If you think you have never done any microblogging then think again. Have you ever tweeted, or posted a status update on Tumblr? There are few net savvy people who have not used social media in some form or the other. We have updated our status or shared a photo, or posted a video or audio that we have shared with either a closed group or the public, in general. This is microblogging, and if you use the social media then you are a microblogger.
Definition of Microblog
A Microblog is a type of weblog but instead of being a long narrative, it is a short message that a user or blogger can update and publish. These microblogs can be published by a variety of services such as social media, mobiles, e-mails, instant messaging, etc. A published post is called a micro post. A number of micro-posts create a microblog. The use of a service to create micro-posts and microblogs is called microblogging and the person who creates the micro-posts is called a microblogger. A microblog can be a short text message that is usually 200 characters or less, an image, a video or audio or any other digital media that is posted on the internet.
Who is Using Microblogging?
Microblogging fulfills a need of its users for faster communications. It doesn’t require much time or effort to create a microblog, and its reach is phenomenal. Its ease of use and the frequency with which it can be updated has made microblogging so popular that everyone who is using the internet is using it in some form or the other.
Professionals use it to share information and resources
Friends use it to keep in touch and share messages
Businesses use it to connect with their clients and customers and provide information about their products and services
Politicians use it for connecting with their supporter and pass on their messages.
Teachers and students use it to schedule classes, tests and share information.
People from all walks of life use microblogging as a way to stay connected and pass on information to each other.
Tools for Microblogging
Microblogging requires a platform on which the bloggers can post. One of the best platform or tools for Microblogging is Twitter. You cannot speak of microblogging without mentioning Twitter. Some other popular microblogging sites include:
Tumblr
Friendfeed.com
Posterous.com
Plurk.com
Google Buzz
Uses of Microblogging
What began as a way of keeping in touch and sharing news, information and updates, has now become a platform for promoting business, services and products online. Most microblogging sites have very high page ranks and provide a very valuable source for creating and enhancing the online presence and SEO of a business. They are a great source for free of cost quality backlinks. A microblogger can get a message across to very large number of people very quickly by posting a microblog and get a response from your followers almost immediately. Microblogging can do the following for you and your business:
