Hashtags within Search Results – Crisis Communications Bonus!

You know how I keep talking and writing about hashtags needing to have a place within your crisis communications? Well, get excited for this ladies and gentlemen… Google is adding hashtags to search results!!

I read about this new Google search feature and got super excited to write about it here for you today. This just AMPLIFIES the need for hashtags within your crisis communications.

Although there are some limitations to this new feature (e.g.: only public posts or posts published by those within your circles will show up on the right-hand side of the search results) this still shows us to what extent hashtags are relevant – and will continue to be. It also amplifies the need to have a good, strong presence on Google+, as it’s the hashtags posted within this social media platform that will get the most search-result-love.

Here’s the low-down on this new Google feature that has already began to roll out

• When you search for a hashtag, Google+ posts containing that hashtag – from people you’re connected to – will appear on the right-hand side of the search results page. From there you can scroll down and click through – which will bring you to Google+
• Links to search for these hashtags on other social media platforms will appear as well – which is quite interesting! 

So take this new Google feature as a two-fold reminder

1. Hashtags need to have a role within your crisis communications – and this role needs to be outlined and detailed within your crisis management plan.
2. Google+ is a platform that you should consider developing an active and engaging presence on. The more people who have you in their circles, the farther your reach during your crisis communications – on the social platform as well as within the search engine results pages.