Brands who Twitter
August 25, 2008 by Colleen Coplick
Filed under Social Media
First there was Janet and the Exxon Mobile twitter debacle, and now, Tim Walker uncovered the fact that the American Airlines twitter account was a fake as well. AA is aware of the situation and is taking care of it.
So, is Twitter, which is primarily a tool for individuals, right for brands? Some brands are doing it right, for sure. Zappos definitely is. Jetblue is out there and so is the New York Times. But I wonder if before brands jump into the Twitter arena with both feet whether it’s really the best place for them. Are they spending time as people, just being in the community?
Twitter is the simultaneously most difficult to explain and coolest social communications platform ever, but brands need to tread carefully when signing up. Think about what your goals are where your Twitter account is concerned and make sure you really join the community rather than just use it as a bullhorn.
Great insights, Colleen. I wrote a related post this morning, Questions for companies to consider as they join Twitter, http://is.gd/1SIu
I can’t personally imagine wanting to follow a company, but I imagine there’s a place for them in the Twitosphere (or whatever we’re calling it). As long as businesses do more than post about themselves, I’m sure they could develop a following.