With hundreds of Twitter tools readily available and many more launching on a daily basis, it can be quite a daunting task to work out which are worth signing up for – and which aren’t.
So, we at Onlinefire thought we’d let you know about six Twitter tools we really like and why…
1. Bit.ly – shorten, share and track links
Fast surpassing TinyURL, Bit.ly is an intelligent link shortening service which lets you share content quickly and easily. But that’s not all it does. Bit.ly tracks traffic information in real-time and can tell you where your link is being shared and how many people are clicking on it. Very useful stuff if you want to measure and evaluate the impact of your tweets.
Even handier than that, Bit.ly highlights top trends relating to your links, which means that you can access useful nuggets of information, such as the five hottest web pages related to your interest topic, or which social networks are sharing links to your web page on any given day.
2. HootSuite – Twitter management
HootSuite lets you manage all your Twitter profiles in one place. It’s a godsend if you’re trying to keep on top of multiple tweets. Another useful option is the pre-schedule tweet button, letting you stager your messages throughout the day.
HootSuite tracks user engagement by summarising your link statistics and individual tweet stats, letting you see at a glance which tweets have generated the most interest within the Twitter community. It also tells you who your top referrers are and where they are in the world.
3. Trendsmap – real-time local Twitter trends
We all know about Twitter Trending Topics, the global system which highlights Twitter trends, but what about Twitter users in your area – what do they care about?
Trendsmap allows you to drill down and find out exactly that, by mapping trends at a local level. Understanding what local Twitter users are talking about means you can tailor your messages to ensure they are both timely and relevant.
4. Digsby – the ‘Twittteractive’ desktop application
Digsby is a wonderful tool for incorporating Twitter into your everyday life. Once you have downloaded the programme, you’re able to update, reply, ReTweet or direct message straight from your desktop.
Your Twitter stream is updated in unassuming pop-up windows and archived in a button on your toolbar. So you can keep track of what’s going on without ever having to visit the site.
5. Brizzly – The dashboard of all dashboards
Brizzly is a brand new web dashboard for Twitter that makes organising Twitter lists, trends and DMs a breeze.
It includes real-time update alerts for @replies and DMs, and includes a ‘mute’ option that allows you to prioritise who you want to see in your Twitter stream and who you don’t. Clever.
6. TwitPic & BubbleTweet – Add photos and video to your Twitter profile
TwitPic allows you to post pictures to your Twitter stream and alert your readers automatically and in ‘real-time’. It integrates seamlessly with your Twitter profile and you are updated when anyone comments on your photo.
BubbleTweet is a lovely invention which gives your Twitter profile that personal touch. Making Twitter even more interactive, you can add an introduction video in the form of a bubble which pops up and plays when a new user visits your profile page.
**Image from Technobuzz
