Twitter is becoming a big phenomenon, especially for those looking to market their businesses, products and services; so should we really be surprised that celebrities are trying to use similar methods in order to market themselves? Of course not! But some are doing a much better job than others, naturally.
There’s an unwritten rule with Twitter (or maybe I have seen it [un]formally documented somewhere…who can be sure), that not all of your tweets should be self-promotional in order to establish a following. To market my business, I use Twitter to talk about news and tips related to the freelance writing industry, and link my own published articles. However, to use Twitter the right way; I make sure to tweet about things on the other end of the spectrum; things happening in the news, interesting things I’ve seen online, and even what I had for breakfast (okay, not actually – but other personal details about me).
Celebrities on Twitter need to consider the same rules when tweeting. When I joined Twitter, I started following a few celebrities on Twitter’s list of recommended users. Only a few have remained, and these are the ones who are effectively marketing themselves and their brands with a down-to-earth approach to Twitter. A few members of the Kutcher/Moore/Willis clan use Twitter and tweet like it will determine their survival. Of course, they too promote their projects, like any other smart Twitter user, but they bring themselves down from an idolized, celebrity status by tweeting about what they’re up to, funny things they saw online, and unlike me, actually use Twitter to tell their followers what they had for breakfast. When I read the tweets of Ashton Kutcher or Demi Moore, it’s like reading about any other unknown amongst those I follow (but I do also get a sense of voyeurism through getting a look into their lives from a first-hand perspective) . By appearing approachable, and even responding to other Twitter users, it’s an effective form of brand marketing, because if you’re like me, you want to help support people like you be successful at their craft.
Celebrities on Twitter who promptly found themselves removed from my list of followers gave off a “better-than-thou” aura and seemed too focused on only promoting their craft. One musician in particular, offers dry running commentary about the music industry on Twitter. After reading a few of this musicians tweets, I went back in time to see if this is all he uses Twitter for, and of course that’s what I found. We get it, you’re a multi-millionaire, major celebrity, so that makes you an expert on all things music (*gag*). Give me something else to hang onto; are you too good for YouTube? Do you read the news? When you travel, do you take note of your surroundings? I’d have to think you’re not so self-possessed; so tell us about it and the well-rounded mix of tweets will keep your followers interested.
The bottom line here? No matter who you are or what you do, Twitter can be an effective tool to market your brand if done right. So, celebrities on Twitter; get off your high horses and remember what it means to act like a normal human being and you’ll see your support growing.
Fellow Twitter users; if you’re wondering how to tell who’s a celebrity and who’s a phony; good luck. Some celebrity tweeters are all around fakes; others have their PR people post their news; and a select few really do travel the world with their iPhones, post pictures and create hilariously videos.
