How do you use your Facebook and/or Twitter account?
“Goodbye Facebook. Hello Twitter.” I’ve heard this phrase several times over the past few months as long-time bookers discover Twitter, and I don’t get it. The two are similar in ways, but so very different in others.
On Facebook, I’m friends with my best friend from the third grade that I’ve not seen since the fourth. I’m friends with the guy I flirted with in algebra. I’m even friends with a few of my friends’ mothers. What do all of these relationships have in common? Facebook is about people you know and have shared some part of your life with, past or present. It was, after all, created to be an online yearbook.
When I got on Twitter, I started by following a few friends and colleagues, but soon realized the possibilities. I now stay in touch with my hometown by following @ShoalsArea and keep tabs on my favorite zoo with @MemphisZoo. I keep up on books by following @toofondofbooks and up on news by following @nprnews. My point is that relationships form on Twitter based on shared interest, not a shared past.
What does this mean for your company? If you want to reach your target audience on Facebook and Twitter, think about why people are on these sites. Facebook is about keeping in touch with people and continuing relationships. It’s a great place for people to interact with your brand and remember why they like it. Check out the Buc-ee’s page and you’ll see fans interacting with a beloved brand.
Twitter is about today’s conversation and the latest information. It’s a great way for a company to keep its audience constantly informed about products and services, upcoming events and general news. I love the ongoing updates from my favorite Texas-brewed beverage @ShinerBeer, and I welcome the updates because I’m in control of the on / off switch for my Twitter feed.
So get out there and stay out there. Don’t limit yourself to one social media experience, because your audience certainly isn’t. And don’t limit yourself to Facebook and Twitter either. Just remember why people are visiting a site and then enhance their experience with your message.
(Image from Cornerstonekaty)
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Jennifer, this is a really eloquent and succinct explanation of the simple difference between FB and Twitter and how people use them. Because of KGBT’s emerging expertise in social media and digital marketing, I’m asked all the time to explain to people why they should be on a social media site and how they would use it. I’ve muddled through technical explanations, but this is much better. I plan on shamelessly ripping off your explanation!