Tweet Tweet
Twitter. There’s no escaping it. From celebrities to teenagers to mentions in Sprint commercials – this strange word is everywhere. I suspect most have heard about it, and a good number have dismissed or made jokes about it, but only a handful really understand how it’s changing the form of communication.
To me, Twitter is exciting. I “follow” the people, companies, gurus, and musicians of my choosing. Since “tweets” (or updates) are limited to 140 characters, I am able to quickly review information from sources I value. I can receive a weather update from the local meteorologist, a quick note about this weekend’s plans from a friend, and the “inside scoop” about a giveaway at my favorite local bakery. I’m able to quickly find out about notable events in my area, and to spread news about a local restaurant who’s decided to call it quits. I truly perceive it as an exclusive information outlet. Links are posted, information is obtained, quick conversations are had, and plans are made.
That might all sound frivolous, but not too long ago, I used Twitter to rant about an email marketing service Triad uses. I wanted something more from their product, and was annoyed it wasn’t already offered. Unbeknownst to me, the company regularly searches Twitter for mentions of their name. Within half an hour, I was contacted by them via Twitter. “Hey Kristin, oddly, [that feature isn’t available]. It's a popular request though, and it'll be possible in a release very soon.”
Not only was I amazed they took the time to do the search and contact me (on my own turf, no less), but two months later, I noticed the update we discussed had been made. I aptly used Twitter to thank them, and even opted to “follow” them (meaning I now see their tweets as soon as they’re posted). Much like a newsletter, their updates are about new services/products they offer and updates to existing services. I can even see answers to questions other users have asked – similar to a FAQ page, if you will. By simply addressing a concern of mine, they’ve now opened a direct line of communication.
I’m not asking you to go and jump on the Twitter bandwagon, but I encourage you to think about how social media might be useful to your company, and more importantly, to your customers. Yes, teens love it. Yes, people use it for silly, narcissistic reasons. But it’s all just a matter of making it applicable to you and your business. Product updates. Quick polls. Contests and event reminders. Company news. Customer service. (And to think it can all be linked back to your website!)
Chances are the audience is there; don’t be afraid to open up the lines of communication and create a following.
For more information on how to get started, here’s a great tutorial: http://tinyurl.com/twittertut.
You can also follow Triad at www.twitter.com/triadb2b
To me, Twitter is exciting. I “follow” the people, companies, gurus, and musicians of my choosing. Since “tweets” (or updates) are limited to 140 characters, I am able to quickly review information from sources I value. I can receive a weather update from the local meteorologist, a quick note about this weekend’s plans from a friend, and the “inside scoop” about a giveaway at my favorite local bakery. I’m able to quickly find out about notable events in my area, and to spread news about a local restaurant who’s decided to call it quits. I truly perceive it as an exclusive information outlet. Links are posted, information is obtained, quick conversations are had, and plans are made.
That might all sound frivolous, but not too long ago, I used Twitter to rant about an email marketing service Triad uses. I wanted something more from their product, and was annoyed it wasn’t already offered. Unbeknownst to me, the company regularly searches Twitter for mentions of their name. Within half an hour, I was contacted by them via Twitter. “Hey Kristin, oddly, [that feature isn’t available]. It's a popular request though, and it'll be possible in a release very soon.”
Not only was I amazed they took the time to do the search and contact me (on my own turf, no less), but two months later, I noticed the update we discussed had been made. I aptly used Twitter to thank them, and even opted to “follow” them (meaning I now see their tweets as soon as they’re posted). Much like a newsletter, their updates are about new services/products they offer and updates to existing services. I can even see answers to questions other users have asked – similar to a FAQ page, if you will. By simply addressing a concern of mine, they’ve now opened a direct line of communication.
I’m not asking you to go and jump on the Twitter bandwagon, but I encourage you to think about how social media might be useful to your company, and more importantly, to your customers. Yes, teens love it. Yes, people use it for silly, narcissistic reasons. But it’s all just a matter of making it applicable to you and your business. Product updates. Quick polls. Contests and event reminders. Company news. Customer service. (And to think it can all be linked back to your website!)
Chances are the audience is there; don’t be afraid to open up the lines of communication and create a following.
For more information on how to get started, here’s a great tutorial: http://tinyurl.com/twittertut.
You can also follow Triad at www.twitter.com/triadb2b
Labels: social media, twitter
posted by Kristin Lee at
11:14 AM
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