What is Twitter?

Twitter is a service that can be used to easily stay in touch with friends, family or business colleagues no matter where you are or what you are doing. For some contacts you might want instant mobile updates and for others, you can just check the web. In brief, Twitter is a way of keeping in touch and provides an easy way to send short messages via SMS, Instant Messaging, Email or a Twitter specific program such as Twitterrific or Facebook.

Twitter is becoming very popular mainly because it offers the ability to connect with a lot of people you normally wouldn't have access to. One of the main advantagese of Twitter is that it works well when you want to let a number of people know what you are doing or keep them informed about something. A message can be sent to many of your twitter contacts in seconds. As people send in comments via the web, email, mobile phone text messages, or instant messaging, they are posted to the Twitter website, and also broadcast to all the poster's twitter friends.

How do I Twitter?

First set up an account on http://www.twitter.com/.
If you plan to use Twitter for SMS make sure you add your mobile number on the devices page.
Once registered you should start by finding other people using Twitter who have the same interests as you or get your work colleagues or friends to set up an account. These can then be set up as your Twitter contacts. This means that you can follow these people’s twitters or instantly start twittering them. Over time, your twitter followers will grow.

How much does it cost?

Twitter is a free service and does not charge anything for sending or receiving updates. The normal phone text charge will occur when using SMS.

Using Twitter on your mobile phone

Twitter really shines when you're away from your computer. By hooking up your mobile phone, you can receive SMS messages from your Twitter contacts anywhere and anytime.

How Twitter may be helpful to my business?

Networking

Twitter is a great way to network with like-minded individuals. On Twitter, you can meet other people in your industry who are interested in your business and who may be able to offer you instant feedback and advice or you could use Twitter as a brainstorming platform.

Exposure

Recently, a popular blogger and Tweeter sent a "Tweet" calling for "top 10" or "list" type articles. When the responses came in he selected a few of the better articles and then included them as a link on his blog. This was a great way to get publicity for those who wrote the articles and it was also free! Another way that Twitter can help get more free exposure for your business, is to build up your list of followers over time and before you know it, you will have the opportunity to start promoting your business.

Keeping Up-to-date with work colleagues

Running late to a meeting? Let your co–workers know.
Commuters can be kept up-to-date with train and Traffic delays.
Use Twitter to update to colleagues on outome of external meetings.
Let colleagues know when your Computer network or system is down with a quick message.

Recruiting

If you are looking to recruit a new employee then send out a Tweet with what you're looking for. Your followers may be interested or know of someone and send on your message.

Upcoming Events

If you have a seminar, conference or even a big Sale coming up, let everyone know on Twitter. They may then pass on the details to other Tweeters.

Website Search Engine Ranking

If want to get more hits on your website, one tip is to get more links from other websites pointing to yours. This in turn will improve your Search Engine Ranking and therefore you get more visitors. Use Twitter to follow people who may be able to help you with this.