Ready. Fire. Aim. Uh oh!
Puling the trigger on whether to choose Facebook or Twitter can hurt. Especially if you choose the wrong one. It’s hard enough running a small business or being an entrepreneur. And now you have to find time to create a damn Twitter account or setup a Facebook fan page? WTF? This aint’ right! But, do you? Uh….yeah…probably.
Well, “which one Gregg?” you’re pleading.
Let’s start here. It’s true that the most talked about social media these days are Twitter and Facebook. And of course, you have no time for either. But, we both know you gotta’ choose one if you want a complete web presence for your business. Problem is, if you have to choose, which will it be?
First, the facts:
Twitter allows you to post updates and messages of 140 characters or less. Such as a link to an article/blog post you read and and want to share with your audience or even mentioning a special sale or event. You follow other users to get their updates, and they can follow yours in return. Isn’t that sweet. It’s crazy simple to create a Twitter account and even easier to “tweet” a message whenever you want.
Facebook is a more robust social networking site; which is cool. But, it’s a bigger hassle to setup than Twitter. After you’ve signed up for an account, you can then start your business fan page and invite people to “like” your fan page. Your fan page can act as a hub for important business info. You can post videos, ask your fans questions, announce sales, etc. It is an online space for fans of your business to talk with you and about you and your services. Cool, huh?
Now let’s decide which one YOU should use.
Your going to want to use Twitter if:
- Your customers need daily updates on specials or news. For example, a restaurant may want to Tweet about the soup of the day.
- Your interested in saving time. When you have 50, 500, or 5,000 followers on Twitter, you’re sending a message out to all your followers at once.
- You like to converse. Twitter allows quicker access to direct communication with followers. By replying to a follower (using the “@” symbol before their user name), you can connect with them directly.
Now, when it comes to Facebook, it’s cool for daily updates and messages to all your fans, just like you can with your Twitter followers. But, you’ll also want to consider it if:
- You already use Facebook in your personal life and you’re familiar with how it works. That is a relief.
- You want to use multimedia to promote your business. Facebook gives you a great opportunity for your business to share videos, pictures and more. Just don’t share your pajama pictures on your business page. Ah, what the hell. Go for it. It’ll just create a personal connection between you and all your Facebook fans. They’ll love your doggie slippers.
- You want to create a community of supporters. People who “like” your Facebook page join a community where they can comment together on your posts or post their own content. Yeh, that can be dangerous, but I’m counting on the fact you run a good business and take care of your customers.
- You want to provide more information than just 140 characters. Remember, that’s all you get with Twitter. Facebook is better if you want to post articles with images or longer messages.
- You already have a personal page. This way, you can invite your friends and family to become fans. That means you have a nice starting fan base to grow from.
Many experts may say, “there’s no right choice.” Really, that’s just bullshit. Of course one is better than the other. Problem is, as much as I wish I could ask you right now about your type of business I can’t. What good am I?
But, I can say this…
If your business has a more personal touch to it and it’s not too stuffy, give Facebook a whirl. In other words, if you’re a gym or a woodworking shop, Facebook sounds nice. However, if you’re an accountant or plastic surgeon, Facebook may be too comfy for your audience. Now, Twitter would be great choice if you’re a consultant or your business is more national, than local. But, Twitter wouldn’t be the best choice if you’re a landscaper or Main Street clothing store. Know what I mean?
Whatever you decide, just pick one and try it for a couple months. Let me know what happens.
Feel free to ask question or add a comment below.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Good question… Typically I break it down for my clients on the basis of what social outlet is best suited to them – their brand, type of business, and existing and potential customer base. Then it all depends on their willingness to actually manage either channel – engage their followers or friends, and respond to questions and comments – in which case Facebook usually requires less manpower to manage. Twitter requires more monitoring and engagement, of course depending on the number of followers.
Then again, they can always pay ME to manage it for them… That’s the best case scenario for them, usually.
Gregg
Great article with good information for your audience. While I would give the article 5 stars without hesitation, I would want to add you can make your Facebook page as “stuffy” and professional as you like.
You said “if you’re an accountant or plastic surgeon, Facebook may be too comfy for your audience.” I get that as an accountant you are dancing the fine line with your clients information but customize it to give it the staunch conservative business look and put useful insights and information there and it is just as useful if not more so than twitter for accountants. I would think for plastic surgeons the name would say it all, of course you would need releases to use client photos and I am sure that if you didn’t want to go that route there are stock photos that you could use to educate your clients about what to expect etc.
If I disagree with you why would I give the article 5 stars? The article is useful and provides insight that your readers need. Small business owner’s have less time and money to “invest” in marketing, however they are painfully aware they need to provide more information about their business on the Internet. While I disagree that accountants can use Facebook effectively by and large they are wound so tight and regulated rather tightly so it would be a project all its own for them to figure out what they can and can’t do on Facebook.
Keep up the good work.
Network Aegis
Great points. Thanks for your insight. I’m sure others in the professional field will find your thoughts helpful.
Thanks bhoney. Great to have your input.