Should PRs pitch on Twitter?
No.
Well, that’s what I always tell PRs when I run training sessions. Why? Because I find it impossible to explain to twitter newbies exactly how and when it *might* be OK to do so. But am I too hardline?
Maybe.
I mean when I run training sessions most people are new to Twitter full stop, forget the marketing applications (ick) of the service. But could PRs have an authentic and relevant conversation about a client on Twitter? Hmmm…
Willing to accept I am not the Social Media equivalent of a Delphi Priestess I instead asked some of my on- and offline writing contacts to “B*tch about the Twitter Pitch”. Over to them……
The majority said:
“Not at all” or “Not unless I know you”“
However some pointed out that if you know eachother, you already know how they prefer to be pitched, and would have their email/phone contacts to do so.
Of those who were fine with it (and I’m not listing their names to avoid them getting inundated) they advised:
- DM’s preferable
- Further to the above, ONE DM ONLY, preferably with a link to further info
- Once you’ve said it, then leave it with them, don’t pester
- Relevancy is still important! Don’t just pitch them because they have a lot of followers…
- Works best if you can see they’re online and having a relevant conversation, otherwise email would be better
In general Twitter feels quite personal to people, they would prefer for you not to try and start a “business” conversation with them unless they open themselves up to it, for example with a request for information via Twitter.
Oh, and most said the personal nature of Twitter went double for Facebook. So don’t switch your pitch to there.
Good luck out there.
