Like so many businesses out there, perhaps you've opened a Twitter account for your brand or business and have gained a handful of followers but aren't really sure how to grow your following or what to do next. With a little effort, you can take your Twitter account from stark anonymity to massive popularity. Follow these tips and take your Twitter account to the next level of marketing. This is part 1 in a 3-part series. Blog How To Twitter best twitter tools social media twitter management tools twitter toolkit Twitter tools MORE >>

The social impact of online videos has been widely reported. One of the latest examples is Rebecca Black, who became a YouTube phenomenon since her “Friday” music clip hit the Net. The teenage girl is now featuring on superstar Katy Perry’s new video “Last Friday night” , premiered this week on VEVO. Thus making a big impact on the online video scene can provide you a golden ticket. Brand, business and even cities are using web video to enhance their public image. Basically, they promote their activity through corporate videos, in order to get financial support and gain new shareholders. MORE >>

Andrew Hanelly creates and executes digital strategies for clients at TMG Custom Media. Your intern has more Twitter followers than you do. That is great. But what happens when she gets offered that gig with the agency across town? Will your corporate blog survive? How about that snarky Twitter account or well-maintained Facebook page? Though much of management is wearing the “social media strategy” hat in the board room, the work gloves of “implementation” are being worn by interns more often than you might think. Don’t believe me? Respond to customer service queries via social media. MORE >>

A study carried out by Sensis shows how consumers are using social networks. Here are some of the findings: 12% research products they’re interested in purchasing. 11% follow brands in hopes of receiving special offers. 12% research travel offers or holiday destinations. 15% follow or search for information on specific brands. Of course, most people are using the social networks for personal reasons, but you should pay attention to these numbers. So what industries are represented? Clothing/fashion = 42% consumer researchers. Electrical goods = 39%. Home furnishings = 28%. Music = 19%. MORE >>

Photograph by Pete Souza. This Feature Friday article is written by Jessica Wagner. It sounds staggering but President Barack Obama will likely break $1 billion in political fundraising for his 2012 re-election campaign. While this number is mind boggling and sure to incite its share of political debate, that kind of dough being generated for a presidential election is no surprise in a world where political campaigning is now as much a war fought online as it is a battle waged on television. That fund is the basis for public financing, though checking the box does not cost you anything. MORE >>