I was asked a simple question last night, “why are you using Twitter?”. I thought about it for a little while. Note-Twitter is a “microblogging” service that invites you to share what you’re doing with the world in 140 characters or less.
Here’s my top reasons:
– Cutting-Edge: I personally try to stay up-to-date on new cutting-edge marketing opportunities. I am constantly out searching and trying-out new programs that our clients might be interested in now or in the future. Twitter is something new, so I will give it a try.
– Little commitment: It’s so easy. Unlike mySpace where you really have to work to create a design, a following, and 15 other things which could take up your entire day, Twitter needs only a few minutes each day (thanks to Tweetdeck) to read what others have twittered and post my own tweets. And, I can twitter from my computer or cell phone.
– Response: In a short period of time (about 30 days) I have been able to build a network of “followers” that I can ask questions, post recommendations, and search comments. What I find different about twitter compared to LinkedIn, or other social sites is the real time answers. On my other social networking sites it seems to take a day or two to get responses from people. In Twitter, it takes minutes. That kind of network building and personal response amazes and thrills me. I am an instant gratification kind of person!
– Branding: Ok, I’ll admit it. One of my goals is to help people/businesses realize we exist. It is a free marketing channel that costs me some work time. It’s a new form of PR that I am happy to add to our overall marketing mix if it shows promise. Which so far, it has.
So, now I ask you, “why do you use Twitter”?