140 character (or less) PROS and CONS for Using Twitter for Business

Posted on Apr 03 in Social by Sean P. Dillon

When it comes to getting connected in business, few things will get you there faster than Twitter.  The site is growing at an unimaginable rate–in fact any statistic published about the service is obsolete as it is typed!  If you haven’t been paying attention, it is safe to say it is time to start.  Twitter is easy to get started with–and it is quickly habit-forming once you do have a moment to put it to use.  That’s part of the appeal it has for many as a business application.  Twitter has the potential to connect you to people you want to do business with.  It can also connect you to people who want to do business with you.  Many people are talking about what using Twitter for business really means.  Here are some pros and cons to consider.

To qualify this further:  Please consider the CONs in this list to be added responsibilities rather than negative aspects.

CYENTIST’s PROS and CONS (in 140 characters or less) on Using Twitter for Business

PROs

• Easy to set up and get started
• Allows you to connect with current customers and attract potential new customers
• Helps you monitor keywords that are associated with your brand, products or services
• Instantly identify opportunities to provide customer service
• Instantly improve internal communications
• Become a resource to your market
• Share timely information that can make a difference to your followers
• You can follow anyone
• Anyone can follow you–or not.  It is an opt-in system.
• More followers = more reach for your updates
• Many 3rd party tools can improve ease of use
• Everyone in the company can participate and create more awareness for your brand
• Improve the overall image of your company by being accessible to those who need you
• Continues to grow and become more viable as a business tool
• Comment below to add your own!

CONs

• Must maintain participation or risk amateur appearance
• Takes time to complete Twitter’s learning curve
• Takes time to participate
• Productivity in “higher value” tasks may suffer 
• System has failures (fail whale)
• Another item on your staff’s plate
• ROI difficult to discern (exceptions exist)
• Business case for using Twitter can get lost in committee
• Some businesses can benefit more than others
• Comment below to add your own!

This list is intentionally short.  Please help increase the value of this list for people at companies who may be considering Twitter by including your comments below.

Also, please follow us @CYENTIST, @seanpdillon, @dankostka