Jul
9
Five Awesome Things You Can Do with Twitter
12 Days of Twitter :: Day 8
(What the heck are the 12 days of Twitter?)
So far on the 12 Days of Twitter series, I’ve blogged about the how-tos and the don’t dos. I’d like to take a break from anything that looks like rules and show you five awesome things you can do with Twitter that might surprise you.
1) Did You Know You Can Automatically Tweet New Blog Posts?
If you’re a WordPress blogger, TwitterTools is my favorite WordPress plugin for Twitter. It gives you the option in each post to automatically post a link to Twitter when you hit the Publish button.
Step 1: Install and activate the Plugin (directions here)
Step 2: Update the settings
It’ll even give you the option of adding your tweets as a post on your blog. Take a look at all the options. It has a lot of potential.
2) Did You Know You Can Track a Package via Twitter?
To receive Direct Message updates on a FedEx, UPS, DHL or USPS package, start by following Twitter user TrackThis. Once they follow you back, you’ll be able to send a DM to TrackThis with your tracking number. Whenever your package reaches a new destination, you’ll get an update.
Step 1: Follow TrackThis
Step 2: Send a Direct Message with the tracking number, followed by a nickname for the package. Example: “D trackthis 09356676312 Kindle”
3) Did You Know You Can Use Twitter to Update Google Calendar?
You can connect your Twitter account and your Google Calendar to add events to your calendar by Direct Message. It’s like having a personal assistant!
Step 1: Follow the instructions at Twittercal.com to get set up
Step 2: Send a Direct Message to gcal to enter a new calendar appointment. Example: “D gcal meeting with John P at Twisted Root on Saturday July 10 at 1:00 PM”
4) Did You Know You Can Use Twitter as an Alarm Clock?
You can use Twitter as a way to get reminders for appointments, phone calls, etc. Start by following Twitter user Timer. Once they follow you back, you’ll be able to send a DM to Timer with your request. When it’s time for your appointment, you’ll get a reminder. It will work best if you turn on SMS updates for Timer so you actually get audibly pinged when you’re away from your computer.
Step 1: Follow Timer
Step 2: Send a Direct Message. Include when you want the reminder (30 minutes from now) and the message for yourself. Example: “D timer 30 Go to Fry’s”
In 30 minutes, you’ll receive a Direct Message with a reminder to “go to Fry’s”.
5) Did You Know You Can Visually See What Your Friends are Doing?
TwitterForBusyPeople.com gives you a more visual view of your friends on Twitter. If you don’t have time to read all the tweets from everyone, let yourself browse by viewing just the latest tweet from people by hovering over their picture. It’s broken up into people who have tweeted in the last hour, the last day, or more than a day ago.
It’s a pretty awesome way to browse through tweets!
I have to give a shout out to Amit Agarwal from Digital Inspiration. He has even more tips in his very amazing Twitter Guide.
Read More
Introduction to the 12 Days of Twitter
Day 1: The Secret Code: What are all those initials and symbols?
Day 2: Use TweetDeck to Manage Conversations
Day 3: Share Your Funny Anecdotes While They’re Still Funny
Day 4: Follow Responsibly
Day 5: 3 Newbie Mistakes Made by New Tweeters
Day 6: Use Twitter Search to Connect and Find
Day 7: Twitter Mobile
Day 9: Mix it Up!
Day 10: If You’re Not a TweetDeck, You Might Be a Seesmic
Day 11: Twitter for Prizes and Profit
Day 12: Schedule Tweets in Advance
