Google and Twitter are rolling out a search feature that will see recent tweets appear alongside search results and paid advertising in Google — creating a new way for government tweets to get noticed.
Starting last week the search giant began rolling out the real-time tweets in search results for English language users on mobile device browsers or Google’s iOS and Android apps.
Citing the example of NASA tweets, as a blog post from Google explained that a search for “NASA Twitter” or @NASA will bring up the most recent tweets from the US space agency’s Twitter account:
“It’s a great way to get real-time info when something is happening. And it’s another way for organizations and people on Twitter to reach a global audience at the most relevant moments.”
Similarly, Australian residents might search for National Reconciliation Week — which starts this Wednesday — and the Google app might show what organisations and government agencies in the Twitter community are saying about it.
Tapping on a tweet in Google will then take the user to that message on Twitter’s website, where she or he can retweet or respond to it.
Great news: missing cyclist, Natalie, found by the Lifesaver1 helicopter crew minutes ago. She is en route to cmd post, More to come
— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) May 25, 2015
Search engine optimisation costs government agencies in the tens of thousands for every new website they create, usually wrapped into advertising and information campaign costs.
Read more at the Mandarin: Managing social media in a crisis
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