Twitter is the latest online, mobile, social media outlet to provide new ways to do business and keep in touch with customers. How does a company get started implementing tweets on Twitter?
Joel Comm has written a new book called twitter power (John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey, 2009) that provides a workable business model for using Twitter as well as a step-by-step 30 day implementation schedule.
Twitter’s Strengths
Twitter is the phenomenon that was in the national news during the Obama presidential campaign. By definition, Twitter is one of the fastest growing microblogging services available on the market today.
Twitter takes simplicity to a new level by allowing users to send messages only 140 characters in length. Twitter has found a way to address critical masses easily and for free.
Tweeters setup a page on Twitter’s web site and then followers can view or receive messages over a computer or over mobile devices such as a cell phone, Blackberry or PDA.
Every Twitter page starts out asking “What are you doing?” All of the tweets try to answer that question on personal or professional level.
All of which makes it a social media marketing tool that demands evaluation for use in any marketing or public relations plan.
Twitter Marketing Model
Comm wrote in his book, “…Twitter is by far the most powerful microblogging service currently available, and marketers absolutely need to be aware of it.”
Writing from firsthand experience, Comm has found an easy to implement and duplicate business and marketing model for those considering using Twitter to market to the masses.
The author, who is an online marketing expert, details how he used the model to successfully market his books, seminars, and consulting and conference speaking business.
Comm tells readers how companies, writers, consultants and others can use Twitter to build a brand or a community by driving followers to a web site or blog site where the real marketing is done.
Building a brand on Twitter, according to Comm, involves tweeting about company news, customer support, feedback, and broadcasting special offers for a limited time.
Twitter is used as the sales driver and not the sales closer. He also provides Twitter Etiquette, Twitter rules, Twitter add-on sites, and examples of how he and others have used Twitter effectively to stay in touch with customers or to build a support system of like professionals.
Who’s Who in Twitter
It is surprising finding out how many major companies are using Twitter. Whole Foods, BestBuy, Starbucks, Home Depot, and the M& M candies have their own Twitter page just to name drop a few.
There are also a slew of celebrities and Internet related companies and people using Twitter. A Twitter directory available online.
Twitter Could Use this Business Model
In the March 2009 issue of Conde’ Nast Portfolio magazine, Twitter’s CEO, Even Williams was interviewed by Kevin Maney and when asked whether he had tangible examples of companies using
Twitter, he answered that they have not had the opportunity to study business cases. Williams also stated that the company did not have any business people on staff.
If Twitter needs a really good reference for business to start looking at or implementing Twitter into its marketing and public relations planning, Twitter’s CEO could find an exceptional model in Comm’s book.
