How Businesses Use Twitter
A lot of us use Twitter for our everyday use. But how do
businesses use Twitter and how does it differ from the everyday use? The
following features will help you to understand how businesses use Twitter.
Promoted Tweet:
Promoted tweets allow a company to have their tweets appear
at the top of users search feeds for a longer time period (with a fee of
course). They can also target users in certain geographical locations. Promoted
Tweets appear as they normally would if they had not been “promoted.”
Promoted Trend:
Similar to the
“promoted tweet” feature, the “promoted trend” allows for a company to
have their #word appear at the top of the trending topics. As I type this the
current promoted trend is #six. If I click on the #six I will see a tweet from
Jesse McCartney in which he has tweeted someone named “GirlBehindSix” which is
apparently some kind of Twitter game show.
- · Businesses interact with their customers
o
I like to use the example of Lowe’s Home
Improvement because they do a good job of interacting with their customers.
Visit @Lowes and I guarantee that you
will see a lot of interaction between Lowe’s and their customers.
- · Businesses answer questions from their customers
o
Again, Lowe’s does a very good job of doing
this.
- · Businesses retweet tweets that they like.
o
The Charlotte 49ers Athletic Department does
this pretty well. Check out @Charlotte49ers to see when they retweeted someone
last. It really helps to build a relationship with the customer. It always
makes me smile when someone retweets me.
- · Businesses use CMS (Content Management Systems) software to put their tweets on a timeline. I prefer to use cotweet.com. It gives you the option of timing your tweets to reach the maximum viewers. It also allows you to manage multiple twitter accounts from one user interface.
*This post was written by Matt Murrow
Sources:
I personally do not have a Twitter account. I know, shocking right? I find Facebook is enough for me! I know many businesses use Twitter to get in contact with their consumers, but I did not realize exactly how popular this was until I went to get my internship approved in the Marketing Department. I went to get the application I needed to fill out and as she was handing me information she said "Oh yea and you will need to follow us on Twitter." I was like well I actually don't have an account and she said it was not a problem. I thought this was so weird that not only are businesses on Twitter, but so is my marketing internship advisor and it is a requirement to follow them! Of course, they don't send you information that is not useful to you, but Twitter, really? Why not just stick with email for school related things? I guess it is just not as popular anymore!
ReplyDeleteI think that its really cool how businesses are using Twitter these days. My only fear is that instead of being a useful tool for information and promotions, companies will soon abuse Twitter through spam and insignificant posts.
ReplyDeleteHopefully that will never happen since it is the user's choice to follow on Twitter. But who knows what will happen if company's are willing to pay?
Business' twitter use in my opinion is brilliant! I don't personally have a twitter account, but I've noticed how a lot of companies now have an option for their consumers to interact with them via social media sites. Just recently, in my business communication class we took an in dept look at how various companies maximize their effectiveness through the use of their Twitter accounts. These are extremely vital to companies such as airline and hotels, they can advertise specials and updates directly to their consumers. They can also receive feedback from their clients. This can serve as a bridge of constant communication between the consumer and the business. Apparently, businesses find the use of these sites important enough to hire someone to constantly reply. I just wish I had that job! :)
ReplyDeleteI've never got into the hole twitter thing because, personally, i see it as a waste of time. If you have facebook, your probably updating everyone on your life anyways on there...so why do you need to tweet it to. On the other hand, I believe its great for businesses. Whether it be something positive or negative within the business, its important to get it out to the public whether through twitter, facebook, or myspace,covering all the social networks makes sure people who have one but not the other are still provided with the information. But I think its ridiculous the people who have all these social network accounts and update them all.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I was one of those people that argued "why do I need to get a Twitter when I have a Facebook" and "Twitter is just Facebook statuses," but once I got one I was instantly hooked and was able to see the differences. Like Matt Murrow posted in this blog, people are able to follow businesses, and these businesses are able to use this in order to build customer relations. Businesses are able to answer questions and you are able to receive almost instant feedback on particular issues.
ReplyDeleteI could not get into Twitter for my own personal use; but I believe it is a great tool for businesses to have. When I did have a Twitter I followed my favorite companies more then friends, simply to stay up to date on any sales they were having. I also like the fact that businesses can answer any questions you may have.
ReplyDeleteSocial networking is becoming essential to the livelihoods of businesses. They allow businesses to target a larger mass of consumers compared to newspapers, radio, and some cases television. Twitter and other social networks enable them to compete with others in their industry. #TEAMTWITTER
ReplyDeleteSocial networking as a whole has proven to be a source of competitive advantage for many companies.
ReplyDeleteAs is discussed in the post, Lowe's makes a concerted effort to maintain a connection with customers. Customers in turn feel that Lowe's values their patronage and wants to help them as much as possible, which is going to compel them to choose Lowe's over Home Depot or Ace Hardware. It's not difficult to see why these companies have created positions whose sole responsibility is to manage the social networking presence. It truly can make or break an organization.