Hashtags and Press Releases: How to Leverage for Your Benefit?

March 27, 2026 / Author - Eva Schmidt

The usage of hashtags and press releases can boost its reach. Use event tags, keywords, trends, names, and locations to attract readers and strengthen branding.

The small symbol known as the hashtag has a longer story than most people expect. Today, it appears everywhere online, yet its roots go back centuries. Historians believe the mark first appeared in Roman writing as a shorthand for “lb.” Later typewriters used the pound sign to represent “number.” As computers became common, programmers began using the symbol to group messages and organize information so it could be found faster.

Everything changed in 2007 when the symbol landed on Twitter and gained a new name. The hashtag. At first, many dismissed it as a niche tool for tech enthusiasts. That perception shifted during the San Diego fire when #sandiegofire helped track live updates. The idea quickly spread, and activists, political groups, and even everyday users adopted hashtags. Soon, other platforms followed! Now, when it comes to PRs (Press Releases), hashtags play an important role too. So, let’s move ahead and discuss how hashtags and press releases are tied to each other.

Purpose of a Hashtag:

Today, hashtags play a simple but powerful role across social media platforms. They help group posts that talk about the same topic. This makes it easier for readers to discover content that matches their interests without digging through endless updates. A single hashtag can connect thousands of posts in one place.

Take Twitter or Instagram as an easy example. Open the search bar and type something like #cutedogs. Within seconds, the platform gathers every post that uses the same tag. Photos, short clips, and stories appear in one flowing stream. The result is a feed packed with playful pups and heartwarming moments. You move from one post to the next without effort. That is the real strength of hashtags; they turn scattered content into a connected trail that anyone can follow.

What Role do Hashtags Play in PR?

Hashtags can play an important role in how far a press release travels online. When used carefully and strategically, they become a quiet driver behind visibility and reach. As part of a wider content marketing plan, they help place your story in front of people already searching for similar topics. That simple connection can bring new readers to your announcement and extend its life beyond the first publication. A well-chosen hashtag can also help shape brand identity. It adds a recognizable thread that links your updates across platforms. Gradually, that consistency builds familiarity and trust. Hashtags can also guide journalists and media professionals toward your story when they scan social feeds for fresh material.

Choosing the right ones takes patience. So, do not rush the process. Think about your audience and the topic of the release, and test different tags and watch how they perform. Then track the response and refine your approach for stronger results next time.

How to Leverage a Hashtag in your PR?

Event PRs

One simple step can strengthen the reach of a press release. Add a hashtag built around the name of your event. Something clear like #YourWebinarName or #YourCharityFundraiser works well. When the event name becomes a hashtag, it gains a clear identity online. People can spot it faster and follow the conversation around it. This small move also helps with branding. Every time the tag appears, it reinforces the event name and keeps the message connected across platforms. It also makes your updates easier to locate through search.

Consistency matters here. Use the same hashtag across every piece of event promotion. You can add it to social posts, captions, and photo uploads from the event. Instagram and Facebook posts should carry the tag. Blog updates and email campaigns can include it, too. When every channel repeats the same hashtag, the story gathers in one place and becomes far easier for readers and media contacts to track.

Hashtags in Trending Topic PRs

Trending topics can give a press release extra momentum when the timing is right. If your news connects to a popular conversation online, it can draw in a wider audience with very little effort. The key is to stay alert and plan ahead. Some brands even shape their announcements around moments that already attract attention.

Think of National Dog Day as a simple example. The hashtag #nationaldogday brings a wave of posts every year from pet owners, brands, individuals, and animal groups. That steady stream creates a perfect opening for businesses connected to pets. A pet store, grooming service, or dog charity can prepare content and press releases in advance. When the day arrives, they join the conversation with a hashtag people are already searching for. The message reaches readers who are already interested in the topic, which gives the release a much better chance to travel further online.

Hashtags as Keywords

Another simple way to strengthen the reach of a press release is to use common search keywords as hashtags. Think about the words people type when they look for information on a topic. Those search terms can easily become effective hashtags that guide the right readers toward your content. Imagine you are sharing a PR about a new medical study focused on knee surgery. Instead of using vague or creative tags, choose clear ones like #kneepain or #kneesurgery. These are the exact phrases many people search for when they want answers or updates about treatment options. When you attach those keywords to your post, you place your release in a stream of related conversations.

This approach increases the chances that patients, health writers, and industry readers will notice your update. The goal is simple. Use the language your audience already uses. When your hashtags match those search habits, your message becomes much easier to find.

Names as Hashtags

If your organization works with recognizable names, it can help to include them in your press release. Well-known partners or public figures connected to your work can draw added attention. A simple quote from them can strengthen the message and give the story a clear human voice. You can also turn those names into hashtags when they are relevant to the topic. For example, a tag like #MarthaStewart instantly signals a familiar personality and may pull in readers who follow that name online. This small detail can expand the reach of your release across social platforms.

Still, it is important to use this approach carefully. Only hashtag names that have a real connection to your business or story. Avoid using names that could cause confusion or raise legal concerns. When used responsibly, recognizable names can add credibility and help more people discover your news.

Locations and Hashtags

Location hashtags can help a press release reach the right local audience. If your news is tied to a specific place, add a hashtag that reflects it. A business based in Austin, Texas, might use #AustinTexas or #AustinTX. These tags help local journalists and readers find the story faster. They also place your brand within the local conversation, which can strengthen your presence in that community.

How to Select the Right Hashtags?

Finding the right hashtags for your organization’s press release takes a bit of research, but the process is fairly simple once you start exploring. A good first step is to look at what your competitors are doing on social media. Notice the hashtags they use most often and how many they include in a single post. This can reveal patterns that work within your industry. It also helps to check if any hashtags connected to your topic are trending at the moment. Several online tools, both free and paid, can suggest popular hashtags based on your keywords. You can also explore related hashtags directly on LinkedIn by searching for one and using the “Discover more hashtags” option to expand your list.

Conclusion

Do not hold back from creating your own hashtags. A little creativity can go a long way in shaping a memorable brand voice. Unique tags can spark interest and help your message stand out in busy feeds. Sometimes the simplest idea gains real traction. When you place them strategically, hashtags remain a strong tool for expanding the reach of your press release marketing.