Hashtags have become part of the internet language and until recently I mostly used them for humorous effect to get in one more joke to my followers (#imhilarious). However, hashtags actually serve an awesome purpose and when used correctly can greatly improve your internet presence. Sproutsocial.com explains, “Whenever a user adds a hashtag to their post, it is immediately indexed by the social network and searchable by other users” (#findyourtribe, #helpyourtribefindyou). And so suddenly using the right hashtag can open lots of options! Below are my favorite #adoption hashtags for all members of the adoption triad.
#birthmomstrong is my personal favorite of all adoption hashtags. These warrior women are bravely sharing their stories, sharing why they chose adoption, and putting their hearts out there because there is beauty in the full truth. I was pleased to find this hashtag on all of the most popular social media websites.
#adoptionrocks is another commonly used adoption related hashtag. I love this one because it is used by all members of the triad. I also love that most of the images and posts associated with this hashtag highlight open adoption and family connections. Again, I love the education power behind this hashtag.
#adopted is a great way to help adoptees build a community. #adopted is used often by an organization called I’m Adopted. This awesome organization highlights the accomplishments and success of those who have been adopted. I’m Adopted also works to help adoptees find their birth parents. Go check this one out; so many awesome stories out there.
#hopingtoadopt is my favorite hashtag for waiting couples. The wait can be difficult and long and I love how much hope is shown by those using this hashtag. It is a great way to see how others are spending their waiting time, fundraisers they are doing and all things waiting couple related.
Education is one of the most powerful things we can do when we all work together as an adoption community. By using positive, powerful hashtags we can improve the narrative on the internet, to do this social media gurus agree on a few things. One tip often suggested is consistency. If you want to be found on social media, consistently using the same hashtag and same series of hashtags greatly increases your presence. It also helps if you create a hashtag that is unique to you. This allows someone who finds you on the internet to then find all posts related to your unique hashtag. Hashtags might seem a little irritating, be a little bit complicated, but when used correctly they can be helpful.