Twitter Management Tools

In order to stay visible on Twitter, you’ll be most effective if you post more frequently than you do to other social networks. Finding tools that integrate well with Twitter can be more of a challenge since the company cracked down on third-party developer tools for Twitter, but there are still some useful ones available.

Here is a list of tools that can help you better manage your Twitter account:

1. Message management including monitoring, scheduling, and link tracking.

Tweetdeck – Tweetdeck is a tool owned by Twitter to help you manage multiple Twitter interactions or accounts. Access it on the web using a web browser or desktop app and use it to follow specific accounts or hashtag and keyword conversations.

Tweetchat – Use this app to participate in live, organized Twitter-based conversation called Twitterchats or “Twitter Parties.” Tweetchat lets you monitor a live conversation using a specific hashtag and you can post to the conversation, automatically tagging your tweet with the same hashtag. Examples of hashtags for Twitterchats include #winechat and #blogchat.

Bit.ly – A popular URL shortener that reduces web links to fewer characters and access tracking and analytics for the links you share. Note that Twitter also shortens URLs automatically in your tweets and Facebook penalizes shortened URLs in posts. Bit.ly adds an additional layer of measurement to your metrics.

GroupTweet – Bring in several contributors to send tweets through a single group Twitter account. This is an affordable way to have team members share the load.

Tweriod – Find out the best times to tweet based on your followers’ activity on Twitter so your tweets are more likely to be seen.

Mentionmapp – See a visual map of your connections and conversations to discover new Twitter accounts to follow and engage with others.

2. Managing friends and followers.

Commun.it – Manage your Twitter relationships including identifying your influencers, prospects and relevant people to follow. Use this service to clean up your Twitter followers and invite your team to help manage multiple Twitter accounts. Also works with Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Followerwonk – Analyze your followers, where they are located and when they’re tweeting to help you find and connect with influencers on Twitter. Connect one profile for free then fee-based for more accounts. Manage one profile with limited access for free or purchase the Target level for three profiles for $29/month and get more analytics.

ManageFlitter – Multiple tools including PowerPost to pick the best times to tweet, Unfollow to clean up who you are following on Twitter, and other tools to improve who you follow plus analytics. The free version offers limited Account Cleanup and limited Grow Your Account features. The Pro version starts at $12/month.

Tweepi – Helps you find relevant users who may be interested in what you tweet and engage with them to manage and grow your following. Sign up for free to test it out. Plans start at $10.75/month.

3. Monitoring conversations with email alerts.

Twilert – An app that sends you regular email updates when your brand, product, hashtag or any other keyword is mentioned on Twitter. They offer a 30-day free trial then paid levels start at $9/month.

Warble.co – Free daily email alerts for keywords, phrases, #hashtags, @mentions and other criteria taking place on Twitter.

The landscape of Twitter-related tools is constantly changing as some close down and new ones pop up. A quick Google search for the type of tool you need should turn up useful ones. Many of them offer a free version or a free trial. Check them out before paying for them to make sure they enhance your Twitter use and analysis.