If you are reading this, chances are you’ve come across an occasional, organized chat being held on Twitter. Basically a Twitter chat is a scheduled chat on a specific topic, where Twitter users gather online at a certain time and track their conversations using hashtags (#) followed by the name of their chat. You’ll find that some Twitter chats are structured with several pre-planned questions and others are a free for all.
Twitter chats can offer an effective way to meet people with common interests and to share insights into the topic of discussion. In the marketing world, these chats are a great way to show your subject matter expertise and engage potential clients.
The best way to get started is to conduct a bit of research. First just click on a chat hash tags that peaks your interest and see what everyone is talking about. Then you may want to find out who is moderating the chat and the types of topics that are discussed. As you start participating remember to make sure your comments are useful and help address other’s questions or concerns. Then be sure to follow up with those that you enjoyed connecting with during the chat. Twitter chats can open a whole new marketing corridor and help you to learn, build your brand and grow your following. For marketing professionals, here are a few chats that may interest you:
#blogchat Sundays, 8:00pm to 9:00pm CST Blog marketing best practices and tips. Moderated by @MackCollier.#journchat Tuesdays, 7:00pm to 10pm CST Conversation between journalists, bloggers and public relations folks. Moderated by @PRsarahevans.
#brandchat Wednesdays, 10:00am to 11:00am CST A discussion between experts, strategists, and those interested in learning more about personal branding and managing brands. Moderated by @mariaduron and @davidsandusky.
#smchat Wednesdays, 12:00pm – 1:00pm CST A discussion of the power of social media among active practitioners and strategists exploring dynamics of social & professional interaction, twitter, online communities, and the evolution of knowledge networks. Moderated by @sourcepov.
#b2bchat Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:00pm CST The objective is to bring the B2B marketing community together every week covering a full range of topics from demand generation to print to direct mail to social media. Moderated by @KseniaCoffman, @AndrewSpoeth, @KentHuffman and @JeremyVictor.
#agencychat Fridays, 1:00pm to 2:00pm CST. Chat for those working or interested in ad agencies. Moderated by @craigritchie.
Want to learn more. Here are some other good posts on how to run and participate in Twitter chats from Mashable, Lee Odden and Mack Collier.
