Twitter—it’s all the buzz. We hear about it in print, see it on Web sites…it’s even in the Senate. But what exactly is it?
According to Wikipedia, Twitter “is a social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users’ updates known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 bytes in length which are displayed on the user’s profile page and delivered to other users who have subscribed to them…Updates are displayed on the user’s profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them <and> users can send and receive updates via the Twitter Web site, SMS, RSS (receive only), or through applications such as Tweetie, Twitterrific, Twitterfon, TweetDeck and Feedalizr.”
What’s more, Twitter is free, and easy to use. In fact, as of this writing, millions of people are currently on Twitter…or tweeting. So, ready to start?
First off, you may want to educate yourself on the ins and outs of Twitter: how it works, who is using it, what kind of information you can gather, and how it can work for your business.
For those of us who like to information-gather before we jump in, check out Mashable’s benefits accrued through Twitter use. You can read Union Street’s Twitter for Lead Generation and Twitter for Business pages, and Zappos’s notes on the Twitter site. Even the Wall Street Journal has published an article about Twitter. Finally, Laura Fitton’s comprehensive piece has several step by step articles and guides for getting started using Twitter. So go ahead, poke around, and give it a whirl. Part Two of our Twitter blog will help you get started tweeting for your particular business needs.
How can Twitter Help My Business? (Part 2)
So now you’ve checked out a few articles on what Twitter is, and how it can work for you. Now it’s time to experience Twitter on your own terms! Are you ready to Tweet? Let’s get started.
First, determine whom you want to follow.
Mashable has a rundown of 15 different Twitter directories (if you’re in the real estate industry, check Union Street’s Twitter for Real Estate article).
Next, start posting.
Once you have an account, and found folks to follow…let’s get people interested in following you. Best way? Start posting—post often, and post well. Check out great tweeting tips, or post your own Twesume.
1. Embrace good social networking etiquette.
Remember, all messages posted to Twitter—even updates you send by phone or IM—are on the Web where prospective employers and customers can find them. Tweets are short and sweet—but can still convey a sense of style and savvy, or look cheeky and unprofessional.
* Check out Peter Shankman’s tips, as well as some great info on Twitter etiquette.
* Not understanding the strange lingo that is sometimes used on Twitter? Shannon Yelland has made an excellent dictionary of Twitter jargon and slang.
* Still need a little help figuring out how to maintain your sincerity and play nice in Twitter? AgentGenius gives you some great social media etiquette and business tips.
Now get ready, get set…and start tweeting!
Tags: Branding, Social Media, Twitter, twitter for business, using twitter