Twitter: Move Beyond the Useless Post, and See Its True Potential

I talked with a Creative Director who said to me the other day that Twitter was a totally useless application and it was a complete waste of time.  I used to share his sentiment about Twitter, but after learning how to properly use it I now see its huge potential to fuel growing companies.   I hear stories everyday of companies beginning to generate new revenue from it.

I often receive useless “tweets,” but new users need to overlook these, and get on to developing a Twitter program that engages their audience.   About 56% of Twitter users say they use the online social communication site for business purposes, according to Rodney Rumford, a social media guru. The figure is based on a survey of 700 Twitter users.

Twitter can be used actively (through the use of promotions and advertising) by generating buzz or passively (in which you read “comments” about your business from consumers. Used effectively, it’s a tool for growing companies to level the playing field against their much larger and entrenched competitors by developing a loyal fan base.

Kogi Korean BBQ-To-Go in LA started using Twitter last year to develop sales.  It sent out Twitter Alerts so fans knew where to find its delivery trucks at any given time.  Now they have lines of people each night.  Twittering has fueled a massive fan base and a viral following for the unique restaurant.  According to a New York Times article its marketing plan included having someone be in charge of social networking for the small restaurateur.  Having a social media point-person is critical to the success of any social media program.