Courtesy of twitter.com

What is Twitter For Business?

Twitter is a very large, very prominent social site, but they are also acutely aware that many of the business people on their platform, have no idea how to use it properly. As a result of this inability to adequately market on Twitter – bounce rates are higher, and owners are choosing to market more on the ‘easier’ platforms like Facebook and Pinterest.

Twitter for business is their solution to this concern. It will function like the Facebook blog, and Allfacebook.com, which is the total resource site for all things to do with the social network. Business owners will be pleased to find simple-to-use tutorials that provide powerful tips and advice, which will help them gain followings and sell on Twitter.

The Homepage Structure

Twitter’s slogan ‘grow your business, 140 characters at a time’ is splashed across their homepage, with a button that invites you to begin advertising right away. This is clearly part of Twitters strategy to increase the reach of their advertising networks. Twitter for business is therefore a learning resource and a promotional step up for Twitter.

• The site will improve Twitter’s ad revenue, as it teaches people how to effectively use their advertising options.

On the homepage, Twitter promises that they’ll help you master the basics, build your community and market on Twitter. They don’t
disappoint.

Courtesy of Twitter.com

The Basics Area on Twitter For Business

The basics area on the site introduces you to Twitter and why you should be using it. Twitter cites the main reasons as, growth, learning, listening and connection. There are several other Twitter for business areas in this basics section that teach you:

• Twitter glossary of terms and functions (tweet, mention, hashtag etc)
• It tells you who is on Twitter and what they talk about
• According to Twitter, 94% of Twitter users want to hear about your discounts
• This section discusses Twitter mobile, and how 60% of fans use it
• You’ll learn how to establish your brand personality
• How to tweet daily in an organized fashion
• How to write star-quality tweets that work
• How to use photos, videos and other content on Twitter for business
• The best practices to use, how to measure them and how to secure your account
• Click on what kind of business you are for more in-depth tutorials

The Build Your Community Area on Twitter For Business

This section shows you, the business owners, how to make the right impression with your profile, and how to engage your initial audience. From creating a stunning profile, to building your fan base, attracting followers and integrating your efforts – there’s a practical section for you to read on this powerful new learning resource.

Twitter also recommends that you work with others, and educate your employees to work with Twitter to increase your reach. On nearly every page, there is a small section pushing the Twitter for business advertising options.

Courtesy of Twitter.com

The Marketing With Twitter Section

On Twitter for business, you’ll find the ‘marketing with Twitter’ section that takes a closer look at more advanced Twitter strategies and practices. From targeting, to working with analytics, running promotions and executing marketing techniques – you can figure out how to do it all here on the platform.

The most interesting section here was about scaling. I find that in business, companies always find it difficult to grow after they have reached a certain number on their social networks. This section introduces some fresh ideas about TV and Twitter, and how 95% of conversations about TV happen on the platform. It’s well worth reading.

You can also move onto the promotional section, where Twitter will teach you how to engage your audience with events, launch products on Twitter, how to use incentives, and finally – how to create exclusive deals that will drive your overall results. It’s all very clever, and very nicely done. I would recommend sifting through this resource, even if you’re a pro.

The Ad Products Section

There is a section that explains their advertising products in more detail, though the entire site really pushes businesses to use this service that they offer. I find myself feeling like Twitter for business is half about learning and half about selling.
This section will take you through each form of advertising (promoted accounts, promoted tweets etc) along with the analytics potential and pricing for each service.

Courtesy of Twitter.com

The Success Tab and Blog

Twitter for business has also included a success section, as social proof that their ads and platform can really help business owners earn more money and gain more social reach. They haven’t really touched on using Twitter Vine yet, as it’s still so new – so watch out for an addition on this at a later point.

If Twitter can figure out how to integrate advertising and Twitter Vine on their platform, they just might be able to break through the glass ceiling and really skyrocket their ad revenue. Search the Twitter for business success section to hear all about brands making Twitter work for them. Otherwise check in at the blog for the latest news and updates.

The Final Say on Twitter For Business

All in all, the videos are great, the content good and the experience is worth a go. Advanced users will find these resources interesting but shallow, as they are geared towards a novice market. However, I would suggest checking it out anyway. Don’t let the pitch fool you though, this is Twitter trying to push advertising on their users. It’s not a bad thing, but be prepared to see it for what it is.

What did you think of the new Twitter for business page? Is it useful?

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#1: The Super-Powered About Us Pages

Creative companies are using Twitter Vine to add looping videos to their ‘about us’ page on their websites. They tell their brand story in snippets, instead of simply using boring old words. The result is an SEO boost, a traffic increase and a much lower bounce rate. What more could you want from new marketing method?

#2: Product Showcases and Sharable Content

An image of a product can only do so much, but Twitter Vine lets you showcase the product in all of its glory. Include something really interesting about your product and show something exciting, or useful. An example may be to showcase your new juicing machine, along with the best recipe result ever – like a trademark smoothie.

Courtesy of business2community.com

#3: Get Your Product Fans Posting with Hashtags

Whether you own a hair salon, or sell gadgets off the internet, Twitter Vine can be one of the most powerful methods of social proof ever created. Get your fans and friends to take Vine videos and post them on Twitter under your brand hashtag, and on your Facebook page. People love user-generated reviews and tutorials.

#4: Show Your Customers The Human Side of Your Business

If there are ever events, workshops or conferences where your employees are all together making a difference – use Twitter Vine to show your fans and customers how awesome you are. This puts a human face on your business and encourages repeat sales. You can also take Vine videos of each employee to showcase who they are on your website.

#5: Use Twitter Vine as a Portfolio Snippet Tool

Entice your potential clients to buy from your company by using Twitter Vine to take snippets of your services or products – and send it to them as portfolio ‘sneak-peeks.’ A wedding company for example, might send a Vine video of the table decorations they’ve done from the last few weddings they were involved in. Instant sales tool!

Courtesy of Twylah.com

#6: Feel Good Formulas For Additional Sales and Traffic!

Everyone loves a good story, and I’m sure your business has many. Tell them by using Twitter Vine videos and posting these on your social media pages. You can also illustrate how to enter a competition that is based on one of your social media pages. Businesses all over the world are joining in on this 6 second extravaganzas.

On Twitter right now you can enjoy many creative, and business-based Twitter Vines, brought to you by the big brands online. It’s time you, as a small business, started capitalizing on this virtually free application that can do so much for your brand. A Vine today could mean an additional 1000 hits tomorrow, so get moving!

Join our Twitter page here!

Have you tested Vine yet? How do you use this app to improve your business?

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Who is Kristi Hines?

There are people that live in the background, but really deserve to be in the spotlight online. One of these people, is Kristi Hines. She blogs for sites like Social Media Examiner, Kissmetrics, Search Engine Journal, Wordtracker and Search Engine Watch.

Her own blog, Kikolani.com, is about blogging and being a professional content producer. Kristi Hines is also an avid social media expert, and knows a lot about marketing on sites like Twitter and Facebook.

The Twitter Tools and Strategies You Should Be Using

According to Kristi Hines there are several tools and strategies that you can use to improve your results on Twitter. Twitter strategy is notoriously difficult, especially for a novice business person online. Act on these excellent tips.

Courtesy of logallot.com

• Use Bit.ly to track your Twitter links, to see how many people click on them and when. That way you can measure the impact of each tweet effortlessly.

• Kristi Hines loves Buffer, an excellent tool to hit the internet and the smart way to publish your tweets. Use buffer to schedule your tweets and use their incredible analytics system which helps you determine the reach and impact of your tweets.

• If you have a team of people working on your Twitter page, use a tool like Hootsuite or Cotweet. They allow multiple users to work off the same dashboards, creating, organizing and scheduling tweets. They also have nice analytics to use there.

• Do you struggle to get content to your fans? How about creating a newspaper for them in one click? All you have to do is add your Twitter account, and it will curate tweets for you in certain hashtag categories. Great extra for your fans.

• Kristi Hines also likes SocialOomph, another Twitter tools that simplifies the chaos of using Twitter. Secure your page, use link shorteners, create, schedule and track keywords. Michael Stelzner of Social Media Examiner uses this tool.

• Simply taking the time to select the right tools to use on Twitter can rapidly improve how you run your account. Kristi Hines endorses many of the same tools as Jeremiah Owyang and Seth Godin.

Courtesy of kikolani.com

There is a real strategy behind which tool you choose. Some focus on tracking, while others are more concerned with the art of tweet creation. Play around with the different tools mentioned here, and decide which one will suit you best.

Like Kristi Hines, I’ve tried Tweetdeck, Buffer, Hootsuite, Bit.ly and a number of other tools. At the end of the day you have to choose one main tool. For small businesses I would recommend using Buffer, as an up and coming management tool.

Join our Twitter page here!

What Twitter tools do you use on a daily basis?

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Twitter is For The Birds

What makes a Twitter marketing campaign successful? I would say the combination of Twitter users, a highly interactive account and real life returns, leads or business from your page. All three of these elements need to be what drives your strategy.

Step 1: Research The Many Bird Types

The first step in your ultimate Twitter marketing strategy is to do your research. For some reason, many businesses forget to perform this vital function on an ongoing basis. Be like the bird watcher that is preparing for a trip. Research the accounts that you want to be like or outdo – and don’t be afraid to take note of specific strategies you’d like to try.

Tip! To find Twitter followers be like a bird watcher that preps for a big trip. The more you know about your competitors, the easier creating an engaging account will be.

Step 2: Twitting Marketing Diversity Tools

In the realm of bird watching – without binoculars, a camera and map systems – you’ll never find certain bird species. It’s the same on your Twitter account. If you don’t have the right tools, you’ll never attract any followers or engagement. Make sure that you find and use the most appropriate Twitter marketing tools for your niche.

Tip! Use the new Twitter app ‘Vine’ to capture 6 second looping videos that you can then use to market products, services or extend your brand reach.

Courtesy of inblurbs.com

Step 3: Use Third Party Sites

How do you find the birds you want to photograph? Easy! With maps. On Twitter, you can choose to use the basic search function, but honestly –third party apps and sites make it easier for you. Use sites like TwitterCounter Search, Listorious and Twellow to become part of the right Twitter communities.

Tip! Half the struggle is following the right people, or reaching out to the right networks. Do this daily by finding a few new birds in the Twitter forest, and your account will thrive.

Step 4: Automation and Personal Contact

When you have your page ready, you’ll need to decide how to run that Twitter business page. No effective Twitter accounts can run manually all the time. You must create set content that you can schedule in a management tool like Tweetdeck. This set content will become the core of your Twitter marketing strategy. You should still post 70% fresh content each day.

Tip! Split the content into 70/30 – 30% scheduled content, and 70% new, fresh and responsive content. Much of this should be talking TO people, not at them.

Courtesy of virtualsocialmedia.com

Twitter marketing is about patience, long term results and consistency. Even if your messages aren’t that strong, what matters most is how you approach and connect with people. Bird watchers know everything they can about each type of bird – you should know as much about your followers, to deliver a better profile experience!

Check out our Twitter page here!

Can you name one Twitter marketing practice that you use all the time?

1. Richard Branson @richardbranson

Courtesy of virgin.com

A business man that needs no introduction, Richard Branson of Virgin fame has a Twitter business account that outshines most other company accounts. Known for his engaging social interaction, Richard is the king of conversation on these platforms. Gain access to awesome business tips, and exclusive photos and videos on his page.

With 2.9 million followers, this is clearly one of the best Twitter accounts online today. Engage with Richard using the #askrichard hashtag or gain insight into the world of big business with his great links and tips.

2. Guy Kawasaki @guykawasaki

Courtesy of peterfaur.com

If you’ve never heard of him – Guy Kawasaki is most famous for being one of the original Apple marketers, and for helping to found Alltop, the online magazine rack. He’s also written several bestsellers on online business and is full of nuggets of information. His Twitter business account is busy and popular.

With 1.2 million followers and a decent Twitter marketing strategy, Guy uses video, images and news aggregation to keep his account active. To date he’s published over 110k tweets and likes to automate his Twitter account to find Twitter followers.

3. Anita Campbell @smallbiztrends

Courtesy of seobook.com

Voted as one of Forbe’s Top Influential Woman For Entrepreneurs, Anita Campbell is also the CEO of Bizsugar and a vibrant tweeter. Her Twitter business account is maintained daily with fresh, relevant news and she posts some very interesting opinions and links. Anita also takes advantage of the media functions, and uploads exclusive images here.

With a respectable 92k followers to only 16k tweets, you could learn a thing or two from this Twitter business account. Pay special attention to how she reports instead of selling. This leaves it up to the fan to decide whether to click or not.

4. Steve Case @stevecase

Courtesy of forbes,com

Steve Case is the founder of AOL and a business powerhouse. Even though his Twitter business page is simple and stock standard, his INFORMATION is what matters. Get up to date news on his page and interesting tips, tricks and opinions on the business world.

With an impressive 568k followers to only 15k tweets, Steve utilizes the Twitter business functionality for images – with a fair sized image gallery on his profile. All in all, it’s a straight laced, no-frills account that focuses on the content to work.

5. Tony Robbins @tonyrobbins

Courtesy of success.com

Tony Robbins makes the Twitter business list because of his elegant profile. Of all of the accounts here, Tony understands the importance of branding and dynamic design. Look at his superb use of the background image, his videos and images as well. He uses his Twitter page to inspire business people, AND to chat to them – often retweeting and sharing.

With 2.2 million followers to 3,577 tweets, this is an excellent Twitter business account to follow for any business owner.

That’s it! Our top 5 list of Twitter business accounts that we love. You should follow them immediately to stay inspired, and to learn how to use your own account properly!

Join our Twitter account here for more!

Which Twitter business accounts do you enjoy? Leave the handle here and tell me why!

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#1: Have a Custom Page

If you want to find Twitter followers in your niche, then you need a great looking Twitter page. Invest some time and money into your design, your logo, your icons – and focus especially on your background. When people check to see who you are, they should be able to find out in a matter of seconds. Keep those Twitter ethics in mind!

#2: Find Twitter Followers Via Directories

The internet is full of quality directories like Twellow and WeFollow, where you can discover the most applicable people to follow in your niche. Sometimes all it takes is a friendly hello and for you to follow their account. Then they will follow yours (as long as you’re relevant). Directories are a great place to find business contacts, friends, mentors or peers.

#3: Run a Twitter Contest

It sounds cliché, but Twitter marketing contests do work! Simply put together a nice prize for the winner and create a catchy hashtag. The bigger the prize the more followers you’ll get. You can also offer multiple prizes and be sure to keep it exclusive to Twitter. Find Twitter followers by adding general contest hashtags to these posts.

#4: Discover Twitter Online

The easiest way to find Twitter followers is to explore certain niches or hashtags on Twitter itself. Twitter often recommends some great people for you to follow. Alternatively you can click on a Twitter business account you admire and see who they follow. Sometimes the best people are hidden away in these more mainstream accounts.

Courtesy of get-social-fans.com

#5: Be Highly Interactive

The first thing real Twitter users look for is to find Twitter followers that actually interact with them. Be sure to interact regularly with your Twitter users, chat with them – share stories and advice with them – anything to get the discussions or comments moving forward. That way when new users check on you, they’ll see that you are an active user.

#6: Authentic, Regular Posting

Nothing is easier than posting on Twitter every day, and it’s something you must do if you’re trying to grow your following. Find Twitter followers by adding at least 4-5 pieces of new content to your account daily. Consistency is really the key to a successful Twitter page.

#7: Live Tweeting For Followers

Host special ‘live tweet’ events where you and your followers add event details or up-to-date news on your page as it happens. Going to a niche seminar? Keep your Twitter fans in the loop by tweeting all about it.

#8: Use Tweets in Your Blogs

You may have noticed that I sometimes use Tweets as social evidence in my blogs. You can do this to boost the number of people flowing from your blog to your Twitter page! Find Twitter followers by adding tweet evidence to your blog posts.

Courtesy of productsreviewsblog.com

#9: Be an Authority

I know it’s been said a lot but if people know who you are they will follow you. Write an ebook, podcast or webinar and brand it with clickable links to your Twitter page!

#10: Use Hashtags Properly

Learning how to properly use hashtags will help you find Twitter followers ethically. Notice how other people use them on Twitter and be specific. Never more than 3-4 in one update!

Use these 10 tips to find Twitter followers online. You don’t need to PAY for followers, and it’s an unethical practice that has no real value. Do the right thing!

Join our Twitter page right here!

How do you ethically collect Twitter followers?

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The Twitter VS Instagram Debacle

It was just another day on Twitter, when Instagram users noticed that their hipster-cool photos were buggy and on the fritz. Now, no more Instagram photos will be allowed on Twitter – ever, ever again. Is that true? What’s up?

SMMU Theories on This Bold Twitter Move

• It’s no secret that Twitter is becoming bolder than usual, and it’s developing its own photo filter app that will be used on the site. Much like Facebook has Instagram now, Twitter will launch a competitor, and they really want users to use their option over the incredibly popular Facebook option. In theory a good move, but I’m not sure if I’d bet against an app like Instagram.

• Twitter is a little bit sore about the fact that Facebook outbid them to GET Instagram several months ago – $1 billion was a hard bid to beat. At the time, both companies knew that the future of social relied on image communication. Twitter also blocked Instagram users from using its data to find friends.

• The Twitter creators are in the process of launching and developing 2 new concepts – Medium and Branch. Both will use images as a central part of the attraction of the core concepts. It has to be planning ahead by Twitter.

• Twitter itself is becoming a massive photo sharing site, with people attaching images to their tweets. The potential is huge for expansion…if only they had a great photo app.

• Essentially Instagram wants people to interact with images on their app and on Facebook, and Twitter wants the same for their upcoming editing software.

Courtesy of globalpost.com

Word on The Street and on #Twitter

The internet has its own opinions as we all well know – and people are FURIOUS about Twitters sudden Instagram ‘ban.’ Users can still tweet about their Instagram photos, but they can’t view them on Twitter anymore. It really messes with people’s profiles. Imagine if Instagram photos are the core of your business, and now that’s over.

Many, many people shared their opinions on Twitter:

@hipsterrunoff – I feel bad 4 all those ppl who wasted time integrating their #instagrambrand with their Twitter brand. *Retweeted 82 times.

@Cinemaduo – So goodbye #Instagram hello #twitter photo filters. Just FYI a good photo stands alone without any filter

Courtesy of digitaltrends.com

How Do I Get Around The Twitter Ban?

Twitter users are ‘getting around’ the Instagram ban by using Michael Schonfeld’s Chrome-based InstaTwit extension. With some clever URL jiggery-pockery this extension ignores the new ban, and allows you to post Instagram URLs and images – all day long if you like.

Will Twitter’s answer to Instagram be any good? We’ll find out and let you know!

Otherwise, what is your take on this Twitter VS Instagram debacle?

Courtesy of edudemic.com

#1: Add a Page Header

You can now add a page header image (1200×600, max 5mb) make sure that yours helps define your brand identity.

#2: Bookmark Twitter Tips

Add a few key search terms on Twitter tips to your list of indexed keywords on Google, and have fresh information delivery to your inbox each day.

#3: Dial Back The Direct Promotion

Instead of publishing ad tweets, add value by promoting something worthwhile, and attach an ad message to that once the reader clicks through.

#4: Exclusive on Twitter

Treat your Twitter followers like they are special, and give them exclusive deals and coupons. These twitter tips will help expand your fan base.

Courtesy of consumerqueen.com

#5: Be a Twitter Crusader

Your Twitter details belong on your business card, email signature, general stationary, website, sales pages, forum extension – everywhere you can put it.

#6: Use Lots of Images

One of the best Twitter tips I can give you is to focus on uploading images that enhance your tweets. People love to respond to the emotion in images.

#7: Find People on Twitter Directories

Want to add relevant people to your page? Use Twitter directories like Twollow, WeFollow and Connect.me.

#8: Resource Twitter Tips

Share resources with your community that are truly valuable and interesting. Anyone can find an infographic, but is yours something special?

#9: Make Hashtags a Habit

Use hashtags to describe your blog posts, Facebook updates or other content – or integrate a hashtag into important content, that will draw people to your Twitter page.

#10: Get on Expert Lists

Make friends with 5 key niche experts, and interact with them often. Twitter tips like this will get you put on expert lists, by the experts.

#11: Be a Twitter Chatter

Host live tweeting events or attend them to become more visible in your niche. There, you can connect, network and share with lots of influencers and potential followers.

#12: Focus on Quality Users

Focus on getting quality users by finding people to connect with who always share things on Twitter. Twitter tips like this will have a dead page transform into an active feed within days.

#13: Maintain Your Profile

Check on your connections daily, follow back, learn, reply, retweet – be active. You need to maintain your profile all the time.

Courtesy of makeitinmusic.com

#14: Use a Twitter Client

If you find direct platform use a bit much to manage, use a Twitter client like Tweetdeck. There you can form a strategy and schedule tweets.

#15: Focus on Variety

Twitter tips often don’t extend to the conversation itself, but that’s what you’re after. Focus on speaking to and about a variety of things (and people), to attract more followers.

#16: Creative DM Use

Don’t use your direct message system to try and sell something to new followers. Be creative, personal and add value instead.

#17: Be Direct and Honest

When connecting with people, get to the point! Be direct and honest and make your intentions known, or you won’t get replies.

#18: Thoughts VS Actions

Actions are important, but thoughts on Twitter matter more. A Twitter tips stream for example, with no opinion or substance won’t gain many followers.

#19: Showcase Twitter Talent

Use your Twitter community to enhance your blog, newsletter and other marketing goals. Roundups, shout-outs and ‘discussion topics of the week’ are a great place to start.

#20: Going The Extra Mile

Twitter tips like these will keep your profile buzzing! One last thought – Being on Twitter is like paying to get into a nightclub. You’ve made the effort to be there, but you won’t have a good time if you don’t reach out to other people. Buy people drinks, put a platter out – show them some great dance moves, and you won’t have to spend the night alone!

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Which one of these points did you find most useful?

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Twitter Redesign on The Cards

Twitter has been chirping about a redesign for some time now, and it seems to be close to completion – or at least close enough to release some previews to the net. The rumor mill has been working overtime, and people have been comparing the Twitter redesign updates to Facebook, and even Pinterest.

Has Twitter sacrificed its uniqueness and decided to become a ‘same old’ social networking site? Let’s take a look at the proposed look and feel of the new design.

The Twitter redesign includes a bunch of stuff for its mobile apps:

• New photo interface that lets you see very large photo images
• In the ‘Discover’ area, you’ll be able to see headlines and photo previews
• Popular Tweets from your connections will be shown in ‘view all tweets’
• Twitter redesign includes new search features, with photos

These changes may not seem like much at first but it tells us a few things about the direction that Twitter is heading.

1. They are focusing on a photo-centric version of Twitter
2. They want features like retweets to have more context for the reader
3. They want Twitter to be used universally on mobile phones

Courtesy of Mashable.com

The Original 140 Character Microblog

The Twitter redesign has a lot of people excited, and a few worried as well. For me, it’s a dangerous thing to break your ‘success’ formula and branch out into other social media forms. What if Twitter becomes too much like Pinterest or Facebook? What if the images that are supposed to enhance the experience, don’t do that at all?

At this point Twitter is reaching for a richer user experience, which means images and video – sure. But they need to stick really close to their microblogging roots if the Twitter redesign is going to work. Go a little too far, and disaster could strike.

Why use Twitter for images when Pinterest exists? Why use Twitter for long discussions, when Facebook does that? It’s a balancing game.

The Twitter Redesign in Perspective

So far, based on the proposed Twitter redesign features, everything is looking good. Even Twitter has admitted that they’ve always been defined by text. But they plan to add loads of images and articles to the neat, fun to use Twitter stream that the world loves.

Courtesy of buzzfeed.com

Once this has been fully integrated, will it still be the Twitter we know and love? No, it won’t. It will be a new Twitter, one that is trying to stay relevant in an increasingly progressive social landscape.

The Twitter redesign will ensure that the site stays fresh, but whether this ‘freshness’ is what people want, is another matter. One thing I know for sure – Twitter can’t compete with Facebook based on images. I only hope that for Twitter, this redesign breathes new life into their service. I don’t want to see Twitter go the same way as the old Myspace.

Did you enjoy this post on the Twitter redesign? Please share it with your friends!

Also – do you like the direction that Twitter is going in? Is it a good or bad thing?

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A Quick Curation Guide 101

Curating content simply means collecting content from various credible places online. When you share someone else’s blog post on your Facebook page, that’s curating content – or when you retweet something on your Twitter feed. If it involves someone else’s work and you’re sharing it on your own network, you’re curating content.

Twitter As a Curation Tool

There are three reasons why you’ll want to use Twitter as your main content curation tool.

1) Twitter is to the second, which means content is always fresh there
2) Twitter is home to some expert curators, which makes your job easier
3) Twitter is brimming with content gems waiting to be discovered

First of all subscribe to these 3 accounts:

• @BreakingNews (4 million followers)
• @nytimes (6 million followers)
• @Reuters (2 million followers)

If you subscribe to these 3 accounts you’ll always be informed when breaking news hits, and you can then use it to boost your social strategy. For example, news is rampant because of Hurricane Sandy in New York. If you were warned early of this, you could have used it to create a thoughtful blog post.

Courtesy of mashable.com

Use Twitter Search

I love Twitter search, it’s a vastly underused resource for content creators online. Simply type in the term or topic that you’re searching for, and you’ll be able to find incredible accounts with amazing content. Then save your search, so you can find those accounts again when you need more info later.

Use Twitter search for:

• Facebook post updates
• Twitter retweets
• Finding niche authorities
• Creating interesting blog post topics
• User generated research for ebooks or whitepapers
• To find great hidden blogs the search engines hide
• To find unique Pinterest images

Think of Twitter as a super-powered search engine, except it’s run by people and not stats. If I type in ‘social media’ for example, I immediately get a list of real people and companies working in the social media niche. Then I can pop onto their pages and find relevant content for this post.

Courtesy of twitter.com

Clicking on @mauricefreedman (Social Media Expert) I find an interesting article on how brands can now buy video ads on Linkedin. I can then choose to create a post of my own about it, write a response post to his blog or just share the info with my social network.

Twitter has the power to provide you with new information, something you always need when you’re running your own social campaigns. So, keep your eyes pealed and take advantage of breaking news, trends and hot topics in your niche, by using Twitter as a curation tool.

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How do you find content to share online?