So you've got a Facebook, and maybe a Twitter. Excellent. You're on the right track. These social media networks have two remarkably similar features. Facebook's "Status Update" and Twitter's "Tweet" seem to perform the same basic functions by updating your friends or followers. However, these similar services should be used in different ways. The Facebook audience and Twitter audience want to hear different things at different time.
When to go with Facebook
Facebook's friending process creates an entirely different relationship structure. Due to the this, Facebook status updates are "undirected" and meant to be conversation pieces. Use Facebook when you would like your fans to interact. By commenting on the update, your friends/fans can interact with each other based on the content you supply. Once such example is Newegg.com. Their status update, "What do you like most about Windows 7? Has it met or exceeded your expectations? Do you think it is the best OS Microsoft has released to date?" received 306 comments. The fans were able to interact with the community and with Newegg.com. Game developers could ask fans about features they like, or things they dislike in beta releases. Sparking conversation about a change in the company or game development is perfect content for Facebook.
Use Twitter When
Use Twitter when you have a piece of information you would like to disseminate through your follows. When you would like to used your followers as word-of-mouth supporters, Twitter is the ideal platform for your update. The nature of the Twitter's relationship is one-sided, making it more suitable for the dissemination of information, instead of a conversational platform. It would be ideal for releases of updates, such as the announcement of a beta, instead of asking for feedback. Interesting industry related news is also a good subject to send as an update. IndieGames.com uses this model, updating the indie gaming community on related news. It has the possibility of being retweeted and spreading.
It comes down to the communication type. Conversation? Facebook. Spreading the word? Twitter.
The right message has to be spread over the right network through the right service. Your Facebook friends won't want to listen to your Twitter news, and vice versa.
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