By Allison Goetzmann
As an intern working for Singlebrook this summer, much of my time has been spent promoting our Free iPhone App contest, especially through Twitter. A few short months ago, I would not have been able to tell you one thing about hashtags, retweets, followers, or the proper use of @ in tweeting. However, over the course of the summer I’ve found myself delving deeper and deeper into the Twitter world. I’m no expert, but I have discovered several tools that I feel might be useful to anyone trying to increase their impact and navigate the seemingly convoluted realm of Twitter.
1. Local Tweeps – This is a zip code level directory sponsored by SMBtweet. I typed in 14850, and the site brought up other Twitter users from Ithaca, each with a “follow” button. In addition to finding local people to follow, the site also allows you to add yourself or your company to this list to gain more followers.
2. Just Tweet It – Just Tweet It boasts the ability to “find twitter users like you” by encouraging you to join up to 3 categories. Joining a category means adding your name and information to the group, and seeing/following anyone (or everyone) else in the group. Most groups have several hundred followers. Sample categories include "technology" and "web developers."
3. Twitter Groups – Twitter Groups is similar to Just Tweet It; the website has “twibes," which are simply groups of twitter people with common interests. Different twibes that Singlebrook has considered joining include web-development, non-profit, and greenbusiness.
4. Twitterfall – This site allows you to type in hashtags, which then prompts recent twitter posts with that tag to pop up one at a time and move down the screen (like a waterfall, hence the name). I think this can be effective if you come up with the right hashtags to track. There is no limit on the number of hashtags you can follow; they’re easy to add and delete.
5. Tweetchat – This site is much like Twitterfall; it allows you to choose a hashtag to follow, then directs you to a Tweetchat room, where posts with the hashtag are auto-updated. You can pause the list, and utilize the user controls to weed out spammers and feature people you like.
6. #CharityTuesday – This is a very popular hashtag that is used on Twitter every Tuesday to encourage tweeting about favorite charities, projects and causes. It seems especially helpful in reaching out to non-profits.
Happy Tweeting!
