Twitter:The Future of Tweets (Part 1: Non Profits)

No one could have predicted the unprecendented rate at which Twitter gained its cult following. From Celebs to corporate companies to the average Joe, Twitter is an outlet for voices all across the world.

One of the 50 most popular websites worldwide, Twitter was created in 2006 by Jack Dorsey. Free of charge, all users are able to post “tweets” of up to 140 characters which in turn can be viewed by the author’s followers. With Hollywood stars posting tweets about recent feuds, politicians promoting their latest campaign, or companies calling attention to their latest product, Twitter is the first social-networking micro-blog of its time. And its potential is unimaginable. With a monthly growth of 1,382%, compared to Facebook’s 228%, tweets are being quoted in magazines and newspapers across the globe. Instant updates from computers or mobile phones make Twitter the ‘Go to Source’ for instant updates. News of Michael Jackson’s overdose or Kanye West’s latest debacle are in the form of tweets before hard news sources can print a story. Even government agencies use the service, such as The Australian Country Fire Authority  during the February 2009 Victorian bush-fires in order to relay information about fire locations and how to donate money and blood for victims.

Still, while the avenues of development seem endless, Twitter’s achille’s heel, like so many other social networking sites, is its inability to generate sufficient revenue for long term success. However, just as users have welcomed social media with open arms, numerous companies have embraced the future of micro blogging and are already charging ahead with ideas to make the world-wide net just as lucrative as the physical one. There are several new ideas for capitalising on Twitter in the world of marketing.

Cause-Related Marketing: companies and causes alike can rally Twitter users around their mission by tempting ‘followers’ through an eclectic mix of incentives. From Grand Prizes such as plane tickets and cruise getaways to charitable donations, advertisers and promoters are reaching for the new ‘it’ factor in the midst of this online phenomena. One example is the self proclaimed ‘Tweet to Beat,‘ a follow up test run to LitLiberation. In an effort to raise funds for American Public schools, each tweet follower picked up will elicit a donation of $1 dollar by the author, matched by an additional $2 from an anonymous donor towards U.S. Public Schools. Though the limit is currently set at 50,000 new followers, the author expresses interest in extended this number in the near future.

Charles Best, CEO of DonorsChoose.org states that “Tweet to Beat could generate help for thousands of students in high-need public schools.” With a focus on helping schools in low-income, high need areas. This is a great outlet for generating ideal PR as it directly links people to an organisation they support and a cause they believe in simply with a few clicks of the mouse. Furthermore, there is a simultaneous competition for those new Twitter followers who help spread the word including chances to win big prizes. Simply by supporting the cause via Facebook, Twitter or other social-networking outlets, users will have a chance to win the Grand-Prize of a round-trip ticket anywhere in the world or a 15″ MacBook Pro for second place.

A great PR campaign, this movement will generate heaps of support with minimal input. Furthering a great cause while also educating people and gaining support among the masses is an integral and necessary step in order to capitalise on the marketing niche Twitter has opened up in the cyber-world.

Image by tanakawho.

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