So many people claim to “not understand this Twitter thing”…like David Letterman, and my Mom. Well, now the people at Twitter have made it nice and easy for new users and skeptics, especially businesses trying to get in on the free marketing and promotional opportunities. The Twitter 101 guide for businesses spells it all out with images and comprehensive explanations of everything from searching Twitter to using hashtags and retweeting.

Anyone can benefit from this “Learn the Lingo” page that explains all of the different symbols and tricks for using Twitter effectively, but this “special guide” is geared specifically towards businesses trying to access the marketing goldmine that has been portrayed in the recent news, including several articles in the New York Times.

Assisted by screenshots that demonstrate the usefulness of many Twitter tools, a conversational voice that feels like a real friend guides readers through the “mysteries” of the Twittersphere. All the “secrets” are being revealed, and tactics are being rendered transparent… “Remember to post the badge onto your website that tells visitors to follow you on Twitter!” Here is just one of many encouraging messages from the site:

“One of Twitter’s key benefits is that it gives you the chance to communicate casually with customers on their terms, creating friendly relationships along the way—tough for corporations to do in most other mediums.”

Read the rest of this entry »