The Little Blue Bird of Happiness: 3 Reasons Why Twitter is Still a #win

A Little Blue Bird in a BIG BIG World

Social media is essential to any digital marketing strategy. Search is becoming more social and social platforms give you a direct line to your market.

Twitter is often thought of as second to Facebook. But, with over 550,000,000 users and an average growth of 135,000 accounts per day, there is a sizable social populace just waiting to be served your 140 character gold. Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies found that 79% of Twitter users are more likely to recommend brands they follow. Further, 67% are more likely to buy from brands they follow.

Why Twitter is a #win for Business

Where Twitter wins is in it’s distinct usage. In operation, it is a fundamentally different social platform from its peers. Three key advantages of Twitter:

1.  Speed
2.  Networking
3.  #hashtag

1. Speed

Each and every day we are bombarded with information; nowhere more so than online. Let’s be honest here, if you can’t get your online message across in 5 seconds, then you’ve most likely missed your chance. The beauty of a 140 character limit is it forces us to communicate in a concise and creative way.

The speed factor is actually a double edged sword. On one hand, intelligent tweets can break through the noise and captivate information searchers. On the other, Twitter is inherently an “in the moment” platform. If your audience isn’t viewing their feed when you hit that Tweet button, you may not be reaching them with your messaging. This downside is easily countered with constant and consistent activity. Caution aside, if you can capitalize on that “moment of truth”, like Oreo did at the 2013 Superbowl, your followers will love you for it. It is always impressive to see a company with great social agility and, if you can handle the speed, then you are ready to network.

2. Networking
Twitter embraces the unknown. Think about it, if someone you didn’t know added you on Facebook, would you accept the connection? Facebook requires both parties to complete the social circle. Conversely, you can follow who ever you want on Twitter with no action required by them whatsoever.

On Twitter, you can connect with complete strangers, celebrities and brands alike (and feel comfortable doing so). These value-added interactions can bolster your professional network and build social credibility for your brand and business. Unlike Facebook, where users must come to you, Twitter provides a direct channel for you to go to them.

3. #hashtag
Love it or hate it, the #hashtag is a powerful tool for both users and marketers. Hashtags are a way of organizing information by theme and were originally developed by users as a way to see related content at a conference.  It’s an excellent way to segment content and monitor industry or social trends. If used effectively, it can also provide consumer insight and competitive intelligence on adversaries. The reach and precision of Twitter’s #hashtag stands tall for social search.

Now, it’s very easy to abuse the #hashtag through overuse, as my buddies Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake explain here. So please, please, PLEASE do not abuse my favourite #twittertool.

How Tweet it is!

So is Twitter still a compelling choice in the face of arch rival Facebook? You bet it is! Twitter is faster, better for networking and has a built in #trendwatching tool kit. It may take time and tenacity to find the true “Tweet spot” but, once you do, your social strategy will prosper.

Do you use Twitter for business? In true social media style, why not share your story? Comment below and tell us about your Twitter #win.