How to Choose Between Facebook and Twitter?

Puling the trigger on whether to choose Facebook or Twitter can hurt. Especially if you choose the wrong one. It’s hard enough being an entrepreneur. And now you have to find time to create a Twitter account or setup a Facebook fan pan. Sometimes it just feels like too much work. So, let's not worry about having to do both. Let's focus on doing just one for now. But, which is the best option for your business?

First, the facts:

Twitter allows you to post updates and messages of 140 characters or less. Such as a link to an article/blog post you read and and want to share with your audience or even mentioning a special sale or event. You follow other users to get their updates, and they can follow yours in return. Isn’t that sweet. It’s crazy simple to create a Twitter account and even easier to “tweet” a message whenever you want.

Facebook is a more robust social networking site; which is cool. But, it’s a bigger hassle to setup than Twitter. After you’ve signed up for a personal account, you can then start your business fan page and invite people to “like” your fan page. Your fan page can act as a hub for important business info. You can post videos, ask your fans questions, announce sales, etc. It is an online space for fans of your business to talk with you and about you and your services. Cool, huh?

Now let’s decide which one YOU should use.

Your going to want to use Twitter if:

• Your customers need daily updates on specials or news. For example, a restaurant may want to Tweet about the soup of the day.
• Your interested in saving time. When you have 50, 500, or 5,000 followers on Twitter, you’re sending a message out to all your followers at once.
• You like to converse. Twitter allows quicker access to direct communication with followers. By replying to a follower (using the “@” symbol before their user name), you can connect with them directly.

Now, when it comes to Facebook, it’s cool for daily updates and messages to all your fans, just like you can with your Twitter followers. But, you’ll also want to consider it if:

• You already use Facebook in your personal life and you’re familiar with how it works. That is a relief.
• You want to use multimedia to promote your business. Facebook gives you a great opportunity for your business to share videos, pictures and more. Just don’t share your pajama pictures on your business page.
• You want to create a community of supporters. People who “like” your Facebook page join a community where they can comment together on your posts or post their own content. Yeh, that can be dangerous, but I’m counting on the fact you run a good business and take care of your customers.
• You want to provide more information than just 140 characters. Remember, that’s all you get with Twitter. Facebook is better if you want to post articles with images or longer messages.
• You already have a personal page. This way, you can invite your friends and family to become fans. That means you have a nice starting fan base to grow from.

Many experts would say, “there’s no right choice.” That’s just not true. Of course one is better than the other. Problem is, as much as I wish I could ask you right now about your type of business I can’t. What good am I?

But, I can say this…

If your business has a more personal touch to it and it’s not too stuffy, give Facebook a whirl. In other words, if you’re a gym or a woodworking shop, Facebook sounds nice. However, if you’re an accountant or plastic surgeon, Facebook may be too comfy for your audience. Now, Twitter would be great choice if you’re a consultant or your business is more national, than local. But, Twitter wouldn’t be the best choice if you’re a landscaper or Main Street clothing store. Know what I mean?

The important thing is to incorporate either one of the two (Facebook or Twitter) into your online presence. Now, you should have a better idea which one is best for you. Go get 'em!

For more help understanding social media and your small business, click the link and listen to an informative 60-minute audio interview that covers Twitter, Facebook, and more.