While reading “Share
This: The Social Media Handbook for PR Professionals,” the author posed a
competition including Twitter vs. Facebook. The author suggested that one is
not better than the other, but that both have pros and cons. I would agree that
any smart marketer would understand the value of both platforms, but I would
argue that Facebook has more tools and offerings than Twitter.
First, users on Facebook and Twitter handle the sites differently.
People on Facebook tend to search through the site looking for links, videos,
and photos. However, Twitter users are less likely to spend time looking
through the content. Therefore, if a marketer posts a link or video, it would
be more useful to post it on Facebook.
Second, there are simply more Facebook users than Twitter
users. If marketers were looking to extend their reach worldwide, it would be
wiser to utilize Facebook instead of Twitter.
Third, Facebook has more capabilities than Twitter. Companies
can utilize groups, brand pages and applications. Companies can use groups to
raise awareness for a cause. Corporations can also set up pages specifically
for its brand to interact with customers. Also, a business can develop apps for
consumers to interact with the brand. None of these options are even remotely
possible on Twitter.
Fourth, you can simply share more content. Twitter is a
microblog that constrains the amount of characters that can be shared. This is limiting,
and can deter marketers from sending their intended message to the audience.
Meredith, I completely agree with you! Twitter is great for small, quick updates for your followers, but for engaging your customers, companies should use Facebook. It also depends how big your target market is. If you have a narrow customer base, maybe Twitter is a better option. As a consumer, I always check the company's Facebook page for information like their phone number, hours, or website. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMeredith I completely agree because I have also heard a lot of people hammering the nails in Facebook's coffin a little too early.
ReplyDeleteI especially like your comment on point number two. There are a lot more demographics on Facebook both worldwide and in age; my grandparents even have a Facebook page! They have no idea however, what Twitter is and why its used. As a company trying to market with videos, pictures, or groups to an older demographic I think Facebook would be a much better choice; and on a global scale like you said as well.