The OpenWater Blog

Social Media Series Part 2: Twitter

Welcome to Part 2 of our Social Media Series! The series is taking a close look at the top social networks for your organization and how they can be used to your benefit. Part 1 was about Facebook and if you missed it, take a moment to click here and read it.

This time around we’re examining Twitter. Tim said in his original post on the subject: “Who knew you could say so much in less than 140 characters? Twitter allows users to send “tweets,” messages that can be no longer than 140 characters. With Twitter, you have the ability to connect personally with followers of your awards program. This allows your content to be easily spread by your followers. Just don’t forget about your other marketing responsibilities as Twitter can get addicting very quickly.”

Let’s look into some specifics:

Twitter has skyrocketed in importance over the last years. It’s become, like Facebook, crucial for marketing efforts. Take a look at just about any kind of major events: they’ve all got their own special hashtag for the twitterverse.

Utilize specific hashtags to connect your tweets and others to your organization. Encourage those tweeting to or about you to use your specific hashtag. These can be used for general information about your organization, as well as for specific events you’re hosting, questions, etc.

For example, if you’re planning a cutest puppy contest whenever you tweet about it include a relevant hashtag and encourage others to as well. Like #cutestpuppycontest and #cutepuppy.

Ok. I’m not going to lie I just wanted to look at a picture of #cutepuppy. So #adorable right? — (See what I did there? 😉 )

It’s a quick and effective way to get information out there to build interest and buzz around your organization.

Next, tweet about things relevant to your organization. Tweet your own information, sure, but also tweet and retweet relevant things from other people. You don’t want to just be promoting yourself; make your twitter feed something interesting for anyone related to your field. That will change your profile from being viewed as pure self-promotion to a invaluable source of current information.

Another thing…. ASK FOR RETWEETS. Trust me, it works. Studies have even been done to prove it. If you’ve got something to say and want other to hear about it, ask your followers to retweet you.

And the time-honored rule for all social networks: PICTURES. Everyone. loves. pictures. Tweets with photos get the most likes and favorites. People always prefer looking at pictures to reading stuff. That’s just the way it is. So post pictures of your events, employees at work, fun stuff.

So there you have it. Keep your twitter current and informative, but don’t forget to have fun with it. And check us out on twitter while you’re at it: @GetOpenWater. 🙂

Miriam Hancock

Miriam Hancock
Miriam is the Marketing Coordinator for OpenWater. When she isn't writing and designing content she paints and cooks for her own personal blog.

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