It would be easy to laugh at the idea of using Twitter for something significant; after all, the majority of highly-publicized news stories involving the social media giant are pretty ridiculous. Just yesterday, Kelly Osbourne defended Miley Cyrus on Twitter, Leanne Rimes tweeted photos of herself in a sexy Santa outfit and athletes trash talked each other some more using Twitter. And yet 2010 has witnessed the little bird doing some pretty remarkable things, too. The first Tweet from space, Twitter being used to predict the stock market and Tweets that give a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of politics were just a few of the feats we saw accomplished by tweets. We happen to believe it doesn’t have to be one way or the other: all fluff or all serious stuff. We think Twitter campaigns can be both thoughtful and a good time.
We’ve been following authors like Margret Atwood and Susan Orlean on Twitter. One of the tweet tips we’ve picked up from both of these ladies is creating a lighthearted story via Twitter. Atwood often regales readers with tales of Canadian wilderness adventures as well as opinions on art and popular culture. Orlean, who has become something of a Twitter goddess, tweets with regularity and humor, creating a dialogue between herself and her followers. (Leave it to best-selling authors to give great tweet.)
It has inspired us to inject this fluidity and storytelling into our own tweets. We can give our followers the silly inside scoop on our business while promoting our latest products and services. Tweets can transcend blatant commercials with snappy back-and-forth conversations. We also like the idea of using themed tweets on certain days – especially great if your business offers a variety of products. For example, a favorite L.A. eatery holds a Burrito Monday wherein tweets are filled with tantalizing menu details and discounts for Twitter followers. And although we’re personally exhausted by tweeted quotes and affirmations, followers love them and the occasional inspirational quote doesn’t pollute the Twittersphere.
But let’s hear from you kids: How do you use Twitter in a way that readers respond to? Which tweeps do you follow who take Twitter to a new level? And lastly, is substance really possible on Twitter? Chirp off in the comments section below!
Leave a Reply