Twitter for Business
I’m thinking about putting a twitter account together for the company where I work… A Volkswagen dealership.
I haven’t entirely worked out why, what I would write (I have a few ideas actually) or if there’s any real benefit except being about to be caught on twitter during work and not having to really explain myself…
I hear lots about how businesses should really jump on this stuff and engage with people through social networking and the like, but don’t want it to turn into a boring thing that people end up following.
So, what do you think? Actually what I would love to know is if you follow any businesses on Twitter, or Facebook or in any other online form? And if so something you like or hate about what they post?
July 31st, 2010 at 11:47 am
I was (I’m not sure if I still am) following a hairdressers here in Dubbo on Facebook. I think the thing that appealed to me was offers and promotions. So, for instance, they had a fashion night (it was the photos of this that got me to join their group)…I think for it to be successfull for the dealership, the DP needs to be willing to have promotions or offers…do you think that will happen?
August 1st, 2010 at 11:16 pm
i follow no businesses… just people…
But I know people who follow cafes because (like Nat said) they get the promotions and advance notice of free coffee day etc…
If you offer a free car, I might follow…
August 2nd, 2010 at 9:49 am
Yeah, it’s funny, I see little point to it unless it was just like following someone else, ie. the tweets were all about interesting, funny or whatever stuff. You can’t just be all about selling stuff as thinking about it now I realise I’ve almost unfollowed comedians for that reason as their tweets a lot of the time aren’t funny but just trying to promote their gigs and other merchandise.
It’s funny, through industry channels I’ve heard people preaching that dealerships need to get onto this, but so far I’ve been unable to find any Australian dealerships that are.
Actually even when I was in the real estate industry, c’mon I kinda was for a short stint, they too preached it but I never found anyone doing it in a way that I liked, or doing it all actually.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:39 am
I follow a few businesses for the potential free stuff, but mostly just people. I have definitely unfollowed comedians who have just plugged shows and not tweeted anything funny.
I’m always fascinated by the “you are now being followed by…” emails. I wonder what particular phrase I’ve used has showed up in their search engine and made them (or their automated service) decide to follow me.
I recently got followed by some hunting and fishing store, and I can’t for the life of me figure out why.
My favourite is still Wollongong council, who sent me a direct message one day when I tweeted that I was going to Wollongong for one of Vanessa’s uni functions. They told me that I should take the coastal route to make the trip more pleasant, and recommended cafes to stop at. Very impressed.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:18 pm
my employer has several twitter accounts, we use them for campaign updates, stuff on our website, upcoming events and general info.
August 6th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Hey Pete, been meaning to say I’m very impressed too by Wollongoong council doing that, tempted to tweet something my self and see if they respond!