To Twitter or Not To Twitter? That is the 68,700,000 question…
March 19, 2009 – 2:54 pmSo you are asking about Twitter too?! Well if you do a search on Google for “To Twitter or Not To Twitter” you will see that a lot of people are talking about this very thing because there were 68,700,000 results…
After taking a look at the results, I found that the top two articles (ranked at the top of the search results) pretty much summed it up: http://smallbizbee.com/index/2009/03/11/to-twitter-or-not-to-twitter-that-is-the-question/ and http://www.collegecandy.com/buzz/17380
The first author describes twittering as: “It’s like hosting a huge party. You wouldn’t invite someone to your party and immediately try and sell them the second you opened the door. Instead, you’d greet them, invite them in, have a conversation and potentially engage in business if the opportunity presents itself. This is exactly how Twitter seems to work as well.” (source: smallbizbee.com link above)
In any case, when I answer this question for my clients, I tell them that twitter is ‘just one more tool in the tool kit’. The first thing is to determine what the business goals, budgets and priorities are and then develop the strategy. In my mind, there are many other more, directly measurable, more immediate, positive ROI methods to generating business online (website optimization, search marketing, email, banner advertising for example) but once those items are in place then, and if the brand / client fits, go ahead - test out twittering, just remember to wrap into a overall PR strategy.
As a freelance marketing consultant in the Seattle area, I spend most of my time helping clients with optimizing their websites, developing a solid search marketing strategy, implementing an ongoing loyalty / email marketing program and expanding reach and awareness for their brand through online banner advertising, PR or traditional offline media.
Once the foundation has been laid with these primary vehciles then yes, lets have fun developing a Facebook, YouTube or Twittering campaign. As for me personally, I’ve decided to have a little fun and give the twittering thing a go. You can check out my conversations at www.twitter.com/waanda. Speak soon!
