Months ago I wrote about how Twitter was taking over my life.  Little did I know that Twitter was going to explode, my job was going to incorporate a great deal of Twittering, and how useful Twitter could actually be.

Why I joined Twitter:

I joined Twitter in July of 2008, because it was a micro-blogging network that I thought I should get to know.  It was hardly well known, but I kept reading about it on tech blogs, so I took a look.   My initial reaction was, this is dumb.  It’s a status update.  I can do that on Facebook where I have hundreds of pre-existing friends.  So, after spending the 4 minutes to sign up, I left my Twitter account dormant for months.  I signed on sporadically, attempting to become more active with Twitter, but I failed to find any connection to the site at all.  That would all change very quickly.

Adding social media specialist to my job title:

I began my job as a viral marketing specialist but as the  internet marketing landscape evolved, it was evident that social media was a wing of our company that needed to be developed.  It was only natural to fold that into our viral department because we were already dealing with social networks for our viral clients.  And thus, I started to become completely immersed in all aspects of social media.  At the forefront was the now booming micro-blogging network, Twitter.  One of my many tasks is to consult with companies how to use Twitter properly for their marketing needs, occasionally ghostwrite their tweets, and make sure that their Twitter profile is optimized to connect it with their other social media profiles/links.  It sounds juvenile, but Twitter is a very effective marketing tool if used properly.

How I use Twitter personally:

The great thing about Twitter is that you can use it however you want.  It’s simplicity allows you customize it do fit your “needs.”  How I use Twitter personally differs slightly from what I advise clients.  Does that mean I’m wrong? Or that the advice I dispense is false?  Nope, just tailored.  So what do I like to use my Twitter for (@jessebouman)?  I have three main uses for Twitter.  The first being, sharing and absorbing interesting links.  These links can be related to my profession or just fun links that I may not have otherwise discovered.  Second is communicating with people whom I may or may not know personally.  If I ask a question, people will answer it, as I will reciprocate answers to their questions.  Lastly, I use Twitter as an outlet for useless rants or info.  This is what many people associate Twitter with, useless one liners that benefit no one.  You probably don’t care that @jessebouman is stuck in traffic in LA…again, unless he’s supposed to meet you.  It’s all how you interpret Twitter, that’s what makes it so effective.

How can companies use Twitter?

Everyone (Ok, 93% according to a Cone Business in Social Media study) says that companies and organizations need to be on Twitter.  I would agree, as long as the companies understand what they’re doing or find someone (like myself) that can help educate them or implement a social media strategy on their behalf.  Too many people/companies believe that they “get” social media because they have a profile on Facebook and/or Twitter.  Nope.  At it’s core, social media is a fish net of many different conversations.  Companies can use this to their advantage by listening to their target demographic, understand what they’re “saying.”  Just like a conversation, companies need to be respectful and seamlessly integrate themselves into conversation.  That does not mean blaring promotional marketing messages.  Number one reason why people hate being connected to companies online, mindless SPAM.  Want to be more effective with your company’s Twitter?  How about, answering questions that your consumers have?  Can’t find a store?  Poor customer service?  These are questions that can be answered quickly via Twitter, which helps mold your company’s online reputation, and builds brand loyalty.  Consumers who have positive relations with company’s online profiles are much more likely to become consumers or continue their patronage as well as spread positive word of mouth.

Twitter is a fun, simple tool that has many uses.  It can be a powerful connector for individuals and businesses alike.  Use it wisely and prosperity will follow…or at least a bunch of interesting links.