Everyone is talking about it. Everyone is signing up for it. Just what is this Twitter thing all about? Twitter is quickly becoming the number one spot on the Internet for people to connect. It is a part of the new social media revolution. Social media is a new way that people discover, share and read news and information on the Internet through social networks or micro blogs such as Twitter. It is transforming people into content providers, not just content readers. So how does Twitter fit into this profile?
The Founding of Twitter
Jack Dorsey founded Twitter in 2006 and its headquarters is in San Francisco, California. It has quickly become one of the most popular sites on the Internet with an Alexa popularity rating of 48 (the 48th most popular website on the internet). Twitter is a free social networking service that allows users to share information through 140 character posts. Links to images, videos and just about anything on the Internet can be shared in these posts. These 140 character blasts of information are called Tweets. Next time you hear the expression “have you Tweeted today?” you will know exactly what is being talked about.
The Value of Twitter to Business
Businesses are finding that Twitter is a great place to share information on their companies, converse with prospects and customers and offers a whole new way of advertising. A good way to see if Twitter is good for your business is to analyze your objectives:
- Would you like to connect and network with others in your industry?
- Would you like instant access to what is being said about your business, industry, products or brands?
- Would you like to be able to send out advice, press releases, article links or other ideas to your prospects at a moment's notice?
- Would you like to monitor what is being said about your customers to get a better idea of how to serve them?
If yes is the answer to any of these questions then it might be time to give Twitter a try. It is easy to set up an account. Once the account is set up, it can easily be customized to match any business personality. The next step is to start following people or companies that have an interest in the same industry. For example, if a business sells gardening tools it might search for “gardening” and follow those who have an interest in gardening. Once others are be followed by a business, they will know the business exists and hopefully follow them in return.
It is now time to start tweeting. Tweet about the business, industry, specials or answers to followers' questions. It is a great way to show a business' expertise and to pass on information and know-how and to connect with followers. Soon followers will want to know more about the business. Twitter and social networks as a whole are quickly becoming a valuable internet marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. It just might be time to jump on board.
Fran Prisco - Fran likes to run, bike, golf and do anything outdoors. She also enjoys reading, knitting and crocheting. She works as a freelance writer, ...
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