While the system is designed to warn us in case of a national emergency, considering the political climate of today the memes started QUICKLY.
I just got this text does anyone know what it means#presidentialalert pic.twitter.com/fCyKO8xLZ8
— Alex R (@Dr_Dastardly) October 3, 2018
Brands also got in on the action including several nonprofit organizations who took advantage of the trending hashtag #PresidentialAlert to share their mission.
This was a perfect example of how to use a trending hashtag to get seen by more people. But before you jump on the next hashtag train, make sure you think about these things:
- Do you know what the hashtag actually means?
- Is the hashtag relevant or can you make it relevant to you organization?
- Will my followers or potential followers even see this hashtag?
See What Brands Need to Know Before Hijacking a Hashtag for more.
And here are a few of the organizations who used the “Presidential Alert” hashtag:
Human Rights Campaign
Here’s what today’s #PresidentialAlert should have said ? pic.twitter.com/bhwmTeDgkQ
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) October 3, 2018
San Diego Zoo
??EMERGENCY ALERT??
THIS IS A TEST
We’re reaching panda-emic levels of cute
No further action is needed#PresidentialAlert pic.twitter.com/irF4M7eRlT— San Diego Boo ?? (@sandiegozoo) October 3, 2018
Denver Zoo
THIS IS A TEST of the Cute Baby Sloth Alert System. No action is needed. #PresidentialAlert pic.twitter.com/mZ80KhEesf
— Denver Zoo (@DenverZoo) October 3, 2018
PETA
This is a test. #PresidentialAlert pic.twitter.com/McTWFqaNn1
— PETA ? (@peta) October 3, 2018
Working Families Party
We have a #PresidentialAlert for you. Women have just announced #BlackFridays sign on to their statement here https://t.co/kKtrSXZ9ZK pic.twitter.com/X7xbgQ8nuf
— Working Families Party (@WorkingFamilies) October 3, 2018
How could you have taken advantage of this trending hashtag? And what can you do to make sure you can jump on an opportunity like this next time?