In our earlier article, How Hashtags have become an integral part of search and social media, we briefly touched the topic Google+ and hashtags. In this article, we will discuss how to use hashtags in your Google+ posts and how to incorporate them in your content strategy to gain better visibility in organic search. The Hummingbird update has forced the online marketers to rework their marketing strategy. Social media has been the most affected due to SEO dependence on Google+ hashtags. Earlier, hashtags were used to track and post content but with the hummingbird, hashtags with Google+ posts can be used to optimise content which will display in search results.

How to Use Hashtags In Your Posts?

Hashtags can be used by typing them somewhere within the text of the post. An example: “I just learned about these great #Vegan Cooking Tips.” Hashtags used in Google+ posts may also appear at the top of the post as related hashtags.

What Are Related Hashtags?

• Related hashtags are the hashtags which appear at the top of the post and are related to the post’s content. You can explore the related posts by clicking on a hashtag.
• Gray coloured hashtags are used by the author of the post and the blue coloured hashtags are added by Google, based on the content of the post.
• Related hashtags not only help the posts get discovered but also aid in building conversations around the content of the post.

How Can Hashtags Be Used In Your Content Strategy?

Firstly, Incorporate The Use Of Hashtags In Content

To start with the basics, if the content you post in your Google+ account has some hashtags, the probability of a better reach of your post enhances. 2-4 hashtags per post is a achievable goal and can help increase visibility.

Use Hashtags in Photo Content

Sharing of photos is the most important activity on Google+. When hashtags are used while posting photos, it provides a good opportunity for the post to be viewed.

Aim for Optimisation

When blog is a part of your SEO strategy and you have a Google+ account, in order to optimise your post for organic search hashtags should be used for optimised words.

Networking Through Communities

Communities help to reach the targeted audience as it provides an opportunity for sharing, +1s and discussions. Any content with hashtags posted to a community can encourage and track conversation around a particular topic.

Encourage Conversations

In Google+, just as Twitter, hashtags can relate to your business and goals. You can follow some hashtags which have weekly discussions and conversations.

Some Tips On Use Of Hashtags

• Hashtags should be relevant to your topic.
• It is ideal to include 3 hashtags. The first three hashtags are displayed at the top of each post and affect what searches posts show up in and what posts are they related to.
• Check competition before you post content which has hashtags
• Make your content as attractive as possible in that stream by using interesting title, images etc
• Time your posts well so that they rank higher up in the “Most Recent” stream
• For initiating conversations, stay abreast of the latest industry news and updates