What Is Twitter and How You Can Use It

If you use the internet and stay up-to-date with the happenings online, you have likely heard of Twitter before.

Twitter is a cross between a micro-blog and a social networking website.  Most importantly, it is free to use.  A Twitter member will share updates with other members.  These updates are called Tweets.  These updates are in text format and they can be up to 140 characters each.  Depending on personal preferences, updates can be sent via instant messaging, RSS feeds, email, Facebook, mobile phones or the Twitter website.

For the most part, Twitter is used for social networking.  Members will message their friends with fun and interesting updates, such as a grade on a paper at school, a spring break trip, and so forth.  Although popular with teens and adults of all ages, Twitter is very popular with college students.  It allows them to stay in contact with their family and friends back home.

So, are you too busy to call your friends or family on a regular basis?   If so, Twitter may be your best option.  You can send messages through the Twitter website or your mobile phone.  If you are Mac user, as opposed to a PC user, you can also use the Twitterrific desktop program.  It allows you to send from your computer without first logging into the website.

Although Twitter is commonly used for social networking purposes, many businesses have started using the service to their advantage.  For example, coworkers working jointly on a project can update each other with their progress.  This service is also increasing in popularity for businesses where deliveries are required.  Updates and changes to a route schedule can easily be uploaded and shared with delivery drivers already in the field.

So, are you a business owner?  If so, you can use Twitter to your advantage.  Whether you operate a large business or a small one, Twitter can give your business an edge.  Although you may not run a factory-style business, your employees may work in a line.  For example, one employee must finish their work before another can begin theirs.  If that is the case, the free updates that Twitter allows can make it easy for constant communication.

There are over 2 million members at Twitter.  Unfortunately, you may not be one of them.  As previously stated, Twitter is a cross between a micro-blog and a social networking website.  If you use the internet to work, not just for recreation, you might assume that you do not have the time or energy to Twitter.  Yes, that may be true, but there is more to it.

So, are you self-employed?  Even if you work by yourself, you can still use Twitter to your advantage.  Although advertisements are advised against, there are roundabout ways for you to market your business.  Whether you are selling a product, service, or a combination of the two, you can spread the word with Twitter.  For example, are you employed as a web designer?  If so, send a Twitter message to your followers stating that you are working on a new website project.  In the event a follower needs a website developed, they may later remember your message and the services you offer.

As you can see, Twitter is more than just a social networking website and a micro-blog.  If you aren’t already one of the 2 million users who have tried it, give it a try.  With Twitter being free, you have nothing to lose.


A wealth of information on marketing yourself and your business on Twitter can be found here.