Media Meditation #3: Twitter!

I recently signed up for a Twitter account after my brother has educated me about the importance of Twitter as a marketer. When Twitter first came out, I refused to make an account and thought it was pointless because why would people want to know what I am doing RIGHT NOW? After researching and reading multiple articles about it, I realized how beneficial yet dangerous it can be for businesses.
As you probably know Twitter is a free social networking services that enables users to send and read messages from others. This can be used for private use or as I said for marketing purposes or promotions.
I find it fascinating how easily you can find out feedback, events or news over Twitter. Just a few years ago it might have been hard to find out about a company or its products and if it is worth buying or looking into. You probably asked neighbors or friends for feedback or just took the risk of buying it and not liking it. In the era today you can find out almost anything over the internet and Twitter has a big impact on that.

How do Marketers use it?
First of all Twitter is a great tool to communicate with your market and build a connection with them. I have heard from several students that when tweeting about a companies product they got right back to them with suggestions or more information. That I think is genius. Social media made it easy for consumers to talk to the company and even ask questions. Marketers also announce sales or new deals, live updates on events or promote blog articles.

Unfortunately Twitter has its downsides for companies when consumers tweet negatively about a product or business. The word spreads very fast and before you know it you have to come up with a strategy of how to gain your customers back.




This video focuses on how easy it is to tell the world what you are doing or thinking this same exact moment. It uses humor as a persuasive technique because who doesn't like to laugh? It also shows technology shift considering you have to go on your computer to update people but most importantly you can now also use your iPhone or Blackberry to send tweets. As I said before it so easy to make your voice noticed on the World Wide Web all from a little device while sitting in class :) , in a car or anywhere you go. How cool is that?

I personally think Twitter interacts with bandwagon and value message. "Everyone is doing it, so you should too". Companies have a little bit more pressure on them since they have to keep up with social media to not fall behind. The principle of value message is very important because some are intended and some are not. They can be positive and negative and isn't that what Twitter is all about?

I found this article from the New York Times that talks about Twitter success and marketing aspects. Check it out here

Twitter is a great tool and I know Rob Williams thinks so too.
If you want to get hooked too sign up now.

TWEET!