Social Media: Twittering About Twitter?

Termed, micro blogging, Twitter is a great resource for expressing a personal brand, thought leadership and corporate brand.

Nielsen recently released staggering statistics about Twitter:

• It is the fastest growing community site increasing 1382% in visits in February 2009 versus February 2008;
• The majority of the user base (42%) is between the ages of 35-49;

Here are helpful tips for tweeters:

• Check out and consider using a hash tag when appropriate as it is a way for people to search for tweets that have a common topic. #(insert topic)
• Change your bio often to reflect a description of a project, not just about you or the reason for your twitter page;
• Include a photo or logo to connect you or your brand to your tweeple for page personalization;
• Monitor your followers. Just because you have lots of them doesn't mean they are desirable followers. Check a few followers and see who they are and what they do ; - ) Let me know what you learn! (you can change your settings to accept or reject new followers); and
• Share the "love"birdies. Retweet! Copy and paste the original tweet, then put RT @ (insert originator’s username) at the beginning of the tweet and share the best links, tweets and gems with your followers. 

Still twittering about Twitter? Not sure how to use it for your business? Contact me today to turn up your Tweet volume and tune into Twitter.

Measuring Public Relations: Visual Analysis

VISUAL ANALYSIS.

"In the spotlight!"
That is my client and friend for life Josh Johnson of HGTV in the photo!

So who doesn't like to see their business in a photo or video? Many organization's products, services and activities are well-suited to visual coverage. To really grab attention, be sure that all print or broadcast media stories are matched with great visuals.

Here are a few tips:

1. Visual. Photographers and videographers are usually able to find a visual, but it is ok to have a couple of options expecially for broadcast interviews.
2. Squint factor. Think about where the sun will be located as people or the camera should not be directly facing the sun.
3. Branding. Showcase logos and brands.

• Place a logo on the podium;
• Put a small logo on the microphone;
• Wear a logo'd shirt, hat or jacket and be sure it shows in the shot (exagerate the rotation of the body to be sure a logo on a shirt or jacket clearly shows even if the person is looking a bit right or left with their head);
• Have company vehicles in the background(perfect for governments, utilities, service companies and fire departments); and
• Include a banner, flag or sign in the shot;

When measuring news clips, definitely emphasize the locations of logos in the clips.