The State of Twitter: Part 1
On January 3rd of 2008, I wrote a blog post entitled: Stop Twittering and Focus on Your Business
Well, I’m not issuing an official retraction of my stance on twitter… YET. But that day might be coming soon.
In the 16 months since I wrote that post, twitter has grown at a rapid pace, and has emerged to the forefront of the Internet’s attention.
While the principles of business building have not changed in that time period, twitter’s value as a business tool certainly has increased.
Take a look at the following chart from compete.com:
As you can see, twitter’s traffic has more than tripled in the past few months, and nearly doubled in the past month alone!
Within the past couple of weeks, twitter has reached a new point of critical mass. It was already hot, but now it’s the hottest thing on the web. It’s all over the news, it’s all over the blogosphere, and everyone’s talking about it.
Rats. I can no longer ignore it 
I make no apologies for not being an early adopter. There have been countless web 2.0 social networking sites launched in recent years (many of which are still bigger than twitter), and we’ve seen many of them fizzle.
I don’t want to waste my time on here-today-gone-tomorrow tactics, when I can focus on tried and true business building principles (at least as tried and true as you can get for the Internet).
But there comes a point when you have to adapt. You have to be flexible. You have to accept new technologies into your existing business structure.
When commerce started moving online, I’m sure there were plenty of old school businesses who said… we don’t need the Internet. We can keep doing things the way we’ve always done them. And those are the companies that are dying today.
The inability to adapt will cause you to be left in the dust… particularly in the online world.
Is that the case with twitter?
I don’t know yet. I’m not yet convinced, but it’s becoming more compelling by the day.
I’ve got some specific reasons why I think twitter is here to stay, and other reasons why I still think it’s totally overrated. But I’m going to save those thoughts for part 2 of this article. First I want to find out what YOU think…
I’ve set up a twitter survey to discover some current uses of and attitudes regarding twitter. This is for twitter users AND non-users.
To take the survey please go to:
You will receive a special gift just for participating in the survey. I will reveal ALL of the results in part 2 of this article here on my blog next week.
In the mean time, I’ve set up my first twitter account so I can start following and being followed 
By the way, IF twitter IS going to be a long lasting business tool… it’s certainly not too late to join the game.
On December 16, 2007 (just a couple weeks before I made my “Stop Twittering” post), my friend Joel Comm made his first post about twitter on his blog. He announced that he had joined twitter, although he also said “I’m still not sure what the point is of Twitter… I’m not sure I get it.” The post went by with no fanfare, and even today it has zero comments (LOL, sorry Joel).
But he took a risk on it, and within a year he was writing the first mainstream book about twitter (Twitter Power), which went on to become a best-seller, and today he is one of the most sought-after twitter experts in the world. He has over 40,000 followers, and he’s adding about 1,000 per DAY at the moment.
And all of that happened just in the past year. If twitter continues to follow its upward curve of growth, the NEXT year will be much bigger than the last year, which means there’s still plenty of time to grow your own following as twitter grows.
What are your thoughts about twitter? Please take my survey and then leave your comments here on my blog.
Have a great day!
Eric…got to you on CL in Nashville…your affiliate web program that bring millions of people and has 25 or 30 different ways to do it…I want people to see this video and need to know which of those would work best…before I spend that kind of money…thanks Mark
Great Eric I will check out your web site.
I AM IN YOUR ERIC’S TIPS PROGRAM, BUT I AM SO NEW TO THIS EMAIL STUFF I AM NOT ON ANY SOCIAL SITES, I AM ENJOYING YOUR CLASS, BUT I STILL DONT GET IT. BEST TO YOU. BILL
P.S. I GUESS I JUST TWITTERED.
I think twitter is another tool to use if done correctly.
There is a lot of information now about using twitter including Joel’s book. I bought it and have read part of it.
There are only so much time in a day.
I think I will start to use Twitter in the near future.
Al
I have never used twitter. I really don’t know what it is about.
Hey Eric,
Welcome to Twitter land. I only joined a little while ago and I’m not using it to it’s fullest yet. I’ve used it to gain some traffic but no sales yet. I’ve even twitted or tweeted or whatever about Push Button Marketer.
I think it is worthwhile but I’ve seen many people just promoting products every couple of minutes without contributing anything to the conversation. It can get annoing.
I agree with you that our focus should be on our business but we cannot ignore this technology iether. I just hope people don’t take advantage to much. I guess we can always stop following. Anyway it’s nice that you’re now on board and looking forward to tweeting with you.
Thanks Luca, and thanks for the tweets
I discovered twitter following the 30Day Challenge by Ed Dale last year. I didn’t pay much attention then.
But by following more courses on social marketing, twitter became an issue. Since then I became a twitter fanatic, not so by twittering all day long, but trying to collect as much info as possible about twitter.
Regards,
Philippe
Philippe, chances are we were in the same class last summer! I just peeked at your blog. It is terrific! You clearly got a lot out of the 30 Day Challenge!
Eric:
1 - It has taken many marketers a long time to adopt twitter - so believe it or not you are in the majority, not the minority.
2 - I use it as a way to keep up on the people I follow both business and personal and not for marketing purposes. I know that many have used this medium for that purpose, but they would be better served using a blog.
As for making a change to your url - unless you plan to use twitter to market other items why bother.
However, using twitter, simply adds another dimension to explore.
I already completed your survey so you know I multiple ways of communication which do not include e-mails - the more the merrier.
Twitter is a waste of time. You could better spend your time on more important business matters. Twitter, IMO, is going to be a here today gone tomorrow flash in the pan and that is it. It’s a marketing joke to think that a serious marketer, intent on building a viable business, would reply on such a tool.
I originally signed up for a Twitter account with the intention of using it primarily for promoting my websites. However I’ve found that I use it more as a way of interacting with people with common interests and as a way of getting peoples perspectives on news, politics, religion and such. I have cut back on using it as a way of directly marketing products but hope that by building followers and relationships that people will occasionally be curious and click on my website. And I still once in a while slip in a plug for my website or something I’m selling.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
It seems to me that it could be helpful. I am planning on testing the use of some twitter software and techniques soon.
Hi Eric,
I use Flock browser, so that I can get twitter and facebook updates in a panel on the left hand side of the screen. Which was good, but then I just found it all too distracting, so I turned it off again.
Now I only turn it on if I am wanting to get in on a launch, so I watch to see if there are any last minute announcements.
Maybe one day I will start watching it again, but it is just too distracting for me ATM.
- Tim
I’m not familiar with flock, but I imagine that would be VERY distracting!
Twitter is simple and quick. If you cannot come to the point within few words - not even trigger my interest, well at least your message stops there.
Simplicity makes it for everybody. If twitter start making it complicated, something easier will take over. I am still considering how I will make se of it.
I’m in the 100Articles100Days challenge and ezinearticles.com automatically twitters when my new articles are approved. I believe it brings traffic to my articles. Cool!
Thanks for the “heads up” on this one!
HI ERIC!
LIKE YOU ASKED IN THE SURVEY!
I’M HERE TO BUILD A BUSINESS!
SO I WONT HAVE MUCH OF THE TIME FOR BIRDSONGS!
YET I’M STILL NEW ON ALL THOSE SERVICES!
SO I NEED BIG COACHING! I MEAN NOT EVEN A MONTH YET!
SO IF POSSIBLE TEACH ME HOW TO TWEET THE MONEY NOTES!
Oops. Forgot my info before.
Hi Eric,
Nice article.I was surprised you weren’t there in twitter and tweeted asking about your tweet id last week only.
I felt the same way as you felt initially about twitter as it consumes lot of time.
but i started using twitter primarily for one reason: I can communicate with my mentors in any field(like you in internet marketing) directly.Otherwise,it may not be possible because you guys are busiest and expensive in hourly consultation fees which i may not afford.
Another reason,which is again personal,it gives me an excellent association of successful people for free.(someone told ‘your growth is directly proportional to the books and associations’).
Thrid reason is,i am getting lot of ebooks,audios,videos,strategies,reports for free.
But i am not following everyone who follows me blindly,sorry,if it affends anyone,no hard feelings.I check their websites,their tweets,if i find them valuable for my time,then only i am following.
Thanks for your article and your survey.
Welcome to happy tweeting!
I am looking forward to your valuable tweets.
Thanks,
Kannan Viswagandhi
Nice. So it’s sort of a way to get bite size mentoring for free.
Eric, I follow each of your lessons in Eric’s Tips. I am not sure what is to be accomplished on twitter. But then I thought the same thing about Youtube. Now I have several videos on the site which lead me to Facebook and other Social Networks sites. I am thinking about trying it, if for no other reason than not to be left behind in the rapid growth of technology.
Al D
Eric,
I believe that Twitter is useful but has it limitations. I originally began using it to stay in touch with family around the US but it grew into a following??? Although I try to “tweet” more I have found that lately I have been to busy. HMMMM… I need an auto tweeter!!!
Personally…I think it depends on your niche. I have more than one Twitter account. My IM Twitter account annoys the hell out of me. It’s one huge sell-fest, despite the fact that I attempted to cautiously add followers you cannot avoid the blatant “buy me” urls all over their posts.
On the other hand, my numbers of followers and those I’m following in my niche Twitter accounts are very small…but the conversations are fun, intriguing, useful and people in those smaller niches seem to be almost oblivious to the intent of selling. They’re all very passionate about the niche itself, and even though they have their website URLs and great backgrounds leading to their websites and products…they truly Tweet for the fun of it all…not to sell. And in the end the result is that the friendships developed in these smaller Twitter niches are much stronger, and relationships lead to sales and as Stephen Pierce would say “mo money”!
Summary—much more keen to the micro-niche Twittering than the IM Twitterers…Tweeters
Interesting… good to know.
I joined Twitter about 8 months to business network. I also joined Facebook at the same time. I now like Twitter better than Facebook! Lets face it Eric, everyone is on Twitter so if we want to be helpful and offer value to people, we must take part in it! There are so many good apps that you can use for Twitter that will save you time and also target your followers. Like any other social networking site, the objective of course is to build relationships, offer something helpful or of value to your followers first - not try and sell your product or business to them. Introduce them if you feel they have a need and if they do, they will buy or join you if you build that relationship first!
I definitely see your point… but that’s part of why I still feel spiteful toward twitter… I feel like I’ve been “forced” into it.
I feel the same… forced… and no one with 100+ or 1000+ can have time to read tweets… and perhpas do not care either..
I have no opinion yet, I have just started using Twitter. I have been using it for about a week..
Hi Eric,
Just completed the survey and had to leave a few boxes blank - because there wasn’t an option for “hold in complete contempt” or “vacuous violation of time” or “everything I despise most about modern networking for people with a 5 second attention span” LOL! Guess that’s how I really feel about Twitter
Haha! I tried to keep my own feelings out of the survey, otherwise that would have been a choice. but as you can see from others’ comments I did probably slant the answer choices, albeit unintentional.
Hey Jane, I have to agree with you - I tweet now and then, but it really just uses up my time with absolutely no advantage - at least to date. Although I find that my personal listings in Google have gone up - related to social websites! Strange!
I am in total agreement with you. It is the rage…and it is only getting stronger. With so many celebrities using it, and with people using it in emergency situations that have saved lives, the increase in use for business, and for all the great social network advantages for bringing people of like interests together…it will stay great for some time. I really do enjoy it although I am not smoothered with it.
Keep up your great work Eric…I really enjoy reading your tips, insights and suggestions.
I know that Twitter has become a phenomena. Every News Show is promoting Twitter, New People have Twitter accts, and tweet about the current events. Even the women from the view use Twitter. I think it is crazy though there has been a new language created because of this phenomena. The words are called twitterisms. I wrote a blog post about common twitterisms in the twittersphere. http://www.4urworld.com/30-twitterisms-even-your-mom-should-know/
I also see how business are using twitter to monitor what people are saying about their company, and possibly acting on complaints by customers, here is my blog post about that.
http://www.4urworld.com/why-do-you-twitter-why-dont-you-twitter/
It is a powerful tool, I am not sure where it will go or if it will die out from overuse. I don’t know. I liked your survey, I would like to see the results of what everyone else has to say.
Hi Eric,
I guess my opinion about Twitter is the same as your earlier opinion. I joined last year because it was a chance to network, but never willing knew what to do with it. I really didn’t like the main section asking “What are you doing now?” (Some things should be kept unsaid).
I see Twitter as I see the other popular social sites.
Hi Eric
Nice touch that survey..now i wonder when we will see you trying to sell me 10,000 followers ;-0 …i may just buy them …..
geoff Lord
Check your BMI on my BMI Calculator
hehe… it’s tempting… I could hire some folks overseas to build twitter accounts…
Twitter to me seems like a bunch of people trying to impress themselves by saying things someone else has already said. I find very little value in something that was said much better by the person who originally said it. What a huge waste of time looking up all those quotes.
I’d have to pretty much agree with Bob…for the most part. I can see how it may be used as a marketing tool but I think you’d have to outsource it for it to be effective and not take a huge amount of your time. But if you outsource it then it would take the “real” out of it.
One thing I’ve noticed is it reminds me of a popularity contest, almost Jr. Highish in a sense. If you don’t immediately follow some people right back…they’ll un-follow you in a heartbeat! It’s almost like people don’t REALLY care “what you are doing” just follow me so I can brag about how many followers I have now. “Oh, look at me…see how popular I am!!” You can tell by my small following and followers that I’ve really not become gung-ho about it just yet. The fact that Google wants it now means something but I don’t know what.
Anyway there’s my 2 cents worth.
P.S. Eric, thanks for the download. Tricky way for you to gain around 10,000 followers in a hurry;) One more thing. I went into my secondary Twitter account and clicked “find people” and then put in your name…got no matches, so I put in ericstips and still got no matches! Thought that was kinda odd.
DS
I agree it seems like a popularity contest in many ways. Good marketers will tell you it’s about the quality and not the quantity of your followers, but I doubt there are many marketers who are able to totally separate their egos from their twitter accounts. Personally, I’ve just joined and I already feel this “competitive” spirit nagging me… urging me to catch up to my marketing peers. I don’t like it.
Eric:
I might be alone but I might be part of a group of people who are not quite ready for prime time. By that I mean I am finishing a book and other original material for Info. Marketing. I have been learning about marketing over the past months, reading and studying some, material and filing other material for investigation when I finish the content.
In your case, I read some of your first email reports and thought them excellent. I have been filing them all since and plan on a reading blitz soon.
I will have a blog, a main website, and several feeder websites in a few months so while I am learning about marketing I haven’t done any yet. That’s why I answered your questionnaire by saying I had no website, no blog etc. That doesn’t mean I don’t intend to have them. Same with the social media arsenal including Twitter.
I am saying this only because the Q. did did not allow us to indicate our level of enagement (or lack thereof at the moment)or the level I/we will be in soon.
Twitter sounds like it might be good for marketing; there are lots of favorable comments about it (from
marketers)
I do have a question, though. I thought that the point of Twitter was to answer the Question: What are you doing now? (At least that’s what it says on twitter’s home page–which is far as I ‘ve gotten so far)
Many marketers are saying that Twitter is great but unless they are announcing new products everyday I’m not sure how they fit that much marketing into that contraint.
Or are they just ignoring it and usuing twitter however they want to? And/or is anyone paying attention to the original function?
Or is the original question just like a red light in Italian cities–a suggestion?
Hope this helps.
I was wondering the same thing. I think it’s still about “what are you doing”, but its evolved into a lot more.
Hi Eric…
I’ll share right up front that I LOVE twitter and find it to be a powerful tool. I also admit I joined last spring but forgot about it until the end of summer. THEN… I took another look and have had no regrets AT ALL!
I can tell from a couple of your questions on the survey that you don’t quite ‘grok’ the whole idea yet. For instance, the choices you give for responding to “Seriously, do you pay attention to the tweets of the people you’re following?” kind of miss the whole point.
You see… NO one can… or need, worry about reading EVERY tweet posted by every person they’re following. (Though of course, reading ‘none’ means you’re not even in the game)
Twitter is about connection… combined with the speed of life today. So… scanning your twitter feed 2 or 3 times daily and responding when you’re inspired is plenty for moving yourself into relationship with new, interesting people who can connect you with new, interesting things.
I can’t imagine anyone in business online today would depend on any one ‘tool’ for the various aspects required for success… and that said, twitter is one powerful tool to have in your toolbox IF you use it strategically while being authentic!
Thanks for the survey and the discussion
~Mary K
Good point, and duly noted.
I had to look up the term grok, LOL. And you’re probably right. That’s part of why I’ve joined and getting involved in twitter… so that I can speak from the perpective of the group experience rather than as an outsider looking in.
At the same time, it seems like there’s a faction of twitterers who have drawn a line between those who “get it” and those who don’t.
But I’m suspicious that there’s really nothing to “get”. Twitter is what it is, but the inner clique likes to think that they’ve transcended to a higher way of thinking.
I don’t know, LOL…
Hi Eric,
I am not sure about Twitter’s value at this point. I have been Twittering a brief time and do not see any benefits at this point. I do enjoy occasionally submitting a message and sometimes pick up some valuable information from others.
Hi Eric,
I have completed your survey and look forward to what others think of Twitter as well. I personally enjoy Twitter. I think it is a great tool for marketing and socializing. BTW, I also followed you and tweeted your survey
I have never joined Twitter, since there is already too much noise cluttering up the world. I could see its value for a narrowly focused niche if I had something of value to contribute. But, really, how many Twitterers can one Twit follow?
I just don’t get Twitter, even after 6 months trying to understand just what is the point. I think it is just sheep following sheep. It really does’nt do anything and does’nt seem to be going anywhere. I have even witnessed some big-time marketers stop using it now. That says something…
Totally agree with Luc as indeed are any social network types. We didn’t need them until they were “sold” to us, and I think that using them as a direct marketing tool will then spoil it and people will just go off and use another new site.
Hi Eric,
Here’s some advice that may be helpful to anyone just getting involved with social media for the first time. I believe that it’s important to build relationships first on Twitter. If you approach it strictly from a business perspective, you’re going to turn a lot of people off. People want to get to know you first. Another thing to watch out for is screwing up by ignoring people when they respond. Become a valued tweeter. Use your knowledge and skills to make people’s lives better. Give and add value. That goes a long way to building a massive list. Ask lots of open ended questions. The twitter system is viral by nature, so make use of that. Remember, all twitter lists are open source. Everyone’s list is public and you can follow them. Follow people who recently followed your mentors and colleagues. If you just do it for business reasons alone and just dive in, you’re starting at the wrong end and will have a hard time achieving your objectives. That’s why it’s called social media. If you don’t have the time or inclination to collaborate, listen, care and help people and be part of a larger community, then your approach to social networking needs some serious tweeking and you should revise your approach to it. If used right, Twitter can catapult your business to heights you can’t imagine.
I tend to agree with your approach. But you have to admit… that takes a lot of time, right? So now it becomes a matter of ROI. And the question is whether twitter provides a good ROI for your investment of time. And my initial guess is that depends on the individual amnd their business situation.
I understand twitter to be with ceel phones, Ipods etc. I don’t use any of those those things. Thank you for the free gift though.
Carol, I don’t use cell phones or Ipods (yet) either. And I haven’t used Twitter yet. However, I believe Twitter can be accessed from a website using your computer. I’ve been using Facebook for about a month, and I think Twitter can work the same way… IF I decide to attempt it.
That’s my understanding so far, anyway. Maybe someone will either confirm this or set me straight. Anybody??
Eric, may have a bug in survey. With one submission I got message only one submission per user allowed. jm
hmm, I think it’s IP-based, so that’s weird. Sorry!
Eric,
I took your “excellent” survey. Like you, the “jury is still out.” I just started using Twitter & have had minimal results marketing my business. As I learn how to use Twitter more effectively I anticipate positive results…that is what I am hoping for. I will be following you & look forward to your “tweets.” God Bless! David
it can be very addictive and its time spent away from your business. You can’t really follow alot of people but you could list your product.It would be better to grow your email list.I usually have to search to find the small group I am really following.There should be no auto unless it was part of the site for everyone.It can be a big time waster. Whatever happened to just emailing your friend. Flutter is starting and thats 26 characters.Everybody is looking for the buck.It would be better if people spent an extra 10 minutes at the dinner table with their family. No body wants to be left out as we discover what it can really do. Its more business than relationship. I have new followers that directmail me their ads. It wasn’t like that just a month ago.twitter will get clogged if everyone had massive followers. Its fun sometimes if I want to be on the laptop and I just want to check up on a few people. I think we get swept up quickly and you got to be on it but limit the time. I don’t have a business. I think it is miner but some people will use it to sell and I can see that. Will we all have to rush to flutter when is launches?There will be more things coming out and we’ll jump to that.People are building hoping to sell to google ex. twitter
Looks like flutter is just a spoof. Too bad… I was thinking I could jump in now and become the first flutter guru, LOL
Love twitter, have learned lots from fellow Twitters, 140 characters causes you to think about what you are going to “tweet”.
Brevity is the soul of wit.
The bottom line is this….How can someone benefit from twittering. I have yet to hear or read about anyone making substantial money by twittering. From a Internet Marketing stand point it is worthless…(average user only)…but from the social aspect It seems to work.
I’ve heard a few stories… hopefully I’ll have some good info for part 2 of this article.
As of now, I cannot see any value in the time spent Twittering.
I see more value in blogs and email.
Thank you.
I took the survey, but I am not familiar with Twitter. I do think it has great potential tho. I just read about the exchanges on Demi Moore’s twitter page that helped save a woman’s life.I think there is a valuable potential for both a social network to make new friends, AND to help grow a business. It would be a way to attract people of a like mind, whatever your business is. I plan on looking into it more. I have become curious about it now.
Hi Eric,
I’ve been following your Eric’s Tips from the beginning. Re. Twitter. I haven’t used it as a marketing tool. I do have a pet peeve. Because of the 140 character limitation, it is aggravating when someone monopolizes a whole page in order to make small talk. It would be good if number of tweets could be limited, as well. As a matter of courtesy, I limit number of tweets in one sitting no more that 2.
Excellent point! I haven’t decided to use Twitter yet, but I’ll remember that principle of courtesy when I’m on Facebook in the future. Plus, I noticed a marketer do that on Facebook once and it WAS very annoying! (I think he had his Tweets automatically publishing on Facebook, which is possible to do with a plugin I’ve heard about.)
You’re someone special, Eric, among the overwhelming crowd of Twittermaniacs (not only according to compete.com analytics) -showing your critical thoughts, dealing with them honestly and open mindedly .
This will certainly be something a lot of your readers (and ‘followers’!) appreciate of -come what will. I for my sake do.
Till now I’ve been hesitating not only to adopt and practice Twitter but to make use of it aiming at certain business results.
English from the basics of it’s historical development has many structural aspects that enable the resulting language to apply short words (mainly four to six letters in the everyday vocabulary), the sequence of wording according to elementary rules of sentence structures (S-P-O-), the use of infinitives for nouns, of gerunds, positioning of adverbs or adverbial phrases -and other parts of the grammmar that became necessary on early stages of the development of UK-English as a national means of identity which later helped the American people during the 19th and 20th century to become one nation out of so many in a country they invaded and took for their own by force from the natives.
And IF e.g. terms from an elaborate code get down to the ‘lingo’-level they appear within that specific context (mainly derived from the Greek or Latin - sometimes even from the French-Normanic vocabulary) outstanding from the rest like jewels in the grass.
Those characteristics cannot easily be transferred to other languages. My mother tongue being German is pretty unapt for that technique and I’m sure French or Spanish are not as easily bent to those short forms either (I’m, you’re, yr, he’s, biz, bike, read, Tues, Wed, pic, lol, t-4-2,… not to mention the Twitter tendencies towards reduction - which partly makes up for the fun of twittering, of retweets and other useful abbreviations -even of the grammar.- All those abbreviations, new coinings and short forms afford their learning like a kind of metalanguage for people using English as a second language.
In short I can’t imagine to communicate (in the sense of the term) properly ‘within 140 characters or less’ as the Twitter slogan goes. - There’s a funny buzz around an even shorter version with 26 characters (if this wasn’t a joke or pun from it’s virtual beginning) by the name of ‘Flutter’.
And yes, I think it’s fun to ‘coin’ new phrases, terms even and to see how others adopt them for their own use as well.
This could get me to take up twittering - not only as a technique or a means of business model.
I began collecting infos on use, functions, phrases, abbreviations some time ago as I want to get a feeling first for that kind of communicative instrument- partly comparable to the development of the amount of plug ins you may choose from for WordPress by now - although not altogether similar.
All that said - I’m curious to learn what you will come to in your evaluation as I appreciate of your opinion which will certainly have to regard the development of the last five months, too.
I’m a fairly new convert as well but I absolutely feel that it is a must have for everyone these days. It is the best way of engaging customers, and potential customers, in rich two way conversations.
Here are a couple of my recent blog posts that you may enjoy:
- Why you’re missing the boat if you’re not on Twitter.
http://johnfmoore.wordpress.com/2009/03/12/do-not-miss-the-boat-join-twitter/
- My unofficial Twitter roadmap.
http://johnfmoore.wordpress.com/2009/04/08/the-unofficial-twitter-roadmap-for-a-social-marketing-delivery-platform-don’t-pass-it-on/
John
http://johnfmoore.wordpress.com
http://twitter.com/JohnFMoore
Just recently started getting your emails, took your survey and wanted to respond to one of your Tweets but couldn’t do so inside of Twitter until you follow back.
You asked: “What are your suggestions for posting my own URL without it being cloaked?”
My suggestion is to use TweetDeck. You asked after taking the survey to tweet about it and I did so from Tweetdeck . . . your URL stayed in tact, no automatic shortening. I rarely if ever post from Twitter.
And for me, while I joined Twitter sometime last summer, I know I didn’t start actively using it until recently, although I don’t use it nearly as much as others do. For me, the jury’s still out about it’s effectiveness, but then again, I really think it has to do your intention and motivation for using it.
I’m gonna try tweetdeck…
Hi Eric:
In many ways what you have been doing with your “Eric’s Tips” has been kind of like a “tweet”, although you have at times gone over the 140 character limit, you have provided short, unique content that people are interested in and thus have gathered a loyal following ( me included).
Twitter is a microblog, a communications tool. When one provides unique and interesting content, then one will over time build credibility and thus loyal followers.
Twitter as has been discovered is not just a chaos of noise of people talking about this and that,although if not used properly that is what will happen! When used properly it can enhance your online experience with so much valuable and entertaining topics, in some cases even ground breaking news of the day.
It is my opinion, that if people stay tunnel vision in their thinkings, then Twitter will be of no use at all. If people think that they can use twitter for blasting ads or like an email advertising campaign, then they will soon find out that they will be unfollowed in short order and maybe even reported for spam.
Can Twitter be used for business? Of course, but it has to be done the right way. when I talk to people about twitter and how to use it to the best advantage here are the guidlines I give:
- Post questions for quick answers and answer other people questions. This will establish your credibiliby and expertise. ( almost like yahoo answers?)
- keep up the “buzz in your industry - this is not selling by the way, it is informing people about new things happening in your business.
- network with like minded people. Lets face it if you are not into sports, why would you want to follow a sports personality?
I like twitter very much. It helps me when I am researching or just wanting to get ideas for me to post on our other blog.
I am by no means an expert on Twitter, I will leave that to all the wonderful “gurus” out there. I have just found that by studying and talking to “like minded ” people that I have learn a lot.
Sorry that this comment was so long, but you asked for an opinion…. now how do I get it to the 140 characters….lol
Best Regards,
Diane
Administrative Director
Thanks for the input. How do I win a blognet award?
I have not used twitter as of now. I will be signing up soon with them.
In my opinion twitter is an excellent social network tool, also it gives you instant exposure. I think its too early to monetize with this tool. Building relationship and interacting should be primary objective.
Current trends are strong indicators that twitter is not slowing down but growing rapidly
I think Twiter is just very brief comments. People using it are trying to get notice on the many News shows and other places.
I have met people on Twitter who I have come to know, like, and trust.
Some have come to know, like, and trust me.
It’s fun, fast, entertaining, interesting, and, yes, sometimes distracting.
I don’t go there to sell stuff, or buy stuff, but to start and build relationship(s).
It’s another way to connect, and be connected, quickly.
Thanks for all the value you offer.
I’ll Twit about it. It’ll take 20 seconds, and who knows what good it might do?
Regards,
Bruce
Hi Eric:
Have not yet joined Twitter as I’m just getting started in this business and, with so much to learn, there just hasn’t been enough time to find out yet what Twitter might be all about — maybe a little later on :O)
Hey Eric!
That’s just funny; I received an email from you today, asking my opinion of Twitter, after I had already spent about 8 hours today learning about Twitter, picking minds of marketers who use it, and just gaining information about marketing on Twitter! I was just thinking Twitter has been growing so big, I have to learn more about it.
I have a lot to learn about Internet Marketing, and I first thought social media / web 2.0 just didn’t have the targeted audience. People on those sites are looking to socialize, not purchase products.
Now I just think I wasn’t thinking about it the right way.
Hey Eric, is Twitter your first Social Media site you’ve tried, as a vehicle of traffic?
Exactly… it’s to the point you can’t ignore it.
No I’ve used a few others. They work, but it’s just not my favorite way to get traffic because it takes work
Thanks, I did take your survey, I only use Twitter occasionally. I did connect with a gentleman in Kenya, I am working at connecting him with Humanity Unites Brilliance, a unique business model that provides an economic engine to provide sustained giving to eradicate poverty, provide clean water, education and financial literacy to the world. If he can connect with a gentleman who lives in Kenya that can help the children he is working with, my time will be well spent on Twitter. Also hope to connect with others with similar interests.
I am in your Erics Tips program and fairly new to all the Social Networking scenarios but after seeing Twitter used on CNN and other TV sites i feel it will become a great tool for people to directly connect to a individual and at the same time to many others with similar interests.
hey eric, enjoy your videos. The drift I get from twitter is when people want alot of followers but they don’t follow back they don’t like that
But I use it mostly to follow news and information and to build a following as well for my website that is still being worked on so hurry up with more info:)
Hi Eric,
I have just started using Twitter a couple months ago. I resisted at first as I thought it was stupid and nothing more than an Instant Message tool on steroids. Then I started learning how to use it to promote my business/website, and I have been using it in that aspect since then. It’s still early but it has definitely increased the traffic to my site. Yet to be seen if any of that will turn into sales or opt-ins for my list. I do not have time to use it for socializing as it would take up too much of my time better spent on building my business.
Hi Eric!
I receive your Eric’s Tips regularly but I started to read them just week earlier and right now I am in lesson 19 (Ha!). I got your Push Button Marketer. I have not started to use it yet. Now, I think I can use it after finishing your lesson upto 38 or so.
Yea, I did actually opened an account in Twitter. My account is kochi97 and just now I actually posted there a post saying : “I am reading Eric’s Tips and right now I am in lesson 19. But Eric’s Tips is in lesson 38. I will catch up within a week or so though”
Thanks Eric
Kamrul
I joined so I could get a free down load, but I still do not have a clue on what’s the big deal!What I have read is like a drunken party and you are the only one sober.
“a drunken party and you are the only one sober.”
LOL… that is what it feel like if you look at someone’s twitter page (timeline). Because it’s multiple conversations but you only see one side of it. Now that I’ve joined, I’ve discovered that the twitterer does see the conversation more clearly. But still I see your point.
Eric,
I have not joined Twitter so really did not know how to answer some of your questions like what is going to be the impact of Twitter (my wording). I do intend to join. I don’t know if I will have time to keep checking about some one asking me what I am doing now.
Love the survey, can’t wait for the results. I did an informal poll of my followers by sending them an auto-dm that said “Thanks for the follow, by the way, do you use Twitter for business or just keeping in touch with friends?”
Over 75% that responded said either “just business” or “business and friends”. I wonder what your results will show.
In reference to you query about “Twitter,” in the future please add one more check box for your questions with, “Who Cares?” You might be surprised as to how many people just couldn’t care less about these things.
After watching Comcast’s thing about twitter, with some twitter girl showing how all the celebs are now being stalked online with this thing, I personally wouldn’t use it even if they offered to pay me.
Mostly, it is an invasion of privacy, too many ways people who won’t check out the facts for themselves will be lied to, let’s face it, it’s another gossip tool for all of these people out there who flat don’t have a life and try to live through someone elses. Put another way, soap opera time on the net. Back to the original point, who really cares. Nuff Said…
Point taken
I am using Twitter with two of my lists, one os in spanish. Since it is an automatic connection with my blogs and my autoresponders it makes it easyer for my suscribers to follow me on my messages. I think it is a great communication tool.
If some of my e mails do not get oppened, they still have a chance at my blogs and another one at twitter. Besides, there is people following me at twitter that are not signed at my lists and they have the messages.
I think its a great marketing tool. And a pretty easy one too.
Cool… good to know about the Spanish.
hi Eric,
you have done an excellent start. your blog is mind blowing. it’s very informative, full of ideas and updated information.
Every bodies gonna hate me, but that’s ok.
In short your survey questions “Suck”
Many of the questions should have had “NONE OF
THE ABOVE”
Many I had to pick “Don’t know” when the REAL
answer wasn’t an option/available.
Twitter’ers/Twittering are just wasting time.
Many are doing it during working hours or
worse yet, while their driving!!!
Twittering is just like ICQ was when it came out;
everybody jumped on and had a billzillion friends,
but how many still use it today?! I remember
having hundreds of friends — today it’s maybe
15.
One of the biggest benefits ICQ had was file transfers, and not to many users know it.
Again! Twittering is a waste of time!
Now everyone all together go “BOOOOOOO! HISSSS!”
Haha… as I was writing the survey I knew there would be people who felt that way. But I didn’t put “none of the above” because I knew too many people would choose it because it’s easier than answering the question. I’ll try harder next time
Next Time put a check box “other” and a one line
comment box.
As it is now your results data is flawed as we
had to pick ‘your’ answers not our true answers.
I would not say the data is flawed, it’s just not as deep and telling as it could be. I did use language like “which statement do you agree with most strongly”… So even if you didn’t agree with any of the choices, you most likely chose certain answers because there were other answers that you disagreed with more strongly. When we analyze the data we will be looking at percentages and averages, not individual answers. And I think the data set will be large enough to tell a story.
But of course it could have been done better… I’m sure I’ll learn some things to improve for my next survey.
Eric, I somewhat agree with the comments made re: the survey being “flawed”. I did hope there would be a line (at least once at the end) for additional comments. But I guess that this blog is a good place to add more comments.
In my case, I have not joined Twitter yet… and I’m hesitating mostly because I’m concerned it could really take up a lot of my time. I HAVE participated in a couple of training session by different individuals, and I can see there CAN be great value in using Twitter. I’m just not sure I can stay focused enough if I get involved in it. So maybe it depends partly on what stage a person is in, whether it will be a good tool for them to use or not.
Thanks for all your quality content! I really appreciate your attitude and helpfulness, and especially your honesty and integrity.
Twitter as said above is another tool or network which can be used best for building relationships. Facebook -I just don’t get but Twitter I do.
Sadly many marketing are clueless and spam twitter with crude sales tactics or too many tweets at one time.
A fast way to be unfollowed!
I look forward to you making one of your Eric’s Tips videos on Twitter
All The Best
BTW some blogs have a box where I can put my twitter id…
Hi Eric,
I’m not big on social websites. Goodness, there’s not enough time in my day as it is. I suppose it could be helpful for one’s business, but right now, it’s definitely not for me. I have a Facebook account but almost only go there when I receive a message from someone. But I really enjoyed your article and I love surveys. :-))
I have a twitter account. I’m getting people follow me every day and the problem I see is that once you start following someone you get all their messages and some of them are tweeting every couple of minutes so there are so many messages that I don’t read them. So I’m still trying to work out “what’s the point?”
I like the tips I get from you, but I don’t understand how to use twitter for business.
Hi Eric,
I am interested in seeing if you stick with it and if you believe, in the final analysis, that it is worth the involvement. I generally agree with your perspective so… we’ll see.
I took your survey but must admit I haven’t tried twitter personally for any reason. I have read a few tweets from other people but really didn’t enjoy it. I know I am not a good judge for the application at this time for either business or social networking. I have thought about trying it but it takes so much time and I am already juggling that! I receive your emails and do enjoy those.
Twitter is Proof Positive of my long held belief, that the average internet user has the attention span of a fruit-fly.
Hi Eric,
If I could ever work out what the questions were that were asked I’d be able to work out the stupid answers you see on the sites you’ve wasted your time visiting. I neither have the time or energy to visit a gaggle of gigglers telling each other how many tissues they’ve used to wipe their noses, well that’s what I presume they’ve asked. I guess it’s horses for courses and some people find it worthwhile and others like me find it idiotic. Thank you for all the chance to put my thoughts across and for all your info it’s really great.
[…] than during the past months, or even just a few weeks ago. The reason for this might be that twitter is growing at a rapid pace, and I am receiving new followers and new “friends” every single day. Along with this, […]
For someone who is fairly new to Twitter, you’ve identified some really great questions. I’m looking forward to reading the results!
Took the survey-useful. Discovered Twitter about 4weeks ago and I find it fascinating. Where else could I meet a stripper,marketeer, and a housewife all talking together. Its addictive tho’ be warned. As to its potential for selling–I think that at lot of people are missing the point and are charging straight in to push their products–ignoring the social aspect of Twitter. I do not think that long term that will work, people just stop following you and then you could so easily fall into spamming.
when I first joined I was swamped especially as I didn’t really understand it, but I persisted and now I am able to skim messages for interesting things, and hopefully contribute to the ethos by regularly tweeting. One thing that has annoyed me is the 2k limit put on following by twitter, yet some people have way over that, I’m still trying to find out how they do that. Will let you know if I find out or alternatively if anyone knows please let me know.
Eric… I started to use Twitter because sometimes you just have to go with the flow. Facebook really is for communicating with people you already know. Twitter allows you to meet people with mutual interests, helps you build your business, and actually allows you to build a better relationship with your customers/followers. The only thing I would recommend with Twitter is that you cant always be about business. You have to be social at times.
Hi Eric.
I just filled in your survey. Although I’ve had a Twitter account for some time, I have really only been exploring its possibilities and haven’t yet used it regularly.
Like any social networking tool, I think you have to devote a lot of time to it for it to be effective. But the thing I prefer about twitter over other sites is that it is simpler and more easily integrated with other systems. You don’t have to write reams of info to get your message out there and you can do it without being chained to a computer all day.
Thanks to the power of Joomla, I have just integrated Twitter with my own new social networking site (currently in pre-launch). Not only can my users display their own latest tweets on their profile pages, but all the news and articles that my users post on my site will automatically be posted to my Twitter account with a link back to the article. All very cool!
Hi Eric.
Twitter is great, I’m now following you on twitter too, hope you will follow me back.
Currently doing your video course. it’s SUPER.
I even recommended your course to others on twitter. Hope it has paid off for you.
Keep up the good work.
Abraham
If I ever figure how to use Twitter maybe it will be more important in my plan. Now I have over 500 followers but have seen NO difference in my blog/websites stats related to Twitter. StumbleUpon has been the champ for me.
Eric … 7 or 8 months ago, I agreed with your opinion of Twitter. Like you, I am reconsidering and have joined. Twitter has come a long way in the past few months. Let’s all make it a good place to do business with some fun in it. regards … Ken
Hey, cool Blog as always Eric. I have just created your survey. I just started using Twitter and as I was taking your survey a light bulb shines inside my fore head. LOL. I see that you can leave behind for you tweet your survey which is real cool. Then you can leave behind a message that says follow me on tweeter. So I see this is a very good marketing tool to get your message out, keep people updated on what you are doing and creating a better relationship with your friends, follower and customers. So I am going to do some more research on doing what you do, I like the concept and I think Twitter will be a great tool marketers can use to get advantage of the marketer. Hey talk about twitter, Follow me at http://twitter.com/Ray48021, I have just followed you.
Also read my blog post, The Science of Being Rich, this was written by Wallace D Wattle in 1910 and is a cool book, Check it out.
http://officialinternetmarketingexpert.com/Blog2
Take Care,
and Remember,
God Helps Those Who Help Themselves.
I really don’t have a clue about Twitter or any of the other social networks. I know I need to learn it for my on-line businesses, but like most middle agers, I don’t really have the time or interest in the social networks.
I’m 58, and haven’t used Twitter yet. Like you, I “know” I need to learn social networks for business purposes. Well, I finally took the plunge and got on Facebook 5 or 6 weeks ago because I found out it was the best way to keep in touch with my kids who don’t like talking on the phone. (I had been procrastinating about learning it for business reasons.)
Well, guess what? I’m finding a lot of other middle agers on there… I’m reconnecting with cousins and friends in my own generation, as well as the younger ones. It’s fun!
I just have to be careful not to spend too much time doing it. But it’s an easy way to see tiny snapshots of what other people you care about are doing, even when you don’t necessarily take time to make comments back to their posts.
Hey, Eric, I filled out the survey, if you can send me a email with the gift, I would appreciate it. I must have clicked off of the page, I tried taking the survey again, but the system wouldn’t allow me.
So if you can send that to me, I would appreciate that,
Read my Post, The Science of Being Rich
http://officialinternetmarketingexpert.com/Blog2
And Follow Me at
http://twitter.com/Ray48021
Take Care,
Ray
Hi Eric -
You should have an option form on your thanks page. I know you emailed the request to you list but you should consider having one on the thanks page for the traffic you get via us tweeting the survey request. There’s not a lot on that page and it would jump out at you. Just saying/suggesting.
Thanks for the gift but I have the plr for that. Nice to offer something but I get plenty from your Eric’s Tips newsletter so I have already been pregifted;-)
Never really like multiple choice surveys. Always a few questions that don’t quite fit. You have put together a darn good survey as surveys go.
I’ll tell you 2 of the things I use. Qwitter - emails you when some body stops following you. I notice it’s usually a person with a high follow count (thousands) most of the time. Qwitter tells you what the last thing you tweeted before they stopped following. Doesn’t bother me I just say what I want.
Your Twitter Karma is a fav. You put your ID and password and hit Whack. That shows every body by last updated but there’s a drop menu for alphabetical ascending descending and another for followers following etc…
It’s shows the persons avatar, if they’re following you, if you follow them. You can click and go to their twitter page. There is a tic box next to each one. At the page bottom you can select this like bulk follow/unfollow/block.
I go back and check out people I decided not to follow at first. I don’t follow every one instantly. I check their tweet stream and their site if they have one. I basically check to see they aren’t tweeting pages of thanks for following tweets and I like to see they are interacting with other people. If they just broadcast their stuff and aren’t social I don’t follow back. If you go through your followers on twitter it cant be a real pain but Your Twitter Karma makes it a breeze to go back and check people you haven’t followed yet.
John’s Tip lol - If your using a tool that has an option to send out a thanks for following message don’t send it out as a tweet send it as a DM. I hate to go through hundred of thanks for following tweets to find the real tweets I want to read. Many people will unfollow or block you for it. I think some people do it just to get a high update count. Others just don’t know any better.
Another thing that bothers many people is when you try to send them to a sales page in the first DM. Like - Thanks for following me check this out (and it goes to a sales page). Very amateur. Establish friendly contact first and ease into the marketing aspect if that’s your intent. Check out my blog/site, if you’d like to sign up to my newsletter and get a free gift or thanks for the follow here’s a free ebook seem to work find without being obtrusive. I’m done.
Thanks for the tips.
Yeah I thought about putting an opt-in form on the thank-you page, but I figured I’d get more people to RT it if it didn’t look like an opt-in ploy. Tough call.
Thanks
Thanks, Eric, for NOT putting the opt-in. I never can figure out why I need to opt in for something when I’m already on a person’s list! And most people who do this don’t “de-dup” their lists (to remove duplicate sign-ups) so I end up getting 2… 3… 4 duplicate emails from the same marketer!
On second thought, I guess you could give an option to opt-in… for people who are not already subscribers… because not all blog readers are already on your list. It’s the forced opt-in that is the problem.
Talked about the tools but didn’t give the url’s.
Qwitter - http://useqwitter.com/
Your Twitter Karma - http://dossy.org/twitter/karma/
Better late than never;-P
John
No idea what twitter is. Only just found out about Blogger!!!
Twitter just rocks!
Hi Eric, Twitter is an asset and can be utilized in ways that people haven’t even thought of yet. Everytime I log on I gather at least a half dozen excellent links to information blogs and sites that tweeters have found and are sharing with others. For me, so far, the effects of joining twitter have been all positive and productive. I’m learning from and sharing with people whom I’d never have known otherwise. Twitter is about interaction, relationship, sharing, giving and learning. IMO it deserves all the attention it gets.
I enjoyed taking your servey and getting the free gift. I will let my blog readers see this. Another way to make money with twitter is https://www.twittad.com/a/kI
Thank you for all your wonderful tips!
Sylvia
Funny how things we think are silly turn into such popular marketing toys. Twitter may be eclipsed by something similar if they don’t fix their constant down-time, but I like it and am finally starting to “get” the social marketing thing. Thanks for your informative and fun posts.
Eric, I read within the past week that Google has entered negotiations to purchase Twitter. If the deal goes through, I sure hope more functionality is written into the platform.
I imagine the biggest problem for most people is following a conversation (thread). Planting a hashtag in front of a keyword doesn’t really put you into the conversation. Right now you need a third party app to achieve that.
Openzine is a new article marketing site. It has a “bot” that tweets new publications on its site. That has brought 142 views to my “magazine” in about 20 days.
I see a lot of unused potential for Twitter. If the Google iniative is true, I believe we will see a lot more functionality written into the microblog without having to resort to third party apps that only partially accomplish the true exchange we all seek.
Hi Eric,
I think Twitter is an interesting place to get ideas about different things. I wish it was more links to click on, as I am a very qurios person and interested in new things… Ok…I know… FOCUS…I pay it with lack of focus…
I like what you have put together but I can’t seem to get any one to go to my web sites, but tons go to my blog. I have over 1300 sense I started it 6 months ago, it is a little depressing for one out of five to get traffic.
Hi Eric…I really like your blog and will definitely follow you on Twitter. I appreciate your effort in trying to help people learn about internet marketing. I took your survey but I am really new to Twitter and I see the biggest drawback to it as not having a training section on how to use Twitter. I think it is the wave of the future or present but for those of us ‘grandmothers and grandfathers’, learning how to use the tools of the internet (twitter, bloging, facebook, etc. is mind bogeling.) So I am looking forward to Joel’s book on how to use Twitter or anything else I can find on it now. I want to build my internet business, but I am a firm believer that you need to have relationship with your prospects and downline. I mean, how can one help their people if I don’t understand the basics of all this new stuff..especially Twitter. Well, I will end this now but just wanted you to know I appreciate yor emails and blogs.
you should check out twitter.com/TheSasqwatch
LOL… how did I not hear about this? I’m now a follower.
We’ll join Twitter this weekend and will share our experience. Any tips are very welcome.
Your survey missed the main reason I like and use twitter. About 75% of the people I follow provide up-to-date valuable links to information I find useful for my websites. This is information I otherwise would have probably missed. The people I follow find and pre-screen information valuable to me without wasting my time with excessive twitters. I need to do more of this myself in my twitters.
Not on Twitter yet, but all my marketing subscriptions tell me to do so to build up an email list this way. Otherwise I see no need for it. I do not have the time to keep track of it, unless I am missing something.
Just started with twitter and I think it can lead you both ways. You either waste your time twittering nonsense updates on other peoples’ lives or use it as a marketing tool to help your business.
Hi Eric
I am using Twitter for a while now.
I see it’s becoming a real thing to
consider using, among others things.
When i post a tweet, i get replies
on my blog pretty quick compared to
other social sites. It’s the second
after stumble upon for me based on
visibility and results
Hi Eric,
I don’t use Twitter.
Having said that, I don’t have an online business, and am still not sure how to start. I don’t have a lot of time or $ to invest, but if I can find a way to become profitable I’d be very willing to re-invest to build this business.
I have been looking for awhile for an internet business coach, and at this moment you’re looking like the best to me!
Hi Eric, I took the survey even though I haven’t used Twitter very long. I’m helping a friend who wrote a book and has no clue how to market it (not that I’m a pro myself!). I had been reading how Twitter was the one place to promote a product or business. I found an auto-follow tool and now there are a bunch of followers. I haven’t had the time to keep it up for my friend so I don’t know if this is going to work. It’s very time consuming to read everything. Plus I have no idea where to get those icon links I see everywhere now where people can click to follow you. I would put one on the web site just to try it. I think if this works, I’ll be glad I did it. If not, well, chalk it up to experience!
Eric-
Your hesitation is warranted, it can be very distracting, that is why a strategy is needed in order to use it for business. Even with a strategy, you still need to execute the strategy. Thanks for taking time to bring this up, and I look forward to your survey results. Been using twitter for a few months, 8% of my traffic in the last 30 days came from twitter.
8%… that’s pretty significant. And thanks for signing me up
Hi Eric,
I feel that social media is a good way to be able to draw traffic to your opportunity if you can offer valuable content through that site. But most people seem to use this in a more spamming way by promoting their products and business at every chance they get.
The only reason I haven’t pursued twitter is because social media takes a fair amount of time and all though I could offer valuable information I’m too busy trying to figure out how to create a web site and I’m hoping that you are my source to this answer because most of this doesn’t matter until I can create a customized web site with a capture page, thank you page, and probably a blog as part of that whole system. There are a lot of experts that offer good information on how to do x y and z but very little complete information on how to get you to that point so I would like to thank you for this fantastic course and hopefully it will solve most of my problems. Maybe then I can take advantage of Twitter.
Hi Eric after submitting my twitter survey I then click on a link to post a comment after that I couldn’t get back to get my 6 e-books. If you would send me a link I would Appreciate it Thanks Mike
Sent
Nice Job Eric! The survey brings you to light. It reminded me that I wanted to join twitter; I’ve only recently found out about it from the news in Seattle. I have businesses to promote. Figured it’d be a useful place to be. And you accomplished what you probably wanted. I am now aware you exist. I will check back to see your blog and read a bunch of stuff. Good Marketing, man! Enjoy: Teres
Don’t know a lot about Twitter, but this is what I do know. It’s growing very fast and probably will catch up with MySpace and Facebook and the others very quickly. It started off late first of all & that’s why I think it is less in numbers, but the fact that one can only write a hundred forty characters is a great plus. It’s like all of the social media in that it started out for the teens and graduated to the older folks. Twitter is no different. However the redeeming factor for Twitter is that it will become a way for all, and I do mean all, family members to stay in touch more closely. For instance folks will write that “Cathy got her first tooth” or “Eric took his first step” etc. That isn’t something that folks write letters about or even call about BUT will use Twitter for with its one hundred forty word capabilities.” That’s the way I see it… Hope I’m right.
Hi Eric, first of all I just want to say thank you for the video lessons which I’m following. About Tweeter, I’m very new to it, so I can’t really give any definite opinions yet about it’s purpose. I recently found out how Social Networks can get my website to be ranked No.1 by Googles, and having followers in Tweeter may also have helped me to remain at the Top position for a month now. However, I read an article from WebProNews recently, stating that ‘Social Traffic’ do NOT buy anything.. and I have to agree with that.!!! I’m looking forward to my 700 web Traffic tactics from you in just a moment. Greetings from Malaysia.
Eric: Twitter can be counter-productive in the workplace or the academy. An employer or school may have good reason to forbid it. –Ben
Great idea Eric! I’m using it as one of the main ways to connect with other enterpeneurs…hopefully to launch some JV’s at some point.
Dez.
Hi Eric,
I think Twitter is a great tool as long as you don’t get so caught up in it that you allow it to eat into your productive work hours. I think if you let it, it could really become a distraction from working your business.
Well, I see someone else already directed you to my twitter…strange. I think the strategy you want is to just bide your time with twitter, then when you are randomly caught up in some EPIC world changing event, you can be the one CNN relies on to get updates.
Exactly.
Hi Eric,
We do know about twitter & heard they are promoting to website business. Is it possible that members will get paid.
How are they going to pay the mil members & whats their motive towards this Network.
We believe that you could answers these for us.
Thanks for your great sharings & we do get knowledges that we need.
Hi Eric
I shared your inital reservations about Twitter, and it is certainly time-consuming to track. All the IM members drown each other out and I haven’t seen any benefit to me in that area. But a few focussed twitters have spotted my multiple sclerosis site and tweets and I have some good connections as a result.
One account per niche might be useful, though I am not sure of the implications.
Hey Eric,
I had signed up for Twitter awhile back, but I haven’t been using it like I know I should - (I,like so many have been fighting it (change that is)). I think I will start to use Twitter in the near future.
Thanks for your article.
I got an error “one submission” message once I completed the survey and I didn’t get the special gift for participating in the survey.
Tyrone
I’ll email it to you.
Hi Eric
“Twits Twittering”!
OMG - all the so called ‘Gurus’ are jumping on the bandwagon and asking us to follow them on Twitter.
So should we follow the so called new social networking formula?
A ‘Peter Pan’ of the new social scene on the internet?
I think not!! All this is…is a new medium of drawing attention to yourself. Isn’t there a saying that ‘empty vessels make the most noise’?
Blogs are the way to go for connecting and holding a conversation on the internet.
Twittering - I haven’t got the time and certainly have no inclination to waste my time on this!
Here today - gone tomorrow!
Follow the Herd? - I don’t think so
Not for me - that’s for sure!
regards
Graham in UK
I’m proud of being in your data-base for years . I found you a kind person as you treat your subscribers with a unique courtesy and coolness of heart . When I started with Twitter I didn’t have in mind the idea of making commerce with thi site rather than just finding new friends . I never thought of posting a product of mine on twitter ; not yet got to that level for I still find me a novice to the domain despite years of experience with web-marketing -no moral support and materials aren’t available- . Never-mind if twitter is a commercial site as well ; it’s no harm after all . So often I try to follow a friend on twitter however I only stumble over a site of his instead . Can we make social bonds in this way ? I guess we more or less can .
I rarely send any tweets, nevertheless I frequently get emails telling me that XXX is following me. I know the stats suggest that 50%(?) of people will follow those that follow them.
So what is Twiittter for…its for building ‘Biz Stones ultimate sucker list’…but when its up for sale it will probably have a nicer name!!
Hey if you are some who wants to lose weight or just get healthy you can put this on twitter. For instance I lost 30 lbs. and took 3 inches off my waist if you are promoting a nutritional product put it on there. It’s another way to promote your product.
Twitter is a perfect tool for me as I don’t like to write nor read long and never ending posts… So with 140 characters it’s ok for me!
Hi Eric,
First, my hat is off to you my friend for the MOST VALUABLE information you bring to us. I have been following you now for 3 or 4 months and finally got caught up to your current posts. Although I have been reading as many comments as possible, I have never posted one myself til now. I think (NO, I know) what you are doing is fantastic.
I too, like you, have always been too much one-track minded to keep up with so-o-o many varialbes. I still have to maintain a 50 hour work week so my time to grow my own business online is slim. I am already cutting into my family time just to keep up and can’t seem to do a very good job of that.
But you have made a difference and I only look for it to get better.
As for Twitter, I have one other person with whom I try to follow (because you two have a down to earth kind of way to communicate which makes it so-o-o much easier) who has asked me to follow her and so far I have declined per lack of time.
As for the importance of Twitter…It has truly grown in leaps and bounds. Will it be around for the long haul? Who knows!? Only time will tell. But hey, look at Facebook…the changes they have been making ARE BECAUSE of Twitter. Facebook has lost some of its value due to Twitter, therefore, their changes. Should I join, it will only be because of you and Suzanne as for now my time is so little. Would Twitter make it (easier) for me to follow you two? I don’t know. So any info you share will be greatly aknowledged and accepted.
I’ve polled many of my followers and can’t find anyone who uses twitter at all. Seems to be more a marketing tool amongst marketing gurus and way for people who don’t have much else to do to spend time. I’m trying to build a business and have way too many distractions now.
Hi! I looked at your Easter pics on twitter, they are great.
Love it or hate it, the reality is I got more followers via Twitter then I have on my list, and spending 15 min in the morning, and 15 min in the evening on Twitter, is not that much if I discipline myself to respect this schedule.
Now, if the followers on twitter are targeted people – probably not, but I think at list 40% of them are.
Eric, I use to paint my eggs for Easter, you can see pictures of them in my Ester module on:
http://www.squidoo.com/michaelacernescu this is my lensography, and I have a module with my Easter, fait, look it over.
Happy Easter to all of you
Michaela
Twitter is an invasion of privacy that some people are willing to submit to in order to make money. In my humble opinion it is worthless to invest time and effort “Twitting”. They call them “Tweets” because “Twits” has a seriously negative connotation in the US(I’m not sure about anywhere else) To me it is all about twits and money. The domino effect could be enticing I understand that but it is not worth the loss of my personal time and business time. Besides, I’d rather play GOLF or take a walk in the park with my family ALONE!!! Not with 50 million people knowing where I am.
I would rather be poor and homeless than to use twitter. It is not needed to make money on the internet.
[…] is the follow-up to my recent State of Twitter Part 1 post, in which I talked about the growth of Twitter, its proliferation in the media, and my […]
Eric,
Far from the idea to convince you twitter is the holly grail, specially I also don’t consider it as #1 marketing tool.
But this post here
http://understandyourniche.com/twitter/twitter-the-only-way-to-get-followers-earn-them
(only 23 short lines to read) put a certain light on certain aspects of “how/why to use twitter” ..
Tweet, tweet, tweet.
Fetch me that box of Trill - quick!
;¬)
Dear Eric,
This twitter survey is of great value to many, including non-English speakers.
Would it be possible for me to translate and/or quote this survey in my blog in Japanese?
Hello Junichi,
We’d love for you to share the Twitter survey results with your readers!
-Best
Thanks for the comprehensive research. When I get a spare day (lol) I’ll look at it in depth. When is lesson No.40 due out as I’m getting withdrawal symptoms and am all ready to go with my first product.
Thanks! I’m working on it. I’ve stopped making promises of the dates, because it always takes me longer than anticipated. I’ll get all the lessons done though, thanks for your patience
Thanks Eric,
Awesome research and I agreement some surprising feedback from people.Loved the Paris shots it is an amazing city.
Paul
Requested a readable list of web ‘terms’ Any possibility? ENJOYED YOUR PICS and your kids are delightfully cute!
Learning a great deal - also, trying to catch up.
THREE TIMES I ENTERED MY NAME FOR FREE BOOKS! I MUST BE DOING SOMETHING WRONG; OR, I’M BLIND. NEVER SAW ANY WAY TO DOWNLOAD. WERE THEY TIME SENSITIVE? I’VE HAD TO GO BACK IN MY EMAILS TO CATCH UP. FIRST TIME IN 22 YEARS I’VE HAD A BUG THAT PUT ME IN THE SACK!
I’M JUST BEGINNING TO GET THE FEELING –YES, I CAN AND WILL DO IT! THANKS TO YOUR LOVE TO TEACH AND WILLING TO INVEST IN US. I HOPE I HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN YOU. ‘A GOOD TURN DESERVES A GOOD RETURN’! AL WHALEY
Eric,
I have received Lesson #39 yesterday but I do not receive Lesson #40 today. What is wrong with Lesson #40?
Eric has been away on vacation in Europe, but is preparing new lessons. Lesson 40 will be completed and posted soon.
I have find a lot of follower but i do not know they will check my twett