“Twitter is dumb.”
That’s what a friend of mine said when I told him I use Twitter, a microblogging tool.
What he doesn’t realize is that this tool is useful for marketing, staying in touch, getting ideas, and receiving breaking news. Consider it like a mini-newsletter or mini-blog that allows you to reach people in a friendly way to share what you know and getting the same in return.
Instead of writing longer posts, Twitter allows you to share a post in 140 characters. See my Twitter as an example and follow me if you like what I’m saying.
Are you wondering why Twitter matters?
1. Twitter is an opt-in platform, which means the people following you want to hear what you have to say.
2. Twitter offers a way to keep up with your colleagues and friends. (On someone’s Twitter feed, I found a link to a free download of video-making software. I’d been looking to buy similar software, and the news of this free download saved me $300).
3. Twitter can be incorporated into your Facebook profile, so you can write a Twitter and share it in more than one place.
4. Twitters can be sent via text message, so you can use it from the road.
5. You can easily follow experts in fields you find interesting and be exposed to conference updates, useful articles and blog posts, and creative ideas.
6. You can post your blog posts to Twitter and post your Twittering to your regular blog to save you time.
7. With Twitter, you can get access to news before the rest of the world (or most of it at least). The NY Times, BBC, and CNN use Twitter to share updates. Recently, the Iowa caucus action was posted to Twitter.
8. Twit This allows you to post a button on your blog, so readers can easily add your blog post URL to their Twitters. Great promotion!
9. In case you’re still not convinced:
So, go forth and Twitter! For extra details about how to use Twitter, download The Big Juicy Twitter Guide by Caroline Middlebrook.
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Thank you for this article. Very insightful!
Loved your article. I didn’t drink the koolaid at first (april 2006), but now that I am using it more frequently and have others who are doing the same… it has been a lot of fun (and very utilitarian, if not totally addicting). Haha.
At any rate, wanted to stop by and add that I also shared your article’s link on my twitter feed
- L.
Interesting twist. Another new tool I didn’t know about. I need to get more with the “social networking” thing and on the program. Thanks!
Twitter is something I looked at about a year ago for marketing our site, but ultimately didn’t pursue. Looking at your Twitter, I can see the possibilities and might revisit it (if not for work, then for personal).
I use Twitter and I find it to be an interesting way to keep in touch with people. I am still trying to get used to the “@” command when directly referencing people from my Twitter site.
I still haven’t gotten this to work for me
Similar but geared more towards file sharing and collaboration is Pwnce. The nice thing about it is that it is an invitation only application.
@Stephen — I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Thank you for your comment.
@Leslie — Thank you for sharing my post on your Twitter feed. Much appreciated!
@Kari–Yes, I think there’s still a lot to be learned about using Twitter for business. I’m sure certain kinds of businesses would think it’s not professional. At the same time, the BBC and NY Times seem to think it’s okay.
@Michael — Yes, Pwnce and Jaiku are some others. There’s a way you can get Twitter to update some of the other applications, but I’ve not done that myself.
Thanks so much for this post. Twitter has always been an enigma for me. This is a thoughtful and simple breakdown of WHY we should use this powerful tool. Thanks for taking the time. Gotta go Twitter!
Beth, You’re very welcome. I’m glad I could point out some of the usefulness of Twitter.
All best,
Deborah
Doing more with twitter myself – enjoyed you article! Thanks
Twitter Comment
Here’s one to share w friends who think twitter’s nuts
[link to post]
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