Twitter - What is it?

Twitter (twitter.com) is a free service that allows its users to post short messages (text and links) of under 140 characters.

It is described as a micro blogging service but its popularity lies in its social networking abilities - allowing you to create a network with a group of people based on your interests, location, target market - whatever common purpose you desire.

How Does it Work?

Twitter is made up of two parts – the update box and the network that you create for yourself.

#1 - The foundation of Twitter is its update box.

Similar to the “status update” box on Facebook. This is the “micro-blogging” part of Twitter, where you can publish text and links in posts of 140 characters or less.

Your messages (posts) are read by people who are “following” you (your network) and are public unless you have chosen to “lock” your profile.

#2 – The beauty of Twitter is your network.

This is the “social networking” part of Twitter. You create your network by electing to “Follow” other users.

Once you “follow” other users you will be able to read, follow their updates and interact with them through conversations.

It’s how you use that update box, combined with your network that you will see Twitter come alive.

Why is it Useful?

Twitter For Personal Use

The beauty of Twitter lies in its immediacy and social networking abilities to create value in your day and those who follow you.

Many people use Twitter to enrich their personal life and make meaningful connections.

Use it to make new friends, learn from thought leaders or find out what MC Hammer is up to these days.

You’ll find that by creating a quality network - sharing interesting content via website links to articles, videos, photos, thoughtful replies, interesting updates, breaking news and honest recommendations with each other - you are creating your own filter of the internet.

Recent graduates will find value by searching for Twitter users who are in their field of study and connecting with them, retrenched workers and those who are looking to move into another industry will also find value.

Going traveling? Ask your network for hotel and restaurant recommendations and you’ll get inside knowledge from the locals.

When you focus on building a network of people based on a common interest (regardless of location) and put effort into making real connections you’ll find personal rewards that otherwise you wouldn’t have received.

If you keep the mind set of giving, you’ll more than likely receive.

Twitter for Business

In this age where advertising is not trusted, the currency of recommendations is gold.

Twitter is a great level playing field for small, medium and large businesses but it is important to remember that using Twitter for business is personal, not a place for “the hard sell.”

Many small businesses are using Twitter to their benefit in a variety of ways and the most successful are often the business owners themselves.

Build a network of your target market and connect with them personally to find value. You can use Twitter for customer relationship building and management, an immediate channel for customer service and to receive immediate, free market research and more.

If you do it right you can create a network of brand ambassadors who will champion your brand,products and services within their network of followers – creating online word of mouth marketing.

Want to know more about using Twitter for Business?

Twitter for News

Twitter has given citizens the opportunity to become reporters. The immediacy that Twitter provides allows people from across the world to read breaking news, directly from the source – often with images accompanying the updates.

Recent news broken by Twitter users include the recent Melbourne earthquakes and the Hudson River plane crash - both events were reported by Twitter users well before traditional media could publish and distribute.

Twitter for Search

search.twitter.com is gaining in popularity thanks to its real time results. It allows you to search through Twitter’s users to see up to the second posts on any subject.

It is real time search with a human factor that allows you to access information and answers to just about every topic you can imagine from a crowd source.

How do I Get Started?

Read “Start Using Twitter” to learn how to setup your account and start using Twitter.