My dear friend @lizanndunn recently asked me, “What’s the difference between Twitter posts and Facebook posts?” The first key difference is I could not respond to that question in 140 characters or less, thus a blog post was necessary.
Note: this post is based on my experiences both professionally and personally with Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook
Facebook is the most inclusive social media platform I have experienced. From video and photo sharing capabilities to direct communication with consumers, Facebook does it all (except, location… yet!) A Facebook post serves as a means to communicate new information and generate customer conversation. Most people check their Facebook news feed. Posts that catch their eye or spark an interest usually can draw attention and interaction. I use the rule of limiting Facebook posts to important information, specials, current events and others that I deem appropriate. Facebook posts should be limited to 2-5 posts per day depending on the interest level in your topic, fan page, group, etc. Too many posts on Facebook from one account is like cluttering someone inbox. And let’s be honest Facebook is probably the next task on the to-do list after checking email. (you know it’s true even if you don’t want to admit it!) However, with Facebook you can jazz up your posts by instantly adding links, video, pictures. While you can do these on Twitter as well, on Facebook the presentation and appeal is much cleaner and attractive!
Twitter
If your home page to your website is the front of your business/personal office, then Twitter is bar across the street that you hang out at after work. Welcome to the world of non-stop communication and conversation in a comfortable atmosphere. In Twitter, like Facebook, you have the power to listen to who you like and shut off whoever talks too much. Unlike Facebook, however, talking too much usually does not hurt you or grant you the dreaded “unfollow!” With Twitter you have 140 characters to effectively communicate information to your list of followers. This helps you get your message across quickly. The goal of a Twitter post is to provide relevant and interesting information to those who follow you. If you are a Chef, talk about a new ingredient or dish you are preparing. Usually, your followers will be culinary enthusiasts wanting to learn more from you. That’s just one example though. Everyone has their niche. Find you audience and speak to them. Just remember in Twitter it is an ongoing news source of information you’ve asked for by following certain people. With the news you receive, you should share with others and make comments. With the news you provide, you should respond to comments and encourage others to share.
What would you add to Facebook vs. Twitter?
I'm already loving this! I would love to know what I should tweet vs. share on facebook as an individual, if this differs at all from the business examples above.
ReplyDeleteThanks Whit! And to any others who contribute.
-Liz
I feel like Facebook is more of a personal social medium, used to connect to friends and family and shares pictures of loved ones. Twitter is more of a professional forum used by businesses to share news, especially breaking stores, and updates. Although the rise of the business pages on Facebook has given businesses another outlet to share photos, websites, etc., twitter helps share information needed on the spot and that one can get sent directly to their phone.
ReplyDeleteExample: @NinjaSnowballs on Twitter will tweet their current location, this is then sent to users phones (if they want) and they can find their van in Baton Rouge.
Example: Varsity Sports BR on Facebook, their information is less time sensitive. It lists future run dates in Louisiana, their website, information about new products in the store, and useful websites for runnings, sports, etc.
- Erica