Twitter is evolving from a casual forum for sharing "What are you doing?" in 140 characters or less to a powerful marketing tool. Posting tweets while attending an event, called live tweeting, is a popular way to share important information about what's happening for those participating and following at remotely.
Live tweeting is also a way for leveraging publicity and building buzz for a particular activity or event and establishing expertise within a particular industry. As it should be, there are no formal guidelines for live tweeting but these Twitter tips should prove useful.
Live Tweeting Tip #1: Know the Code, The Hashtag
A hashtag is a code inserted in a tweet, usually at the end, which makes it easy for people to find and aggregate related tweets. It's a short code preceded by the hash symbol (#). Check with the organizer or the event's website to find out what the established event hashtag is. Also use the search.twitter.com function to determine if anyone is tweeting about the event and if they are using a hashtag.
Using a hashtag prevents spelling out the event name with each tweet, saving valuable character space. Posting tweets from the designated hashtag chat room in TweetChat.com automatically inserts the code. Hashtags do not need to be registered. An example hashtag is the one used for the South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Conferences and Festivals: #sxsw.
Live Tweeting Tip #2: Spread the Love and Word
Prior to the event, connect with other Twitterers and if possible, meet up with them in person on site. Tweet on Twitter and post on blogs about the upcoming live tweeting efforts. If planning a Twitter-worthy event, establish a hashtag and let attendees know what it is through blog posts, event updates and in a media release. Successful live tweeting is a community effort. The more Twitterers reporting on the event the more buzz it will generate.
Live Tweeting Tip #3: Follow Them, They May Follow
Build followers by following other Twitterers who may be interested in the event. If it's a film festival, follow filmmakers, entertainment publications and residents in the host city. Following a Twitterer does not mean they will reciprocate the follow but if the tweets are entertaining and have value chances are good they will follow.
Live Tweeting Tip #4: Keep it Real (Interesting)
Keep posts interesting, entertaining and authentic while live tweeting. Importantly, have fun! Engage all senses to keep aware as to what's happening. Listen to what others are saying. Try getting a behind-the-scenes scoop on something and tweet it. At the same time, use discretion. There are just some things that should not be shared.
Live Tweeting Tip #5: A Thousand Words in 140 Characters
There are times when a photograph can say more than 140 characters. Upload and share photos with TwitPic.com. Show followers what's happening during the event. As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words."
Live Tweeting Tip #6: Remember, this is Social Media
Checkout what others are tweeting about the event and interact with them. Respond to replies and engage followers.
Let the Live Tweeting Begin
Live tweeting is an inexpensive (most times no-cost) marketing tool for gaining event publicity and building credibility as an industry expert. There are no formal rules for live tweeting (yet) other than keeping the phone or laptop charged up.
Jennifer Huber - A 20-year veteran of the tourism industry, Jennifer's career path began during college when she followed the hiking path in Yellowstone ...
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