Claire's Articles
Technology
Follow Travel Best Bets on Twitter!
Do you know what a "tweet" is? And no, we're not talking about the sound a bird makes. It's a message sent using the extremely popular micro-blogging site "Twitter" - an emerging technology that could change the way we travel.
Basically Twitter works like this: You open a Twitter profile and begin "following" individuals and companies. People can post websites and pictures they like or just talk about what they are doing that day. It's pretty much borderless. Companies on Twitter may blog sales, new products and more. If you blog often enough you will eventually create your own "followers".
I think a lot of people got their first taste of the power of Twitter when that US Airways Flight crashed into the Hudson River in January 2009. Even before the media got wind of the crash, a witness had taken a photo of the submerged plane, posted it using the photo sharing website twitpic.com - and sent a tweet that said "There's a plane in the Hudson. I'm on the ferry going to pick up people. Crazy." That tweet was heard worldwide! All because the followers of that person viewed it and passed it on to their followers.
With sites like Twitter, travelers are able to share information instantly about airline delays, difficult car rental companies, or hotels that are less than what they expected. Twitter takes word-of-mouth to a whole new level, and most of us in business know that this form of "advertising" can be the best/worst thing for your company depending on if it is good or bad feedback.
Here's a look at just how fast this new concept of microblogging is growing in popularity:
· According the latest "State of the Twittersphere" report, seven out of ten Twitter users joined just last year.
· Somewhere between five and ten thousand Twitter accounts are opened every day.
· Even Barack Obama tweeted to his followers right after his inauguration.
Once you're signed up it's easy to navigate the so-called "Twittersphere" and you can start learning about travel by listening to those who do it most.
There's actually a website out there that lists the top "Tweeters" by category, including food, humor, entertainment and travel. Go to www.shortyawards.com to check it out and find some influential travelers to add to your network.
Most travel companies have Twitter accounts that are monitored and updated regularly. That includes airlines, hotels - you name it. So take advantage! If you need to inquire about a flight time, or your hotel check-in, try sending a tweet.
I have to say the best way to get the hang of this new phenomenon is to actually do it. Get online, set up an account, and start following other users. Its great fun and you'd be surprised who's on there tweeting.
You can even tweet when you're on the go. There are many mobile applications out there that allow you to stay plugged in when you're away from your computer. So, forget facebook and myspace, the new networking site to conquer is Twitter.
Steps to Open an Account
· Visit www.twitter.com
· Click "get started"
· Create a username and password
· Add a profile picture if you like
· Find your friends people search and follow them
· Expand your network by following who are following
· And finally, get Tweeting!
