Handles and hashtags
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve likely come across handles and hashtags—but what exactly are they?
A handle is the unique identifier or username for a profile or page on social media platforms. For example, @regionviassp is a handle that represents a specific ASSP Region. Handles are used to tag profiles and make it easy for people to find and connect with you.
A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the # symbol (e.g., #asspnc). Hashtags categorize content and make posts discoverable to a broader audience. When people search or click on a hashtag, they can see all related posts using that tag. For twitter users this is often used when searching for topics that are trending on the app.
With that said, I wanted to provide some quick notes regarding handles and hashtags.
ASSP prefix
I also recommend that people use “assp” as the prefix in their handle or hashtag. I recommend this for a number of reasons: first, I find its much easier for people to find you when searching for your account across the different platforms. When one starts searching on “assp”, I find it is easier to find who you are looking for than the other way around. Mainly, because unless you know the exact handle, it makes it more of a challenge in searching on what your handle could be. I also like this method, in helping maintain consistency, not only across your own accounts on the different platforms, but consistency throughout our society. Starting with ASSP makes your page instantly recognizable as part of the ASSP community, and it sets the tone for a professional, unified identity.
Whether you're representing a region or a specific area, leading with "ASSP" creates clarity. For example: @assphawaii (simple and clean). Avoid something like @hawaiiassp or @scchapterofassp, which might confuse the audience about what you represent.
Keep it short
When naming your page or choosing a handle, look to avoid using unnecessary words in the handle like, “chapter” or “the” or “of”. There is a level of redundancy and clutter that makes searching on your page, or the handle/hashtag itself clunky. Keep your handle as simple as possible and configured how it is most recognizable by your Chapter membership.
Here are some examples of do’s and don'ts:
Avoid: @asspnorthcarolinachapter
Instead: @asspnc
This choice is much cleaner, and shorter. Remove the word “chapter”, I don’t think you need it there. Its kind of like going to a training class where the training is titled, Safety 101 Training. In most cases one would never add in training to the training title as its implied in knowing where you are. The same logic can be applied with handles - brevity wins.
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Avoid: assp_gtc or assp-greater-tidewater
Instead: asspgtc
Avoid special characters or complex formatting (underscores, hyphens etc.) that can make your handle or hashtag harder to find or remember. Stick to simple, straightforward text that flows naturally. Simplicity ensures that members and potential followers won’t struggle to locate your page when searching.
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Avoid: handle = @assplowcountry; hashtag=lowcountryasspchapter
Instead: handle = assplowcountry; hastag= #assplowcountry
When selecting your hashtags, align them with your handle for consistency. If your handle is @asspgreatlakes, then use #asspgreatlakes as your primary hashtag. Hashtags are helpful especially when people use the hashtag in articles, events posts, on stories etc. The hashtag provides everyone a consolidated feed of all things related to that hashtag. Having inconsistency in hashtags (e.g., #assplc, #assplowcountry) doesn’t allow for a complete list of all things related to that topic. Same concept applies for it you have an event specific hashtag as well (e.g., #regionvipdc vs. #assppdcforregionvi). Here some more reading on hashtags if you’re interested.
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The goal of using handles and hashtags effectively is to build a clear and recognizable identity for your Chapter. The easier it is for members and potential followers to find your content, the more engaged they’ll be. The more consistent you are, the more likely they are to tag your Chapter in their own posts as well. These best practices make it simple for your audience to search for, interact with, and share your posts. When handles are too complicated or inconsistent, they can confuse people, leading to lower engagement and making it harder for your Chapter to grow its presence.
Hope this helps a bit. Merry Christmas everyone 👋🏻
