10 Reasons Why PR Should Embrace Twitter
I admit, when I first heard about Twitter I thought it was a tool for bored people to write about the mundane details of their lives. “Took my dog for a walk” or “Just went to the bathroom” were the things I imagined reading.
Luckily, I was wrong. Twitter has emerged as a new creative outlet, proving that it matters what the average person writes in 140 words or less. Twitter influenced the outcome of the presidential campaign, made Ashton Kutcher more popular than CNN, has a TV show based off of it, and is currently crushing the energy giant BP.
Many articles have touted the importance of Twitter and Facebook for businesses, but why does Twitter matter in PR?
My Top 10 Reasons Why PR Professionals Need Twitter:
1) Twitter is an influential tool.
For PR professionals, Twitter is invaluable because of its ability to reach a mass audience. PR professionals need to be involved in the mediums that communicate to people. Also, Twitter influences traditional media. Newspapers and magazines frequently write about issues regarding Twitter.
2.) Twitter is growing
The number of Twitter users is growing worldwide, in May there were 90.2 million unique visitors. PR pros need to be where the people are going.
3.) Twitter is free exposure
With Twitter you can give your client exposure to a mass audience without spending a penny. Much easier than paying publications to publish articles, and less time consuming.
4.) Twitter can open opportunities
Potential clients or customers can easily view the PR company on twitter, and then contact the company through tweets or direct messages.
5.) Customer Service
Twitter is a customer service tool. PR professionals can see what people are writing about their client and respond appropriately. Also, PR pros can use Twitter to update clients on the public’s view of a product so that they have a clear picture of the customer’s needs.
6.) Twitter Shows You Are Tech Savvy
At March Communications, our clients are in the technology business, so it is important for us to be technology savvy. If Twitter is a technology that millions are using, it makes sense for March to understand Twitter and utilize it in a way to promote clients.
7.) Twitter Reaches A Key Audience
The belief that Twitter is for teens is wrong. Adults are fueling the growth of Twitter. For PR professionals working for clients geared towards an adult audience, Twitter is the place to be.
8. ) Provides Real-time News
Twitter is perfect for the PR pro wanting to know current PR news but finding it time-consuming to read through multiple newspapers or online news sites. Following PR news/magazine tweets can give PR pros real-time news 24/7.
9.) Twitter Makes Clients Money
Businesses such as Dell and Pepsi have used Twitter to make substantial profits. Why would PR pros shun a social media tool that could potentially help clients increase profits?
10.) PR pros can learn from Tweeters
There seem to be an unlimited number of professionals from a variety of fields–from communication to psychology–that are tweeting great advice. Learning never stops for PR pros.
Can you think of any more reasons why PR professionals should be on Twitter?
I think one of the most important reasons for PR pros to use Twitter is for the opportunity to build relationships with reporters. Retweeting their tweets, engaging them in dialogue and sending them story ideas via DM is probably the primary reason why I use Twitter.
Amy DeanHi Amy – absolutely! This is definitely another key reason PR pros should be on Twitter, following journalists in your clients’ industry is immensely helpful. I know the tech journalists have a fairly good presence there already. Do you have much luck pitching via Twitter?
Rachel LeamonExcellent point. I think it’s also helpful to keep up on reporters’ beats and shifts in publications – like Denise Dubie’s transition from Network World to CA, which she broadcast on Twitter: http://bit.ly/dkpxvC.
Meredith L. Eaton[...] This post was first published by Rachel Leamon on March Communications’ blog, PR Nonsense, and may be viewed here. [...]
10 Reasons Why PR Should Embrace Twitter | GlobalCom PR-Blog International[...] seeing people retweet my previous blog post about why PR pros should embrace Twitter, I wondered why this post was popular. The topic obviously [...]
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Weekly Articles « Heather Smith's Blog[...] newest member of the team here at March, Rachel Leamon, recently wrote a hugely useful post about 10 Reasons Why PR Should Embrace Twitter. If you haven’t read it, you should. It’s good stuff. The response to that post was [...]
Top-Spin: Topsy Tells You Who To Target on Twitter | March CommunicationsTwiiter also embraces the “The Big Society” principle of the government. Think United Airlines and Paperchase, both of which lost significant revenues when they failed to take into account the power of social media. People no longer need to go to Customer Services, they can go to Youtube or Twitter, have fun and score a global win. Ignore at your peril!
nick BentleyGreat business tip, Nick! It’s true, the connection you can build with customers via Twitter is invaluable. Your point about Customer Services is good–in many cases Twitter is the first place where customers vent their frustration. Companies who use Twitter to respond directly to complaints show customers that they are aware of the issues and want to help.
Rachel LeamonThis is excellent advice. Thank you so much for your words of wisdom, I will definitely be applying these tips to my twitter
Wellons CommunicationsTwitter is a door open for PR pros to enter and build links and relationship to people/market. Embracing it is a great opportunity to be in touch with everyone a good way to stay connected.:)
PR NottinghamWellons Communications, thank you for the comment, happy to hear that you’ll be using the tips! PR Nottingham, it’s good to know that other PR professionals agree that Twitter is an important tool for making connections. I’m looking forward to seeing the value of Twitter continue to grow in the future
Rachel Leamon[...] to reference Denis Dubie’s tweet that said she was leaving Network World and starting at CA in a blog comment, but even when typing in several of the key words I knew were in the tweet like “last day,” [...]
The New Twitter… Good, but not Great | March CommunicationsI’ve found it to be an excellent networking tool that has allowed me to meet people that I would otherwise never have known about. I recently had lunch with a writer that I met through Twitter. What makes Twitter great is that it is a global tool that enables you to find like-minded people as locally as you need to thanks to lists, hashtags and directories.
Tank Public RelationsVery true–Twitter is really the ultimate networking tool. Along with the lists and hashtags you mention, I’ve also found Twitter chats to be a helpful way to communicate with people who share your interests, and tweet-ups are a fun way to actually meet your Twitter network face-to-face. Thanks for your comment!
Rachel Leamon