More Twitter hints, tips, etc. from power Twitterers from the world of UK media. This time it’s Dan Thornton, Community Marketing Manager at Bauer Media (Heat, Empire and many others).
* What did you think about the concept when you first heard about Twitter?
The idea made sense for quick communications with friends, but like the founders, I couldn’t imagine how it would grow in terms of size – and especially the ways to use it. The uses of hashtags are staggering in terms of potential.
* Do you recall your first tweet?
Thankfully no. Probably ‘Hello’ or something similar.
* How did you use Twitter to begin with?
Like most people, I signed up, posted a couple of messages, and then ignored it for a bit because I didn’t see the value.
That changed with my first @ messages, and suddenly I became addicted to being able to communicate so easily with so many people
* How has your use of Twitter changed?
It hasn’t really. It probably should, as I’ve gone from a small group of friends to having over 2,000 following and followers. But I find it hard to only talk about marketing or the internet. And at least this way, people won’t be surprised or disappointed in the long term when I talk about motorcycles or Xbox instead!
* What do you want from Twitter?
From a personal point of view I just want to be able to interact with more great people, and be able to build better relationships with them.
From a business/tech point of view, I’d like to see more disclosure from businesses of their direct results to be able to build up a bigger body of proven evidence, and I hope the use of Twitter will speed up the changes needed in almost every business strategy to become more relevant and useful to consumers.
And a way to delete multiple DMs at once!
* Have you attended a tweetup?
Yep. Some small gatherings, and the Twinterval organised by the founders of Twestival – really annoys me I’ve missed both Twestivals so far due to work/family commitments.
* Have you evangelised Twitter? If so, any success?
I’ve promoted it to friends and colleagues, and seen a reasonable number join – although the mainstream media coverage has done more if I’m honest!
I’ve also introduced several titles to using it, and the early indications are that it’s becoming a valuable communication tool for marketing, PR, customer service and engagement.
Oh, and I do run a blog dedicated to microblogging (Including Tumblr, Seesmic etc alongside Twitter) at http://www.140char.com.
* Do you have any self-imposed policies regarding your use of Twitter?
Not really – just apply a bit of common sense before I mention anything regarding work or personal items about my family. I’m pretty open about myself, but I have to respect my employers, colleagues and family.
* How do you see your use of Twitter developing this year?
I think the only change for my personal account is that I’m following less people – I’m reaching the limit of how many people I could hope to have meaningful interactions with.
For business use, I can’t really say until the Twitter monetisation plans are in place, but I’d expect it to be a core part of almost every digital marketing plan.
[+] Dan Thornton is responsible for Bauer Media’s social media strategy and tactical implementation into digital marketing, on titles including FHM, Heat, Motorcycle News and Car Magazine. He blogs at http://www.thewayoftheweb.net and http://www.140char.com. And you can follow him on Twitter here.
Tags: journalism, social media, twitter
