Learning How to Use Twitter in Your Business

What is Twitter?

Often described as public Instant Messenger on steroids, Twitter is micro-blogging in 140 characters. Common "Tweets" include pithy comments, mundane babbling to high-value information and content distribution. The point of Twitter is to be personal and build relationships! Remember, that’s what social media is all about and Twitter is most certainly that - social. If you haven’t heard of Twitter, you been spending too much time under that rock of yours. It’s one of the fastest growing social communities (period!).

Why Use Twitter?

1. Be in the Know - Twitter helps you stay abreast of the rapidly changing world of technology and the news. If you recall the "landing on the Hudson" by the USAir flight, that event was initially covered by citizen reporter armed with his iPhone and a Twitpic picture uploader. With Twitter you can receive instant tips, monitor events, and keep up with breaking news. Of course, this is provided you follow the right Tweeple (People on Twitter).

2. Be a Community Helper/Trusted Advisor - It positions you, the real estate expert, as the hyper-local trusted advisor.

3. Be Social - It’s another social water cooler to connect with people. The best way to connect with Tweeple IRL (in real life) is attend local Tweet-ups.

4. Content Distribution Channel - It can serve a content distribution channel for your blog post. As illustrated in the above Hudson River landing, Twitter also allows you to be citizen reporter in the street. How you use Twitter in content distribution is so important (use it wisely!).

5. Get Noticed - Twitter is an engine for viral marketing, if you’re fortunate enough to see something become viral.

6. Listening Device - Reputation management. Twitter is the perfect reputation management tool especially when combined with several other Twitter tools.

7. Brand Builder - It can help build brand awareness (Twitter skins and Tweets that help enhance brand identity)

8. Show You Care - Support and be identified with charitable organizations via Twitter (Example: Twestival)