating research topics.[4]
- People who aren't really familiar with the general subject you're researching can be helpful too! Because they aren't making many assumptions, they might bring up something you'd overlooked or not thought about before.
[Edit]Free-write on topic ideas to find your passion. - Set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes and write without stopping. Don't worry about editing or creating something polished—no one has to see this but you. Do this for each of your topic ideas. When the timer goes off, assess how you feel. Did you want to keep writing, or did you have to force yourself to keep going? How much about the topic do you already know? What are you curious about?[5]
- Having a personal interest in the topic will keep you from getting bored. You'll do better research—and write a better paper—if you're excited about the topic itself.
[Edit]Read background information on your favorites. - Search online for background articles about topics you like. You might have several topics you're thinking about—getting some background can help! Make sure the topic fits in with your assignment for your paper and that there are still unanswered questions out there. Generally, you don't want to write about something that's already been researched extensively.[6]
- Ideally, based on your background research, you'll be able to choose one of the topics that interests you the most. If you still can't narrow it down, keep reading!
- Even though you wouldn't want to use them as sources for your actual paper, sources like Wikipedia can be excellent for getting background information about a topic.
[Edit]Identify important words to use as keywords. - Jot down words related to your topic to search for sources. For some topics, you'll include proper nouns, such as the name of a specific person you're researching. If your topic is more conceptual, on the other hand, include synonyms as well as the specific terminology you plan to use in your paper.[7]
- For example, if you've chosen environmental regulations as a topic, you might also include keywords such as "conservation," "pollution," and "nature."
[Edit]Do preliminary research using your keywords. - Search online or on library databases and review your results. Use your keywords to find out how much research has already been done on the topic you're thinking about. This preliminary research can also give you some sources for your paper.[8]
- Your results might also suggest other keywords you can search to find more sources. Searching for specific terminology used in articles you find often leads to other articles.
- Check the bibliography of any papers you find to pick up some other sources you might be able to use.
[Edit]Limit a broad topic. - Narrow your topic to a specific time period, geographic area, or population. If you're getting hundreds of results on your topic, try another search with something more specific. You might need to narrow your topic in more than one way to find something narrow enough that you can do it justice in your research paper.[9]
- For example, suppose you decided to look at race relations in the US during the Trump administration. If you got too many results, you might narrow your results to a single US city or state.
- Keep in mind how long your research paper will ultimately be. For example, if there's an entire book written on a topic you want to write a 20-page research paper on, it's probably too broad.
[Edit]Expand a topic that's too narrow. - Broaden your scope if you're not getting enough results from your keywords. Sometimes, you'll type in your keywords and only get a handful of results—or worse, nothing at all! If you were doing an original study, this would be great. But you can't write a research paper without sources, so if you're not getting a lot of hits, you'll have to cast a broader net.[10]
- For example, suppose you wanted to research the impact of a particular environmental law on your hometown, but when you did a search, you didn't get any quality results. You might expand your search to encompass the entire state or region, rather than just your hometown.
[Edit]Do more in-depth research to fine-tune your topic. - Run another search based on the information you've gained. Really, you can do this at the same time that you're limiting or expanding your topic. At this stage, your research is more about experimenting and staying flexible so you can find the best angle of approach that will yield results you can use.[11]
- For example, you might do an initial search and get hundreds of results back and decide your topic is too broad. Then, when you limit it, you get next to nothing and figure out you've narrowed it too much, so you have to broaden it a little bit again.
- Stay flexible and keep going until you've found that happy medium that you think will work for your paper.
[Edit]Formulate the question you'll answer in your paper. - Use the 5 W's (who, what, when, where, and why) to write your question. You don't have to answer all of these questions, but they can help you narrow your focus. Ultimately, this research question will be the driving force behind your research and your entire paper.[12]
- For example, your research question might be something like "How did environmental regulations affect the living conditions of people living near paper mills?" This question covers "who" (people living near paper mills), "what" (living conditions), "where" (near paper mills), and "why" (environmental regulations).
[Edit]Build a list of potential sources. - Write down citation information as you work. Even sources that you find in your preliminary research might end up being something you use in your final paper. Writing down the citation information also ensures that you can find the source again if you want to refer back to it.[13]
- At this point, your list is still a "working" list. You won't necessarily use all the sources you find in your actual paper.
- Building a working list of sources is also helpful if you want to use a source and can't immediately get access to it. If you have to get it through your professor or request it from another library, you have time to do so.
[Edit]Develop your thesis. - Your thesis is the answer to your research question. Once you've got a little bit of research under your belt, you should be able to decide how you want to answer your research question. Then, you'll do additional research to prove or disprove your thesis.[14]
- For example, suppose your research question is "How did environmental regulations affect the living conditions of people living near paper mills?" Your thesis might be something like: "Environmental regulations improved living conditions for people living around paper mills."
- As another example, suppose your research question is "Why did hate crimes spike in the US from 2017 to 2020?" Your thesis might be: "A permissive attitude towards racial supremacy caused a spike in hate crimes in the US from 2017 to 2020."
- Keep in mind, you don't have to prove that your thesis is correct. Proving that your thesis was wrong can make for an even more compelling research paper, especially if your thesis follows conventional wisdom.
- If you've been given a list of topics but you come up with something different that you want to do, don't be afraid to talk to your instructor about it! The worst that will happen is that they'll make you choose something from the list instead.[15]
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