Let’s be honest, social media has always been a bit of a moving target, and X (formerly Twitter) is no exception. Years ago, I wrote about this platform when it was just catching fire, and back then, it felt like every small business owner was wrestling with the question: Is this just hype, or is there something real here?
Fast forward to today, and the landscape’s changed, but the dilemma remains. More and more small business folks are giving in to what feels like an overwhelming mountain of buzz and joining on the X (formerly Twitter bandwagon.
At the same time, plenty of people still glance at all the noise and wonder if it’s just a giant time sink. Truth is, I get where they’re coming from there’s a lot of chatter for chatter’s sake.
But here’s the thing: like every marketing tactic, the real value of X boils down to your goals. Before you dismiss it or dive in headfirst, step back and ask yourself: What are you actually trying to accomplish?
Instead of focusing on why you should use X, try flipping the script and ask, “How could this help me move the needle on my existing objectives?” That shift in thinking brings clarity. Because at the end of the day, tools change, platforms evolve, but the best strategies always start with your business goals not the latest trend.
So, does X actually help your business? Ask yourself these questions:
1) Looking to network with peers or connect with folks who share your perspective? X is still one of the most open, real-time channels for finding your people; whether it’s industry insiders, local business owners, or those who share your interests.
2) Would you like a way to get instant access to what’s being said, this minute, about your organization, people, products, competitors or brand? It’s a good tool for that.
3) Need a steady stream of ideas, resources, and tips in your area of expertise? Follow the right accounts and hashtags, and X can deliver a daily feed of inspiration, articles, and best practices tailored to your interests.
4) Would you like to monitor what’s being said about your customers to help them protect their brands? It’s a good tool for that.
5) Would you like to extend the reach of your thought leadership blog posts and other content? It can be a good tool for that.
6) Would like a way to quickly find vendors, partners, tech help, even employees for your organization? It can be a good tool for that.
7) Would you like to promote your products and services directly to a target audience? Not such a good tool for that, but it can light a path back to your website!
Now, if that weren’t enough, the open nature of the twitter platform is spawning uses far beyond what was ever imagined or what many people can grasp – and this use of the technology will only get bigger.
Here are few things you may have never considered
8) Publish your Flickr photos on twitter – Visit twittergram and set-up an account and then just upload to Flickr but tag your photo twitter and it goes into your twitter stream.
9) If you use online todo list Remember the Milk – you can set it up to flow into twitter – this might be a way to assign todos to remote teams
10) Using strawpoll you can create mini polls into your twitter stream – great for flash feedback
11) Use twitter to keep up on traffic jams with commuterfeed
12) Have twitter alert you when you have a meeting with timer
13) Get and fill current job openings with tweetajob
14) Track FedEx, UPS and DHL shipments with TrackThis
15) Get a tweet when your plants need water – okay this one would be way cooler if it simply tweeted you when the plant watered itself.