Twitter Tools | Student Affairs BreakDrink

Twitter Tools

by Jeff Jackson

Whether  you are planning to update Twitter on the go using your phone, or while you are sitting in front of your computer, there are many tools to pick from. Many people will simply update their status using Twitter.com, but some of you might want to explore additional tools that can help organize your online community.

(Please note: These tools, like technology should be, are constantly being updated.  We will try our best to keep you updated with the latest changes and features, but from time to time you may see an old image. Lastly, the following are tools I have actually used at one point. I encourage you to try as many as you need to find what works best for you. You can look at the links below this section for additional resources.)

TweetDeck is a non web-based tool that allows you to keep track of constant searches, group users, and trending topics, in addition to your standard Twitter stream, replies, and direct messages.  The most recent update to TweetDeck allows you to manage multiple Twitter accounts and update your Facebook status from TweetDeck, as well as view your friends’ Facebook statuses.  TweetDeck’s colors can be customized to fit your preferences.

Seesmic Desktop (formerly known as Twirl) is a non web-based tool.  It is newer than TweetDeck and provides similar functionality. Seesmic  is more of a social media manager than just a Twitter client. You can update facebook pages, LinkedIn, foursquare, and your Google Reader. You can also managing multiple Twitter accounts at one time. Seesmic is also active on Twitter, and you can find them at @seesmic. Seesmic has also developed a web-based version that you can run from within your browser window. It uses less memory without losing a lot of functionality. Seesmic is my client of choice.

Hootsuite is a web-based client, which means it will not slow down your computer.  Hootsuite recently made some great improvements to their online software. Hootsuite enables you to manage and update multiple accounts while providing you with statistics and custom searches.  The biggest plus is you can set a timer for those times you want to send a message but are not online.

These are just a few of the options out there for you. You can always look at oneforty for additional suggestions or just ask you new Twitter friends and I am sure you will get good advice.







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