We all know that brands are everywhere on Twitter and for many of us who tweet on a regular basis, a lot of brands are part of our stream. We think that is a good thing, but we find it surprising that so many brands are not actively searching for and truly connecting with their customers. What a lost opportunity for so many brands. So, in the interest of some case studies, we have picked two brands we follow. One is doing it right. And one SHOULD be doing it right, but it isn’t.
BRAND 1: 1-800-GOTJUNK? THEY ARE DOING IT RIGHT
Gotta love Da Junk!
Who would have thought that a junk removal company understands Twitter? Well, we are all better for it. The 1-800-GOTJUNK account is so cool. Why? Here are the reasons:
1. They clearly identify who they are. They say that we are the Twitter admin for the company.
2. They do not promote their business online in a spammy way.
3. They engage with people and create a world where junk is fun.
4. They connect with others and are very nice.
As a result, for us, the next time we need to clean up a room full of old unwanted stuff, we plan to DM the Junk Guys. Perfect.
BRAND 2: WEEI SPORTS RADIO: DOING IT WRONG
Start Engaging, Best Sports Talk Station in America
This one baffles us. As you know, WEEI is a Boston sports institution. But their Twitter account weeisports might as well be a Yankee fan. It… [insert well-known Yankee Fan expletive said by Red Sox fans here] Here are the reasons:
1. All they do is post links to their web site. Breaking news, updates, and interviews are fine. But 100% of the time? Has anyone ever seen an @ reply with EEI on Twitter?
2. Someone at the station needs to make the simple connection that Twitter is just like their main product: sports talk radio! Can you imagine the possibilities if they started engaging with their listeners online, just like they do on the radio?
3. Social media is an extension of radio, and Twitter can be the forefront, but they are losing the opportunity. Maybe they just don’t care, or don’t want to engage. Too bad, because…
Now I have started listening more to the The Sports Hub. Maybe they will understand. They talk about Twitter all the time, let’s see some @ replies.
You Have a Chance to Engage on Twitter and Beat EEI
Let’s see who wins.
Franky Benítez 
Nice post. I agree. The possibilities are almost endless for a radio station on Twitter. I am working with the group responsible for my company’s twitter and facebook presence and I have stated that it is not enough to promote our products, we have to engage in the community and show some positive personality before we can expect any brand recognition or loyalty.
Good for you. As much as companies feel that they will lose “control,” the reality is that with very little investment and a dedicated resource, social media is highly effective for brands. See you in Cali!
I agree that some “@” replies is all it really takes to REALLY get started on Twitter. You can’t just blast out links to your site. I mean, you can, but you’re not realizing your full potential.
Lately I’ve noticed that @garyvee is doing alot of replying on Twitter. Many of the tweets are just quick little notes that probably made the recipient’s day (“I got a reply from Gary!) Nevertheless, it’s real interaction.
Honestly, I think @julito77 probably does the most interacting, and I’m not kidding! It works.
Also, go Cards
I mean, sports talk radio is PERFECT for Twitter. Can you imagine, here is @IMakeOutWithJohnSmoltz with a question about the Cardinals. Go ahead. Yes, I love John Smoltz so much I want to marry him. Can I? Please RT?
HEYNOWWWWW, we need to keep things professional here, this is a serious blog, ya know? I understand Sawks Nation is upset that he gave up 31 runs in 31 innings -= it’s nobody’s fault that you have a lousy pitching coach.
Now let’s stay on topic.
BTW, I think the St. Louis Cardinals REALLY manage their Twitter presence well. We should do a case study on the 10-World-Series-winning St. Louis Cardinals.
Yes, the Cards do a nice job with their Twitter profile. Yes, let’s do a piece on sports teams that Twitter well. Say hi to Smoltzie for me.
What a great way to start the week! Thank you so much for this.
We love you, Junk Boy! Go Junk! Go Canada! Can’t wait for United/Arsenal this Saturday.
I first met Travis Dudfield, the brains behind 1800GOTJUNK, when his CEO was on a franchise radio show I was co-hosting. I DM’d him to get some inside information on what to ask Brian that no one else would know. Not only was he helpful, he since has become a great Twitter friend. They truly are doing it right!
Well, there you go. Travis is the best. I think 1800GOTJUNK should rule the world!
I am honoured (note the Canadian spelling there) and almost speechless. Thank you both for your kind words.
Oh, Canada… Love it!