Marketing Monday: If Wrens Could Tweet
June 15, 2009
Article in: Bird Conservation
The House Wrens in our parent’s backyard chatter from pre-dawn to sundown. Their rattling and scolding barely subsides during a thunderstorm and when their voices return, it is a sure sign the rain has stopped.
If wrens could use Twitter they would not have too many followers. Their constant raukus would be overwhelming to even the most obsessed tweeter. The repitition would make it difficult to sift through the onslaught of information.
Tweeting often and about essentially pointless things is poor marketing.
If mockingbirds could use Twitter, they would constantly retweet other people’s messages, never finding a voice of their own. They would surely grab your attention but it would be short-lived as you grew tired of them.
Retweeting is fine, but overdone it is a bad thing. Giving props for others ideas is always a great idea. But coming up with your own spin or thought on a subject is even better.
If Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (or Great Crested Flycatchers in our area) could use Twitter, every tweet would be about themselves, their greatness, and how cool they are. Every detail of their life would be in the forefront.
Self promotion is necessary when using Twitter, but you can only say “Read my blog now” in so many ways before it loses its effect.
So what bird would represent the best tweeter? Perhaps a Prothonotary Warbler. Their eye-catching color would attract a lot of followers. Their subtle, yet strong voice would grab your attention. Their propencity to vanish, providing only fleeting glimpses would leave you hungry for more.
Tweet like a Prothonotary Warbler: be noticeable and unique but not overbearing. Be bold but not self-indulgent. Share your space with other warblers (Twitterers) by retweeting and give your audience a reason to come back for more.
What bird do you think identifies best with Twitter and could provide a better representation than the usual blue bird?
Look for upcoming tips on how to integrate twitter into your blog and make better use of this interesting web application. There are several websites fully dedicated to Twitter, but we’ll bring a focus on how the conservation community can benefit from this free service.
And don’t forget to follow us!!
