A Tweetup does not refer to the latest Twitter application, but rather an actual face-to-face meeting of Twitter users or any other social media community.

Whether the audience attends for networking or inspiration, the events are a win-win because the guest also benefits by bringing attention to his or her product or business. In his article, “How to Use Tweetups as a Marketing Strategy,” Conrad Hall describes how Kelly Olexa organized a Tweetup through Facebook. She is now well-known as the person responsible for bringing social media maven and best-selling author Gary Vaynerchuk to Chicago.

The two prerequisites for a Tweetup are a local crowd (a couple of hundred is fine) and of course a common interest. Although the event can be organized through any social network, Twitter is a favorite. With its array of applications, you can easily target an interested local crowd. In addition to launching your company into the spotlight, Tweetups can establish you as an influencer of opinion and a source for getting the word out about a product or service.

SSN Take: Taking advantage of Tweetups can satisfy your customers’ desire for in-person networking and boost the credibility and reputation of your company.

David Hardt, March 30, 2010

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