Russ DeVeau on Twitter

This is a great example of what I consider to be a highly effective use of a direct message (DM) on Twitter. The message demonstrates how valuable DMs can be when used strategically to drive visibility and place messages.

Gemalto sent this DM last weekend. The message gives communities and influencers a fresh opportunity to take a look at the news, share it with their own networks and perhaps drive another round of traditional and social media coverage based on the content.

The DM tells me what I need to know about the status of the news and what I need to do to continue interacting on Twitter.

The message was likely sent to everyone who follows Gemalto and SafeNet and seems to be a good use of automated tweets.

I’m not always a fan of automated tweets and messages. But when used strategically, DMs can be an extremely effective tool for raising the awareness of a wide range of initiatives on Twitter.

Seeing these two organizations in the same DM reminded me of the proactive work I’ve done with both companies. Gemalto was a winner of the 2009 IDDY Award, a global program I launched, managed and promoted for four years.

I had the opportunity to work with SafeNet executives in 2004 when I managed a security-focused daylong industry analyst and media tour in Manhattan. That incredibly successful event took place during a time when all eyes were beginning to focus on web security issues and included some very talented spokespersons.

Twitter didn’t exist when I headed up the NYC SafeNet security tour. Fast forward to today and Twitter and Twitter DMs are among my go-to tools for proactively and strategically working with influencers around the world. – Russ DeVeau

Epic #McFail or social media growing pains?

There are some great lessons from the McDonald’s #McDStories campaign that should be noted by any organization or PR firm looking to leverage social media as part of their overall communications strategy.

Every possible angle – including what could possibly go wrong angles – must be considered and addressed during the campaign planning process.

The substantial – and pretty much negative – press and social media coverage resulting from the McDonald’s #McDStories campaign did spark my interest in taking a look at the McDonald’s Twitter page.

I generally believe the majority of tweets issued by an organization should come from a single enthusiastic voice and help support brand positioning objectives. That doesn’t seem to be the case right now over at @McDonalds.

Perhaps the McDonald’s Twitter team should consider issuing a “Good McMorning!” every now and then. – Russ DeVeau

– Should a social media contest be on your content calendar?

– Russ DeVeau on community and social media management

Tag: Russ DeVeau on Twitter

Twitter direct messages, an IDDY winner and a Manhattan press tour