Twitter is one of the world’s biggest and most popular social media platforms. Launched in 2006, it is now regarded as a ‘cultural phenomenon’, with a magnificent following of more than 288 million monthly active users.
The site is used by celebrities, politicians and ‘regular’ people alike, who take to the platform to express their love, hate, likes, dislikes and general information to the world, in 140 characters or less.
But what’s so special about Twitter and other social media platforms, and why are they such an important marketing tool for businesses?
The Power or Twitter
Traditional marketing involved advertising in newspapers, magazines, radio stations and on billboards. Some of the world’s biggest brands were able to gain the spotlight thanks to huge budgets and greater brand awareness.
However, once the internet became a popular and recognised form of communication, a gradual shift occurred, and today, the majority of advertising is done online. This has helped businesses of all shapes and sizes to gain wider recognition and boost brand awareness – without the need for enormous budgets.
Why do People use Social Media?
Human beings are social by nature; they are on a continual search to fulfil basic emotional needs such as social acceptance, validation, self-esteem and belonging. Through Twitter and other platforms, people from across the globe can share mutual interests, which in turn leads them to feel socially accepted, validated and confident with a sense of belonging.
With eight out of ten people using social media, this medium has become a primary form of communication, with many people taking to social media to share typically ‘personal’ or ‘private’ information, like marriage proposals, attendance at a funeral or the birth of a baby. Where we traditionally discussed last night’s top TV programme at work the next day, people are now talking about the show on Twitter during the show.
The Impact of Social Media on Business
Businesses cannot ignore the power of Twitter and other social media sites. It has become an instrumental method of communication and it isn’t showing any signs of losing momentum. If businesses can learn how to use it effectively and reach out to the right target market, they can truly grow their client following, raise awareness of their brand and increase sales.
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