Since it’s debut onto our computer screens in 2006; ‘Larry’ the twitter bird has become an iconic symbol for one of the fastest growing social media phenomenons. Similar to recent social networking site ‘Facebook’ which launched in 2004; Twitter isolated and made full use of the status update feature or what is better known on Facebook as ‘what’s on you’re mind?’
The 140 character limit for ‘Tweets’ allows users to ‘micro-blog’ and unless specified by the user tweets remain publicly visible; broadcasting your message around the world.
My personal experience with Twitter started in 2008; for me joining Twitter was mainly to ‘follow’ celebrities. Celebrities are more accessible via Twitter and it is because of this that I feel made Twitter such a huge success – for fans and audiences to feel closer to their favorite brands, actors, artists etc.
Up until recently Twitter was no concern of mine, if you weren’t a ‘somebody’ there was just no use in you trying to gain followers and to base your account on trying to get the attention of celebrities was a laughable excuse of a social networking service. Though for many like myself the second time round when using Twitter was key. I have learned and experienced Twitter in a whole new light.
Anyone with an interest or hobby can find spotlight on Twitter; mine surfaced as an interest in Public Relations which grew gradually towards a more advanced understanding of the ins and outs of Digital PR campaigns that utilized social media.
The use of #Hashtags on Twitter and the ‘Trends’ is a brilliant addition to this already intriguing site. The idea that you can reach a specific audience who may or may not be following you, tell them your message without having to search and follow all of them and get them to follow you is actually genius. Individuals with blogs, websites and companies trying to sell products have clicked on to how essential utilizing Twitter is to talking to your audience.
Personally my search is never ending in the journey on finding out more and more about social media networks; recently I have discovered social media metrics used to measure the effectiveness and influence of Twitter, Facebook, WordPress, Quora etc. Sites such as ‘Klout’ and ‘PeerIndex‘ generate stat’s on how influential you are on certain topics and how many people you actually connect with in terms of influence.
It will be interesting to see if any improvements will be made to Twitter; some suggestions such as a feature for being able to directly quote instead of RT which is actually an accessible option on the official apple application.
The Ramblings of a PR student. 