TweetCluBB

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I have had some fun testing the various Twitter posting solutions. I can post from my blog, from my phone, my desktop, or any computer with an internet connection. With all of the information that will be coming through your business-related Twitter account, I would recommend settling for whatever solution allows you to quickly and easily check your feed, and that will let you differentiate between the general feed, replies to your tweets, and Direct Messages. Keeping everything on one feed using the Twitter.com web site may be the simple solution you are looking for, but I recommend a desktop solution.

A list of interesting Twitter apps can be found on Twitter’s App Page. Two of the Desktop clients that I am now evaluating are TweetDeck and Twhirl. I have been using TweetDeck for around a month or so, and have been very happy with it. It allows me to have individual panes open showing me my general feed, replies to my Tweets, and Direct messages. One of my favorite features is the Profile view that pops up when I need it. I get tired of apps that do nothing but redirect you to the web version of whatever it is you’re looking for. Having it all in one tidy package is definitely a big help.

Another interesting feature that I like about TweetDeck is the integrated TwitScoop pane that shows you the latest trending topics. Great way to see who’s talking about what.

TweetDeck

Unique TweetDeck Features:

• TwitScoop Integration – Another interesting feature that I like about TweetDeck is the integrated TwitScoop pane that shows you the latest trending topics. Great way to see who’s talking about what.
• Set your own Groups- A great feature for Business Twitterers. I have been steadily building my Follow list, but I don’t necessarily want to see EVERY update from some of the people that I follow. Grouping allows me to see posts only from the Twitter friends that I want to see, without having to unfollow others.
• Post Video through 12 Seconds – Great feature if you love doing video. I don’t, so I don’t really use this much.
• Pane Views- This is the primary feature that differentiates TweetDeck from Twhirl and other clients that I use. I run my 17″ laptop screen at 1920×1200 resolution, so I have no problem keeping a bigger window open that will show me everything that I need to see in one glance. For those that don’t necessarily have acres of screen real estate to spare, there is a sliding bar at the bottom that lets you leave the window small, but still have access to the other panes.
• Search Engine- A full search engine harnessing the power of Twitter Search. Another great solution integrated into the pane views of the program, allowing you to search for specific keywords without having to go into your browser.
• Facebook Integration- With the latest Beta release of TweetDeck, you are now able to add a pane dedicated to your Facebook friends updates. I’ll be honest- ever since I got on Twitter, I have left my Facebook account sitting on a shelf collecting dust. I’ve noticed that with this new version of TweetDeck, I now visit my Facebook page much more often to comment, answer messages, and deal with all of the Invites and Superpokes thrown my way.

Overall, as I mentioned, I’ve been very happy with TweetDeck. The one feature that I wish they would add is the ability to include multiple accounts. I have my primary account that I use for my network of ventures, but I have other miscellaneous accounts for other projects.

Twhirl’s Unique Features

• Multiple accounts – This is the big one! I currently have three secondary accounts that am plugged into through Twhirl. TweetDeck is great for all of the functionality, but it still keeps me logging into Twitter on my browser to check feeds from my other accounts. Twhirl has made it possible to keep all of my other accounts on my desktop, saving me a great deal of time every evening when I typically go through my feeds and responses.
• Client for other Social Networks- In addition to Twitter, Twhirl allows you to also access Friendfeed, Identi.ca and Laconi.ca. If you are into Vlogging, Twhirl’s got you hooked up with Seesmic as well. I’ll be honest – I haven’t played with these settings much, as i haven’t found a need to set up my own microblogging service. For those of you that are wondering, Identi.ca is a Twitter-like service based on the Laconi.ca platform. If you are wanting to set up your own decentralized Twitter-like service, take a look!
• Organization- TweetDeck keeps everything in one, long window. Twhirl splits each individual component into it’s own window that you can place wherever you wish on your screen. For some, this may get to be too much to keep up with. The great thing is, you can have it all go back into your taskbar with one click! The whole setup (even with multiple accounts open) takes up less real estate than a useable TweetDeck setup, so this may be a good compromise for those of you needing wiggle room on your screens.
• Search Functions- A bit more confusing for me than TweetDeck’s search. It seems like once you get the hang of it, Twhirl’s search may have a bit more functionality, though.

These are the two Twitter Desktop apps that I’m currently using. There are other solutions out there, and I look forward to reviewing them all. You would be hardpressed to establish an effective Twitter-based marketing or brand development campaign without making use of a capable desktop app. There’s just too much information to comb through having to rely on the simple Twitter browser or a mobile app. Those solutions are great in and of themselves, and will be featured in other articles. If you have any questions or comments, and are a member of the TweetClubb, feel free to call or write!