Wanna Add an Extra 1,000 Words to Your 140-Character Tweets?

As most newbies and Twitter-a-holics alike know, Twitter only allows 140 characters per “tweet” or status update. This being the case, then, how can one possibly squeeze 1,000 extra words into a tweet with a 140-character limit? Easily! Ever heard the expression a picture is worth one thousand words? By using third party Twitter tools to integrate photos or pictures into your Twitter feed — such as Twitpic.com or TweetPhoto.com — you can enhance your tweets beyond the standard 140-character limit.

There are many tweets out there in the Twittersphere that could have been significantly improved with a corresponding photo or graphic. Yes, a text tweet can work well but a text tweet with an associated photo or image showcasing a product, an event or a promo plug of some kind can double the power of your tweeted message.

For example, here’s a very recent text-only tweet by a Morgantown, WV WV-based outdoor clothing and equipment business called Adventures Edge:

“Just received a really nice donation of tents and sleeping pads for Haiti. Keep it coming!” How great would it have been if a photo of the actual donation had been included along with that tweet? Sure, a photo is not a must but boy, it sure would have been a plus!

Here’s another quick text-only tweet by Blue Smoke Salsa of West Virginia:

“We have weathered the storm and we are in full swing here @ Blue Smoke…salsa bubbling in pots and Valentine baskets are being made.” Wow, this tweet was MADE to partner with a great photo of the salsa-making folks hovering over those bubbling pots!

Keep in mind that the web is a highly visual medium. While content and text are great, a corresponding photo will always pack a punch and extend the reach, interest and story-telling capability of every tweet you chirp.