how to 'maximize' your presence on twitter

Since joining Twitter a couple of weeks ago (which was essentially a trial to see what exactly the site was all about), I've come across countless functions and features that I've had to figure out how to use. But one question has bothered me on more than one occasion - how are some people/brands/companies following so many damn people?! (for example, has AdAge actually gone through and added 5,088 people?)

But now I think I have a possible answer...SocialToo.com. It's a piece of software with the capabilities of automatically following everyone that follows you, or even producing surveys that are distributed to your Twitter network. Personally, my first impression of this 'tool' is that it signifies an advanced case of laziness, but after pondering it for awhile I've come to realize there could be great value in it for the VP Social Media.

Even though the goal of Twitter is to be quick, easy, and informative the truth is that to have a well populated profile with a variety of sources it takes a serious time investment to get it started. By automating some of this searching and following, SocialToo.com and other tools can leave more time for the more important things in life...such as Facebook . Perhaps most importantly is the informational benefit that this tool encompasses. By becoming mutual followers, a brand or company gains potentially powerful demographic information as well as consumer preferences, etc. (although it could take awhile if they were to analyze every profile they follow). Even if the marketing department doesn't consider it for consumer info, the fact that the relationship seems to have become mutual definitely helps in that the consumer feels important - maybe Company X is actually reading my annoying hourly tweets? A great example of this is one of my followers, ClickZ - a social media news site. I've been following them for sometime now but this morning I received an email that they had begun following me too! I realize this may mean absolutely nothing, but the fact that they added me (automatically or not) instantly made me feel appreciated.

So this begs the question...what does the future of the Twitter relationship entail for consumers and companies alike?

more on twitter...companies using social media

To continue with my social media theme, I want to briefly explore some of the companies that are currently using Twitter as social and marketing medium.

The basis for this was my stumbling upon an ClickZ article on Agent Provocateur's (AP) entrance to the Twitter world, just in time for Valentine's Day. AP's strategy is similar to that of most companies in this realm - identify with the consumer in an environment that they are comfortable with and establish a consistant and relevant voice that represents the brand. With respect to AP, their Twitter account is just one aspect of their social media blitz. They have recently launced a company blog as well as a Facebook profile, the former being a forum that has delved into intimate topics such as consumers' sex lives.

brands that are also active on Twitter include Comcast and Home Depot. Another Twitter article (found here) documents the various reasons large companies are 'experimenting' with the site. "Some see Twitter as an extension of the marketing department; others view it as a customer service tool, and some say it's best for corporate communications."

All this Twitter talk seems to have me wondering what I'm missing out on...I know I said I was happy with Facebook, but I'm thinking I might start a Twitter account just to see what it's like.

twitter...explained

The basis for this post actually came directly from a brief discussion in class today. A classmate raised his hand and asked, "I don't really understand what Twitter is." Although the 'super app' had been brought up in consecutive classes, some of us had missed the boat...including myself. I have never engaged in 'tweeting' and I have never 'followed' anything.
I then came across a great article titled, "Twitter in Plain English," from InternetMarketing.com. Not only does it explain some of the benefits of the service, there is also a video (below) embedded that walks the viewer through how to connect with other users, companies, etc. Personally, I still don't see myself using Twitter, but I have since come to realize the value that can be provided in the B2B realm. It does seem like a great way to collect 'research' or data as well as marketing directly to those who are already interested (hopefully they are following). But like I said, I don't see myself tweeting anytime soon, Facebook seems to handle me social media needs just fine.