This past year I've had the honor of traveling the country as a social media speaker sharing on all types of social media topics like using Facebook for business, how to blog, video basics, and many other topics. One of the top statements that I've heard this past year while traveling is some variation of this: "Twitter is stupid, I don't get it" which normally leads into a discussion on how Twitter can be used to help your business.
Is Twitter Stupid or A Great Source of Traffic?
One of the things I usually try to point out to people is that Twitter is a great referring source of traffic to your site. During this past year, it is responsible for 22% of referring traffic. The only traffic referrer to beat it was Facebook at 33%. The bounce rates as well as time on site are very similar between the two social networks. So is Twitter stupid, or a great source of traffic? I'd have to say the latter.
Twitter Is Stupid, Only Celebrities Are There.
This is another common complaint I hear. Since you only hear of big name celebrities like Oprah or Justin Bieber on Twitter in the media, many thing that is the only people signing up and using the social network. Here's a really great visualization of Twitter adoption in the US over the past few years:
As you can see, there are many more signing up for Twitter each & every day. In fact, over 100 million users are active each month according to Mashable.
Twitter is Stupid I Don't Care What You Ate For Lunch
Why should someone care what you ate for lunch or what you did last night for fun. I get it, not everyone is going to care about everything you do. But, if you take some time listening to what others are doing, you can learn a tremendous amount of information about your sphere. And, build some of the strongest relationships with people. This past year I made a trip to Seattle to speak and while there some of my Twitter friends a meetup while I was in town. Thanks to my friends Stephanie, Dale, Linda, & Debra, & Chris, I spent a wonderful evening with a great group of friends, all that I mainly communicate with just through Twitter. So while some may not care about those types of things, I cherish the friendships I have made through Twitter over the past year. I know more about some of my friends on Twitter from the other side of the country than friends of mine that live within 5 minutes of my home.
So Is Twitter Stupid or Valuable?
I am not going to force you to use Twitter in 2012, but as for my business, I know I will be continue to integrate Twitter into my online marketing strategy. If you are not sure how to get started there, that is understandable. Here's a few great resources to get you going in the right direction:
- Get More Followers- Chris Brogan
- 7 Way To Be Hated on Twitter- 210 Consulting
- 50,000 Tweets and All I Got Was Everything- Scott Stratten
If you want to connect with me on Twitter, you can find me @JB140
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I am the Co-Founder of 210 Consulting- Social Media Advisors. I have traveled the country as a social media speaker. If you would like more information on any of the topics discussed in this blog, please contact me directly. We specialize in social media training, online consulting, and the creation of your own custom WordPress site.
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Jeremy, twitter can be a valuable tool for those who take the time and learn how to use it properly.
Thanks Jeremy, this is an area of Social Media I haven't utilized a lot, but will as I acclimate back into Social Media.
I agree Malcolm!
Heather- if you give it some time, it will bring results!
Hi Jeremy - Twitter and Google+ have my votes. If I want to see pictures of friends and family, I go to Facebook; if I want to learn what is going on in the world, I go to Twitter and G+. I just have to get better at posting to them.
Yes I think Twitter is stupid. BUT it is a stupid I have to use. so the thing is to move with the times
That's one way to think of it All Mountain :)
Hi jeremy - A timely post for me. I was at ReBAR Camp yesterday in NYC and think I may have been convinced to finally start Tweeting.
Any good resources on do's - don'ts and strategies?
Thanks!
Thanks for this post! I've been dabbling in Twitter, but still don't have a grasp of Google+. Any hints coming?
Twiddle Dee and twiddle dum, look out tweeters for here I come!
Twitter was never stupid. There are just a lot of people using it who don't use it for business purposes making it look bad for the rest of us. Participating actively in any form of social media is a good thing if it provides an opportunity to connect with your customers.
Great thoughts, Jeremy. I'm curious - in your opinion, what Realtors out there are doing a bang-up job with Twitter?
Jeremy,,,,, I ditto Rich #10.... stay positive with Twitter and understand the usefulness of social media networks...... keyword: NETWORK! Working the internet to create a strong business presence (based on your personality and your ability to provide excellent service(s)).
Jeremy, my office here in Fort Worth has about 150 agents in it, and does quite a bit of business. Honestly, I don't know even one agent who has seen the kind of business that you claim for Twitter. Do I think it is stupid ? No. The word I would use would be "juvenile." Just my silly opinion.
After reading other articles about how people use Twitter I signed up and just followed others for a while before beginning to tweet. Of the people I follow, there are a few, even some Realtors, who post more silly stuff than strictly business. But I can still see where they would pick up clients because the clients feel like they've gotten to know the Realtor personally.
Jeremy: I just followed your "Mashable" link. If you consider that the United States has over 300 Million residents... that an amount of about one-third of them use Twitter... where are they ? How great of a commitment would anyone who uses Twitter bring to the table if and when contacting someone through Twitter ? It just sounds pretty superficial to me... more like "speed-dating."
I never thought that Twitter was stupid... I think I just dont' know how use it to a full potential yet...
Tatyana
Jeremy - I'm one of those people who just didn't GET Twitter until the electricity went out and I had become the prime source of info on Hurricane Irene in my market area. My followers turned from my blogs and e-mails to Twitter to find out what was happening. I use it as a broadcast medium and to find out what's going on in real time in crises using the hashtags.
Jeremy, I will not say Twitter is stupid, but I have not determined the best way to use it as a tool.
Jeremy, I believe the way some people use Twitter and FaceBook is stupid, but then that's just my opinion. If I were to get involved with Twitter it would only be to further my business. I am involve with FaceBook, but rarely go out there. AR is where I spend most of my social media time...I do plan to get another blogging platform going...wordpress...who has time for it all???