As a copywriter my job is to help businesses to get their message across to their customers in writing and I often ask my clients if they use Twitter as part of their marketing strategy. Typical responses have included: “No! – I wouldn’t know what to say”,“It’s a waste of time!” or “I don’t know where to start.”
To Tweet or not to Tweet?
That is the question. Some people take to Twitter like a white bird to a blue background. Others are more hesitant, citing confusion, disinterest or even a fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. But Twitter doesn’t have to be scary – and it can be a lot of fun / a great source of information / a superb business tool and even a lifesaver.
If we all did the same thing every day, day in and day out we would never try any thing new, never learn anything new, never meet anyone new. If I stayed at home in front of my computer each day I wouldn’t know that there are curlews and oyster-catchers a mile from my house, I wouldn’t say hello to the three dog walkers that I greet each day and I wouldn’t listen to the old albums on my iPod and realise that I still know all the words to Rio by Duran Duran. Like most things in life sometimes you just need to take a deep breath and do it. Give it a whirl. Dip your toe in the water. After all, what have you got to lose?
The Ever-Changing Landscape of Twitter
Twitter is a resource, a treasure trove, a forum, a help-line and a connection to people all over the world 24 hours a day. Got a problem with your computer? Tweet about it and you’ll get a reply. Want to know the best place to stay in Edinburgh this weekend? Tweet and find the answer in 140 characters or less.
When Japan was hit by the devastating earthquake earlier this year it was Twitter that spread the news first, that sent photographs around the world within minutes and that saved lives as doctors used it to coordinate their aid efforts.
Some days I get carried away in a stream of absolute gems that flood my screen – daily pictures by world famous photographers, hysterical quips from Caitlin Moran and Stephen Fry, global news headlines that make it to Twitter before they hit the BBC news pages, downloads, infograms, links to amazing websites, blogs, rants and things that make you go ‘hmmm’ … and it’s all there for the taking.
What’s not to love? It’s time to get Tweeting.
by Katherine Wildman © 2012
Katherine Wildman is a copywriter who helps UK companies to get their message across in writing. From websites to sales letters, brochures to leaflets – if you want copy that makes your customers want to use you then get in touch with Katherine today at words@copywriternewcastle.co.uk, on Twitter @copywriterne or call her on 07816 763 393.