What the New Twitter Update Means for PR Professionals

Keep calm and tweet on! Twitter recently released an update which displays images and Vine videos directly onto users’ timelines. Along with this visual update, users are able to
favorite, reply or retweet a tweet right from their timeline. No swipe to open a tweet is necessary; users just tap the action they want to take.

Both of these changes are in partner with Twitter’s latest initial public offering, while the company expands to new consumers and features more multimedia elements to the social media site. Check out the five ways for what this update means for public relations professionals.

1. Visualize your storytelling – Now that images and Vine videos appear right on your Twitter timeline, brands are in higher competition with each other to attract customers to a message. It’s not only about crafting the perfect 140 character message, but also the visual that goes along with your tweet. Think about what types of images would catch your eye when scrolling through your timeline and use that to brainstorm ways to visually attract Twitter users while branding back to your organization or personal brand.

2. Engage with your audience – With Twitter users having the ability to reply so easily, conversations via tweets will increase.  Instead of just telling your customers about your latest campaign, ask questions that will spark conversations among your followers.

3. Create viral content – Adding effortless ways to favorite or retweet a tweet leads to the higher possibility of a message going viral.  Whether it’s through a creative message or an empowering visual, the simplicity to share the tweet gives it the opportunity to go viral.

4. Rethink your Twitter presence – As of June 2013, Twitter reported there are more than 232 million active users. This number shows the value this social media platform has and its competition against Facebook and Instagram. With the new Twitter update, it forces brands to reconsider the advantages of staying active on Twitter.

5. Avoid a Twitter crisis – While the Twitter updates mean messages can go viral and create conversation, it’s important to remember to be prepared against any crisis through social media. Know how you are going to handle a tweet gone bad and what steps you will take to make the situation better.

What other ways does the Twitter update affect public relations professionals? Tweet to @ILSTUPRSSA. Happy tweeting!


By Melissa Fortes    

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