Takeaways from Twitter

The topic of the hour this week in social media class was the Goliath of the social media world: Twitter. We were challenged to make comparisons on the use of Twitter by two of our favorite businesses, as well as by two professionals in the public relations field. For my companies, I chose to compare TOMS shoes (@TOMSshoes) and DSW (@DSWShoeLovers); while both shoe companies, they have very different brand identities and company missions. For my professionals, I chose to compare Heather Whaling (@prtini), owner of Geben Communications and a self-starting public relations professional in Columbus, Ohio against Brian Solis (@briansolis), author of Engage.  My paper is a bit long to post, but I wanted to share a few Twitter tips I learned from these successful Twitter users.

·         Use hashtags: As long as you’re not using a hashtag as long as your tweet (#ihadthatminiheartattackwhen? Really people?), hashtags can only enhance your tweets! Not only can they help find other tweets and Twitter users that might share your similar interests, but you are instantly inserting your tweets into a content-focused conversation. Not to mention, they are the foundation for Twitter chats, online conversations that can be extremely beneficial if you have the skill to keep up with the fast pace.

·         Tweet unusual content: As a company, I expect you to tweet product sale deals and event promotions. Things I don’t expect you to tweet are quotes or moving YouTube videos. TOMS shoes has this concept down pat; they  regularly tweet interesting and unique content that nicely ties in with their giving values and One for One mission. This type of content stands out on my news feed, making me much more likely to check your company out.

·       Talk with your followers: Whether you are an individual or a company tweeter, it is imperative to remember that Twitter is a two-way communication tool. You can tweet your heart out, but you are not using Twitter to its full advantage unless you are carrying on a conversation with your followers or people you find inspiring. Not only will you create more dynamic online content, but you would be surprised how much your personal or company network can expand by taking some time to talk with the Twitterverse.