The company had already made a substantial update recently, with the introduction of HTML5 compatibility on its Twitter client. This update included site analytics via Google, geo-search options for local tweets, drag-and-drop image uploads and InstaLoad for better performance issues all round.

Now, however, it’s upped its game considerably and offers the best Twitter experience for business and personal use.

What’s New at Hootsuite

Today’s update takes Hootsuite from being a still great personal Twitter client to a fully loaded business Twitter client as well. Instead of just being another cool way to use Twitter, Hootsuite gets you (as a business) closer to the mindsets of your customers by positioning Hootsuite as a social CRM package.

So what are these goodies?

Filter by Influence

Using the Klout algorithm to determine how influential a Twitter user is, you can determine how a certain user’s information is listened to. Do they get a lot of retweets; are they speaking with the types of audience you’re after; do they have a wide reach? This is the kind of information that’s perfect for a social marketing or outreach campaign.

Filter by Keywords

Kind of like Twitter Search but specifically on filtered keywords, this allows you to track conversations relevant to your business, and that of your competitors. Think of how you can hijack their conversations if they’re not looking after their customers.

Follower Insights

This is, quite simply, an awesome addition, and lets you know where your connections are elsewhere online. Using a mix of usernames and public information, you can check other social accounts as well as what their business skill sets are. This could be a great recruiting tool, or simply a great way to enhance current relationships.

Organization View

Along with CoTweet, Hootsuite is one of the best Twitter clients when it comes to having teams from the same business working on the platform. Great for customer service or tech team support. With organization view, you can find and add team members more easily and make the whole team/user experience offering better-suited to your business goals.

Hoot to Zendesk Support

Tying in with the team option, customer service issues raised via Twitter can now become full-on raised tickets to that particular team. You can then track response time and how well a situation was dealt with – perfect for analyzing internal procedures and building customer/brand loyalty.

I’ve been using Hootsuite for the past month or so now, having been a die-hard Seesmic user previously. I still love Seesmic and the user experience it offers, but with the updates Hootsuite have made, it’s a different ball-game altogether.

And with premium accounts coming soon for those that want enhanced teams, analytics, social feeds, support and more, it looks like Hootsuite is going to be the measuring stick that other Twitter clients need to start measuring up to.

What’s your take? Big step for Hootsuite or not enough to make you change from your current client? And what would you like to see from its upcoming premium account?

Enjoy this post? You might also like:

• Using Social Media Right – For You
• Bonsai Interactive – Kind of a Big Deal
• How to Use Blog Lists for Your Social Media Strategy

More from across the web:

• A Quick Guide to the Social Media Toolbox (The Public Relations and Marketing Group)

A lot of that comes down to your belief in how social can work for businesses, and how you relate your client or boss’s needs into their social media equivalent. It’s not always easy, but it’s not rocket science either.

With that in mind, here’s the first in a series of presentations on how you can relate certain social media benefits to a business need. This time around it’s Twitter.  I hope you find it useful, and feel free to share with your friends, download, use on your own blog, etc. And if there’s anything you’d add to the presentation, drop it in the comments section below.

Enjoy this post? You might also like:

• Introducing Social Media to Your Business
• The Kindergarten Approach to Social Media
• Discussing Social Media with… Tara Joyce

More from across the web:

• How Not To Use Social Media (The Arkayne Blog)

Therefore, I wasn’t using Twitter correctly; instead of following everyone back that followed me (which I should be doing, according to the email), I was obviously a snob that only followed the “elite” and I should “re-evaluate my Twitter use”.

The email ended by saying I shouldn’t advise on social media because I’m breaking a cardinal sin – which is, connect with everyone or don’t connect at all.

Okay….

So, I sat down and thought about it. Am I a Twitter snob? Should I follow everyone who follows me? Maybe. Maybe not. If snobbery is down to reciprocal numbers then, yes, I am a Twitter snob. But (and excuse my cussing), to me numbers on Twitter mean f**k all.

You can have 100,000 followers. But are they all live? Are they all human? Or are they a mix of humans, live accounts, dead accounts, spammers and bots? If they’re not all actual people that are active and engaging, then they don’t count. Unless you’re after false numbers, of course, to make you feel more important than you are. And there’s plenty of that going around…

So, fair enough. I have a skewed ratio. Which makes me a snob. But here’s the thing.

I’d rather be a snob with a skewed and (mostly) accurate ratio, than someone pretending to be something they’re not. Which, after all, is the real snobbery. No?

photo credit: teotwawki

Enjoy this post? You might also like:

• The Twitter Rulebook
• 5 Ways to Ruin a Perfectly Good Twitter Relationship
• Is Twitter Killing Blog Comments?

More from across the web:

• Are We Becoming a Nation of Intolerance? (HuffingtonPost)

As is usual when wide-scale changes happen at a company (or, in this case, on a digital stream), there are both fans and dissenters to the new proposals. That’s normal. But what if Twitter could bypass the need for changes like the retweet one?

Twitter’s reasoning for the change is that it can be a confusing mess for new users, and it’s one of the reasons a lot of new users give up within the first month.

While that’s true, a lot of that comes down to the fact that Twitter itself doesn’t offer a great user guide for newcomers. A really simple FAQ or intro sheet emailed to new users would make all the difference, and then they could advise of user-created options, how they fit in and how best to use them.

This would help settle in new users and create something similar to the WordPress community, where you’d have the official tools as well as the community-created ones that existing users can help with. It’d help people settle in more quickly and get the sticky factor that Twitter needs (if reports that 40% of all new users quit after one month is accurate).

But why stop there? There are other areas that Twitter could help keep new and existing users stay happy.

Kill the Private Spam

This is a major problem for Twitter. We know there’s a chance our public streams will have some spam content. But I don’t recall signing up for private message spam from third-party platforms that I didn’t even register for. Pirate games and mafia clans are just two current examples. How can they get into my private message area when I’m not a user? Not good, Twitter.

Make the Suggested Users List Relevant

When you sign up for a new account, Twitter gives you a list of suggested users. The problem is, this list is usually filled with either celebrities or Twitter “power users”. These accounts can often be amongst the most active and busy as far as content goes – how can that be a good introduction when you’ve just joined? Instead, why not work with something like Twellow, ask a couple of simple questions and use these keywords to offer suggestions that actually make sense? So, people in your locality, industry, interest zones, etc, and ease new users into the system as opposed to scaring them off with hyper feeds to follow.

These are just some options that Twitter could take to make the experience better. They’re nothing major, yet they could possibly make a big difference (at least from a user-friendliness viewpoint).

How about you – how would you make Twitter more sticky?

photo credit: Dustin Diaz

Enjoy this post? You might also like:

• The Twitter Rulebook
• You’re Not That Big a Deal
• Twitter Advertising on Facebook? No Thanks

More from across the web:

• Facebook Vs. Twitter (The Arkayne Blog)

Personally, I’ve used the comments on some of my posts (and those on other blogs) as inspiration for new posts here. I’ll add my comment on the original post, and then expand on it with a new or slightly different take. That then opens the discussion up even further, both on the new post and the original (play fair – always link back to your inspiration).

While content may be the instigator, it’s the conversations by the community that often make the content. And maybe it’s just me, but Twitter seems to be taking more of the conversations and making them 140-character bites.

I’ve seen many great posts by some truly remarkable bloggers be tweeted, and the conversation remain on Twitter. Points and questions raised in the post start the conversation rolling, but instead of via the comments section on a blog, they take place on the little blue bird nest. And that’s a shame.

There’s nothing wrong with this, of course – after all, Twitter is the king of instant feedback and interaction. And weekly events like #journchat and #blogchat , and others like them, show just how effective a medium Twitter can be for conversations. And yet…

Imagine how much a conversation could build without the limitations of 140-characters. Imagine how opposing views could be fully fleshed out with unlimited text. Imagine how communities could be forged, and new friendships built, through the reasoning and acceptance that long tail blog comments can offer. Imagine being the catalyst or inspiration for a blog post by your favourite blogger, all from a single comment you left.

Of course, you could say that it’s down to the blogger to make the content as open as possible, to encourage discussion – and this is true. Yet at the same time, maybe we (as readers) need to take part more as well? Maybe we need to encourage bloggers more by being part of their community, as opposed to rubbernecking on Twitter?

There are a myriad of ways for conversations to take place. Sometimes little snapshots like Twitter are ideal, if you’re pressed for time. But isn’t it nice to get away from the noise at times, and relax where you have time and space to say what you really want?

What’s your take?

photo credit: Shirin K. A. Winiger

Enjoy this post? You might also like:

• The Twitter Rulebook
• 5 Ways to Ruin a Perfectly Good Twitter Relationship
• Why Bloggers Need to Protect Their Blog Community

More from across the web:

• What Is A Blog Roll? (The Arkayne Blog)

Why does a Facebook update affect you if you’re on Twitter, or writing on your blog? Think of your Status Update box. Many users of both Facebook and Twitter have their accounts synced, so when you post on Twitter it goes to your status box (or main feed). The same for blog posts – a lot of bloggers auto-update their Facebook status with their latest post.

Now, however, if that tweet or post includes an advertisement from the likes of Sponsored Tweets, or a paid review from a company like IZEA and other paid blogging services, Facebook would be in their rights to see that as part of their “unauthorized commercial communications”. This could, in return, see your Facebook account closed or deleted.

Of course, the easy thing to do would be for IZEA and other companies to talk to Facebook. Or, for people to stop syncing accounts and blogs (Twitter updates is something a lot of “just Facebook users” have already complained about). The question is, will people want to change their current set-up?

What’s your take? Do you sync accounts? Will this make you change or will you keep posting regardless? Or should advertising companies be the ones taking the proactive approach to work to a solution?

Enjoy this post? You might also like:

• Ten PR People to Follow on Twitter
• You’re Not That Big a Deal
• Making Twitter Sticky

More from across the web:

• Facebook Vs. Twitter (The Arkayne Blog)

I hope you check them out – they’re all worth getting to know.

1. Community. Kim Woodbridge (@kwbridge). I use WordPress for my blog as I love the whole WordPress community, and Kim Woodbridge sums up why perfectly. Always sharing great blogging tips through her wonderfully named (Anti) Social Development blog, Kim is wise, smart and uber-friendly.

2. Ladies of Twitter. Libby Unwin (@LibbyUnwin). Libby makes me laugh. She always has a witty quip ready for you, and she’s such a “girly girl” that it’s refreshing (and I mean that in the nicest way!). She clearly loves her family and anyone that hates bad grammar but can consistently forgive my typos is always alright by me!

3. Gentlemen of Twitter. Jon Aston (@JonAston). Jon could easily fall into the Marketing category, but he truly fits into the Gentleman one. He’s a continuous source of support, inspiration, knowledge, smarts and wit. He has time for everyone, and I mean everyone, and he’s probably the best mix of a post-hippy punk you could ever meet!

4. Non-Profits. Lotay Yang (@Lotay). Some people might say that Lotay already has more than 50,000 followers so why add more. It’s not about the numbers, though, it’s the person, and Lotay is one of the best. A businessman that created the Black Card Circle Foundation, encouraging affluent business people to combine for social change, Lotay is a true leader in the non-profit field and a constant inspiration.

5. Marketing. Anne Sorensen (@marketingisus). I love Australians. They’re some of the most laid-back and friendliest folk around, after Canadians, and Anne is no exception. Yet she’s also a great marketer that founded Marketing Is Us, and is one of the best examples of marketing and new media/technology coming together.

6. Public Relations. Narciso Tovar (@Narciso). What can I say about Narciso? Okay – he’s an outstanding PR pro. He uses amazing music analogies to tell the  stories on his blog. He writes in capital first letters on Twitter (love this trick!). He is a bundle of fun and energy. He’s friendly with a capital “F”. And much, much more… Go check him out already!

7. Social Media. Sarah Evans (@PRSarahEvans). Yes, Sarah could have sat nicely in the public relations category, but for the way she’s using social media to advance PR and more, she definitely falls within social media smarts. Just look at how she’s bringing journalists, bloggers, PR and others together with #journchat as an example. Or her use of social media to raise more than $100,000 for a local shelter? Awesome.

8. The “Everyone Should Know” Wildcard Entry. Lee Safar (@leesafar). Hey, another Australian – cool! Lee is a singer/songwriter that I only recently got to know via 12for12k. She has a great sense of humour, a really cool voice, a very cheeky attitude and is quite simply a blast. Just don’t mention webcams and dial-up technology to her…

Cheers, guys, for being who you are every day of the week.

Enjoy this post? You might also like:

• How to Sell Social Media – Twitter
• From Twitter to Blog – #FollowFriday Vol. 5
• From Twitter to Blog – #FollowFriday Vol. 2

More from across the web:

• How To Write Better Blog Posts (The Arkayne Blog)

There’s The Twitter Book from Tim O’Reilly and Sarah Milstein; the upcoming Twitterville from Shel Israel; the TwiTip blog from Darren Rowse; and I even chipped in with the Twitter Rulebook.

But for all these and the other numerous guides floating around online and off, they can all offering differing viewpoints. What’s needed is one coherent collection from a true Twitter expert.

Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce Larry Possum and the only Twitter tips you’ll ever need. Enjoy!

Enjoy this post? You might also like:

• You’re Not That Big a Deal
• Making Twitter Sticky
• From Twitter to Blog – #FollowFriday Vol. 6

More from across the web:

• Facebook Vs. Twitter (The Arkayne Blog)

I hope you check them out – they’re all worth getting to know.

1. Community. Khayyam Wakil (@iamkhayyam). Khayyam is an outstanding person and one that just keeps on giving. He’s one of these Twitter users that shares so much and never asks for anything in return. And away from Twitter he’s a pretty fine comedian as well – what’s not to like?
2. Ladies of Twitter. Mickey Gomez (@mickeygomez). One of the biggest hearts around, Mickey encapsulates everything that is right not just on Twitter, but the world. She offers unconditional support if you need it and anyone that plays a mean guitar like she does and is a fan of Joss Whedon is a-ok by me!
3. Gentlemen of Twitter. Matt Leonard (@mjleonard). To me, Matt is the epitomone of the phrase “gentle giant”. Who knows, maybe he’s only 5-foot but he looks like a big guy! This man is all heart – he’s an Internet marketer that doesn’t push, he wants to offer everyone a way to share their voice, and to Matt, family is everything. ‘Nuff said.
4. Non-Profits. Gabe O’Neill (@kidsareheroes). Simply put, Gabe inspires. We talk about heroes like our favourite sportsman, or actor, or musician. Gabe, on the other hand, makes every single child a hero. He shares their inspiring stories, encourages them to change the wold, and is a downright humble and awesome guy. Gabe, you rock man!
5. Marketing. Brian Carter (@briancarter). If you don’t already know Brian, you’re in for a treat. Not only is he an incredibly smart marketer who’s just launched TweetROI, he’s also an inanely funny comedian-type who thinks way outside any box. Check Google for his alter-ego Larry Possum to see the madness.
6. Public Relations. Heather Whaling (@PRtini). Heather is one of these people that sneak up on you and you realize you’ve been constantly learning from her without even knowing. She’s an incredibly smart PR gal that runs a great personal blog, and also one of the most engagingly chatty people I know.
7. Social Media. Brett Borders (@BrettBorders). Brett may not be as well known as people like Chris Brogan or Jason Falls, but his social media smarts are excellent. He runs the always entertaining Social Media Rockstar blog, and anyone that can be both a reformed hippie as well as lover of ambient music has definitely got my interest.
8. The “Everyone Should Know” Wildcard Entry. Avatar Koo (@avatarkoo). What can I say about Avatar Koo? Umm… she’s unorthodox; incredibly funny; entertaining; writes erotic romance stories; and for one hour in June, took 12for12k into the naughty side of life. Don’t take my word for it – go check her out now!

Cheers, guys, for being who you are every day of the week.

Enjoy this post? You might also like:

• From Twitter to Blog – #FollowFriday Vol. 2
• 5 Ways to Ruin a Perfectly Good Twitter Relationship
• From Twitter to Blog – #FollowFriday Vol. 1

More from across the web:

• 10 Ways To Increase Traffic To Your Blog (Brandon Hann)

My initial reaction to that was to ask the following question to the Twittersphere:

The responses came in thick and fast and they opened up a great stream of conversation for the next hour at least, with aspects to all sides of the original question.

David Spinks and Alex Tan opened up a great conversation around the question which you can read more of here.

From my own point of view, when I asked the question I was of the mindset that it leaned more toward ego as opposed to pride (or excitement at receiving praise). Did you really need to retweet the praise – couldn’t you just say thanks to the person who offered the praise?

But is that view right? Is it any different from having a testimonial page on a website, or asking for references for your LinkedIn account? Does the public conversation aspect of Twitter make it less “respectable” to promote your praise than a static site?

Someone mentioned that it’s like being at a cocktail party – you wouldn’t suddenly announce how great you are. Or would you?

So… is it ego, or is it pride? Is it being genuinely pleased or just being a pimp? Would you retweet praise verbatim about you? Over to you – the mic is yours.

Enjoy this post? You might also like:

• The Twitter Rulebook
• Picture Perfect (Or The Power Of The Avatar)
• It’s Not All About The Blog

More from across the web:

• Did Dan Choi Jump the Shark, or Has the Gay Community Forgotten What Real Activism Is? (HuffingtonPost)