If you want to look for and or join a conversation on Google Plus, an easy way to do this would be with hashtags that precede words or phrases. This means healthcare professionals can now connect with their patients easily and join their conversations simply by making searches on Google.

Twitter’s use of hashtags met with roaring success. Google followed suit by supporting “hashtagging” in Google Plus, its social network platform, and also in Google Search. So how does this benefit medical and dental professionals? Well, with a “hashtag search,” you can easily search for conversations centered on a particular searched topic such as #Braces, and or #Plastic Surgeon.

Google’s Hummingbird Update and Hashtags

Google’s recently released Hummingbird update had online marketers scrambling to review and identify ways in which they could revamp their marketing strategy; the update in particular will impact social media marketing because it essentially pushed up SEO dependence on Google Plus hashtags. Initially using hashtags allowed marketers to keep a track on post content. However, now the use of hashtags with Google Plus posts can help in enhancing content and increasing visibility in search results.

Google Plus is Huge and Growing

Currently the second largest social media platform, Google Plus dominates more than 50% of the global internet user market. So can you afford to miss out being a part of Google Plus? Definitely no! If Google Plus features in your content strategy, then the use of hashtags is extremely important. Here is how you can use hashtags in your content strategy.

Minimum or Basic Usage

Start by using a few basic hashtags anytime you post content to your medical or dental practice Google Plus account. This will help in enhancing the reach of your post. For each post, a minimum of 2-4 hashtags should suffice.

Use Optimized words

If you maintain a blog for your medical or dental practice, it goes without saying that you have a SEO strategy in place. Now if you have a Google Plus account as well, start linking. Identify words that can help optimize your post for organic search first and then go ahead and start using those optimized words as hashtags.

Take Advantage of Photo Sharing

A majority of users on Google Plus actively share photos; so why not start using hashtags for all your post. This can help in improving the chances of your post being viewed by your target audience.

Network and Connect

Communities can help you reach out to your targeted audience; they also provide you with opportunities for sharing, carrying out discussions and +1’s. Anytime you post content to a community make sure you throw in a few hashtags to drive and track conversations centered on specific topics.