How to create a global trend on Google+

Ever wonder how to get a #hashtag trending across a social network? Here is a brief look at our #007riday campaign to bring the world together for the 50th Anniversary of Bond!

Step 1: Start using your #hashtag

Over time (about 4 months) we run campaigns on the hashtag #007riday with a great group of lovers of Bond.
This enables the hashtag to be accepted by the culture, even it is looks a little odd!

Tip: Create a brand page. and it will help you to build support.
See here how the hashtag makes sense in the form of a logo! 

And then Philip Lewis made this logo so much better…

Interestingly, this is the hashtag that won out as the strongest meme, more than James Bond.
That just shows how committed people will enable such events to fly, even against the odds.

Step 2: Create an Event

Next, create an Event on Google+ and begin to invite people to the event a week ahead of time.

A reminder goes out the day before the event; and people are notified with every new comment you make on the invite – good tip!

Step 3: It’s trending!

People post and the trend hits the top (ok, there is a bit more to this but I will explain again…)
The initial phase requires a bit of effort but after a while you see this:

Step 4: Experiment with the trend

Then you can play with the trend!
When I saw #007riday temporarily get knocked off the top, I thought I would have some fun…

Step 5: Brands and Influencers take on the trend

Watch brands, bloggers and other top influencers jump on the trend!

Confused.com
A large UK insurance business joined in, just building brand awareness.

Epicurious
With almost 2 millions +1s, they relate on a Bond style Martini.

Vanity Fair

Vanity Fair was another interesting on to join in on #007riday as well, sharing their favourite Bond moments.

And many more brands joined in, including the RAC in the UK.

Conclusions

Over the past couple of weeks, I am seeing trends being picked up more and more on Google+.
I guess now, they are being used more and more by agencies.
#starwartuesday (one trend I have been building for 6 months) was picked up by Kmart this week again) as well. So, what does this mean? I think things are changing folks! If you understand what is happening you with be in a good position to utilise it yourself, or maybe consult on it for others.