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Twittering

What a Twit.
And we really mean it!

If you haven’t heard of Twitter yet… it’s possible that you’ve been living under a rock. Twitter is the phenomenon of 140-character ‘status updates’ of sorts, only available to any and all on the web. And in case you really haven’t heard of it… it’s kind of a big deal. Celebrities, individuals and companies alike, are flocking to this community to interact directly with friends, fans and customers. Many companies though, are still trying to grasp the why’s and how’s of using Twitter to grow their brand. At 20nine, we believe there’s very real value in this whole business of tweeting, so we thought we’d help you discover what all the buzz is about.

The Promotional Twit- some companies are pushing sales promotions out directly to their followers on the site, driving sales and brand loyalty. Dell Computers used it to alert customers to exclusive product offers this past holiday season, driving in over $1 million in Twitter-related revenue. Companies like JetBlue, Southwest, Royal Caribbean, and even the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, are spotlighting special deals and events through their branded Twitter pages. Southwest Airlines alone, has over 23,000 followers.

The CRM Twit- many corporations are utilizing Twitter to elevate the level of customer service they can provide by reaching out directly to their target audiences and encouraging interaction. It also gives customers a place to feel personally involved in the brand. Frank Eliason, Comcast’s Director of Digital Care, spends countless hours each day managing the ComcastCares Twitter page, fielding comments and questions, and providing support to 16,000+ followers. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and over 100 other healthcare facilities, are tweeting directly from the OR, creating open and educational dialogue with students, medical professionals and possible patients as well.

The Researcher Twit- this is really the core of how companies are leveraging the power of Twitter to conduct market research, using it to discover and learn about what their target audiences really want out of their brand. Volvo and Land Rover used it to introduce new models at this year’s New York Auto Show, promoting the product and event while giving followers a place to leave their thoughts on the designs and features. Even Pizza Hut is getting in on it, hoping to hire a “summer twintern” to interact with customers and track product/brand feedback to report back to executives with. Whole Foods uses feedback from their 500,000+ followers to evaluate product and service offerings at a corporate level and promote individual store Twitter sites as well.

The simple fact is that Twitter, does indeed, have a place in the world of marketing. To learn more about how a twit can be a good thing for your brand, call 20nine today. Or, because we don’t believe in handing out advice without taking it ourselves, start following us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/20ninedesign

For more information, please contact Alison at 610-238-0450 or Alison@20nine.com.

It’s Sunny.
And Warm.
And 5 o’clock Somewhere.

Baseball games and BBQs and beaches. It''s no secret – we've got warm weather on the brain. And really, what better way to usher in the season than with a drink in hand and good friends/ Check out ours & then send us YOUR favorite drinks – we'll schedule a "tasting day" and let you know if any of our minds have been changed. Anything for our readers!

Brandon – Asian Pear Mojito. Find it on the menu at PF Changs.

Justin – water from the hose. Tastes like Copper.

Kevin – Patron Silver Margarita. On The Rocks.

Ally – Mojito. Any kind. Orange or Pomegranate kind of rock my world.

Mike – Hoegaarden Original White. Citrus & Spice and Good All-Around.

Ashley – Traditional Mint Mojito. Noticing a pattern?

Greg – Absolute Pears, Apple juice and a splash of Cranberry...can't remember the name of it, but if you drink enough of them...you won't remember your own name

Alex – Tequila Shooters. For Real.

John – Corona. And Lime. Obviously.

 

Upcoming Work

Augustinians

Augustinians: Augustinian Fund Website

The Order of Saint Augustine was formed 750 years ago as a medicant order, charged with preaching, teaching and mission ministries. In 2006, 20nine helped the Augustinians launch the Augustinian Fund. Since its introduction, the Fund has raised over $1.5 million for the missions, prison ministries, the Augustinian Volunteers, the Justice and Peace program, and the aged and infirm. 20nine has continue to work with the Augustinians since the launch and as the Fund has grown, so has its online presence. As part of our ongoing relationship, 20nine will help the Augustinians launch a newly updated and redesigned Fund website in May.

VirtuaBaby

Featured Project

Virtua: VirtuaBaby

Virtua is a multi-hospital healthcare system headquartered in Marlton, NJ. Its mission is to deliver a world class patient experience through its programs of excellence in women's health, children's health, cancer/oncology, cardiovascular health, neurosciences, orthopaedics, surgery and wellness. 20nine worked with Virtua to design and help launch the new VirtuaBaby identity. This new brand for the OB division of Virtua features a fully interactive microsite with a personalized portal for expectant mothers to access and update important pregnancy information, along with a coordinating date-book full of facts, tips and resources to help guide women through their new relationship with Virtua.

Click here to check it out 20nine.com