What is Twitter really? Easy guides and powerful search tools

April 6, 1:26 PMWeb Buzz ExaminerDonna Porter

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“What is Twitter?” is accelerating as a popular search phrase despite the fact that over 7 million users find the internet tool a business and personal communication staple.

Deceivingly simple to use, it is too easy to use Twitter ineffectively or to be overwhelmed by other people's textual chatter. This alone makes the platform confusing as to what Twitter is and how to best use it. This quick reference guide should bring you up to speed quickly.

Twitter logo

What is Twitter?

So just what is Twitter? The short answer is that it is a combination microblog and social network that allows individuals to communicate by means of short text messages (140 characters long) called tweets. [Think of a one-sentence long email or instant message made public --via websites, search engines and RSS feeds-- along with millions of other users who use the service.]

Tweets may be made public or private as well as directed towards one or more interested parties (called followers) who subscribe to your message updates (e.g. friends, family, colleagues and customers). Additionally, tweets may be sent in a variety of convenient ways: via email, SMS, third-party applications (such as Web browser plug-ins) or via the Web, including at twitter.com.

With Twitter messages not only can you include text but embed links to other content, including video, files, photos, articles and music.

Popular reasons to use Twitter

Some popular and trending uses of Twitter include: business applications (from company branding to content promotion), seeking advice (from product reviews to driving directions), information leads (e.g. buzz, journalism, research, employment), entertainment (including celebrity updates), and casual correspondence with friends and loved ones.

A quick glance at Twitter messages (tweets) makes it difficult to envision useful applications for the program. One reason is that many tweets are informal and few, if any, people care about the content of most tweets –just search the word “lunch” at search.twitter.com, for example. Secondly, though tweets may be formal or informative (e.g. Twitter.com/CNN), the updates may not match a reader's interest.

Example Twitter search: Learn how to search Twitter for useful information

See: How to Search Twitter - the Advanced Guide (searchenginejournal.com)

The power behind Twitter lies largely in how people acquire and filter the information on Twitter, including with third-party applications – called Twitter apps (applications) or plug-ins, as well as by “following” other Twitter users who share similar interests. For businesses, the lonely and social networking addicts, the goal is primarily to gain followers.

WeFollow.com offers one way to find people to follow ... See article.

Twitter for business use

Several articles have been written that describe Twitter and how to use it. Some useful examples include:

4 Ways Companies Use Twitter for Business
 

40 of the Best Twitter Brands and The People Behind Them
 

How Journalists Can Master Twitter
 

How to get started on Twitter

Many articles, FAQs and guides for Twitter dummies have been created. Tweeternet.com stands out as one of the most reader-friendly and helpful. Some highlights include:

What is Twitter and why does it keep following me around?
Why Twitter Is Useful
How to Use Twitter
How to Network with Twitter
Twitter Tools

Video tutorials on YouTube and elsewhere provide another easy way to learn the basics of just what Twitter is and how to use it.

Stay tuned for more Twitter buzz...