When describing Twitter hashtags to clients, we typically describe them as a method for aggregating similar content and community building. Basically, when a Twitter user tags a keyword with the hash - or pound symbol (#) - the Tweet will appear in the conversation thread on that specific topic.
In the past year and a half, many online Twitter chats have cropped up - more than 100 Twitter chat schedules are tracked here. Reminiscent of AIM chat room-style group discussions, this more refined method of group dialogue allows Twitter users to virtually meet with people throughout the Twitterverse. By tagging their posts with the same hashtag, users can follow the conversation surrounding their shared topic of interest. Most groups have a set time they meet each week and typically, a moderator will field questions and pose them to the group to ensure the dialogue continues to flow.
Chat groups are always welcoming new participants and even if you don't feel like interacting, interested individuals can simply follow along with the group's hashtag at their designated meeting time. Twitter chat groups provide a uniquely useful and efficient method for connecting, interacting and learning. Public relations and communications chat groups allow industry newcomers, seasoned experts and everyone in between to provide and share a variety of perspectives and obtain 140-character snapshots of qualitative insights. For example, @Mikinzie, a PR college student, participates in #prstudchat because she values this weekly time to network with "awesome PR pros who are always willing to talk/ help."
While I haven't found the time to commit to a PR or health care chat group on a regular basis (many props to those who take time after the work day to network and learn), I have tuned in to #journchat, one of the first live chats hosted via Twitter. This group for PR practitioners and journalists has garnered more than 6,400 followers since its start in November 2008. Another hashtag of interest for me is the #hcsm tag. The health care communications and social media community uses this tag throughout the week as well as during their weekly Sunday chat to discuss relevant articles, new studies and creative ideas. Chat moderator Dana Lewis said, "Not only can you share ideas and content with others, but you can also test new theories and try out new tactics on a group that can help your idea become an overnight viral success. Twitter chats have few barriers, so there's really not a limitation to participate and engage."
If you are new to the online Twitter chat world, I suggest your check out #chatmixer, a collaboration of Twitter chats virtually meeting tonight, March 9 from 8-9 p.m. EST. According to co-host Justin Goldsborough, this is the first time all public relations and social media Twitter chats will "join forces" and collaborate in one giant online chat. Justin and his co-hosts Heather Whaling and Valerie Simon hope this event will allow the members of eighteen different chat communities to come together, make new connections and build personal relationships.
I find myself agreeing with #chatmixer co-host Heather, the scope of a given chat group can remain limited "despite the fact that there are thousands upon thousands of your peers online," she remarked in a recent blog post. Even with a national span of people from an array of organizations, it seems like the same group of Twitter users regularly exchange information. If you feel like you have a "relatively insulated network," tune in to #chatmixer tonight to expand your network and learn from a highly-connected and digitally-conscious group of communications folks.
Last week, my colleague Erin discussed her amazing experience stemming from an online Twitter chat hosted by @MayoClinic. The Mayo Clinic's physician-led online discussions are an excellent example of Twitter chats as a technique to support a business-driven strategy. Beyond industry-focused chats primarily used for sharing information and networking, I'm interested in brainstorming ways to utilize Twitter chats for clients. Does anyone have a case study or example to share? Have you ever used Twitter hashtag chats as a PR tactic for a client?
Maybe I'll bring these questions up at #chatmixer tonight, and see if the group has any strategies or models to share!
Tags: #chatmixer, #prstudchat, Hashtag, hcsm, Twitter
Kaitlin, thanks so much for sharing #chatmixer with your readers. We hope to see you on the chat! You raise some good questions about chats for clients. That could be a whole blog post on its own!
See you tonight!
Heather
@prTini