Twitter: 5 reasons why it's useful

For those in any doubt about the usefulness of Twitter, here's a small cross-section of South Wales tweets from yesterday afternoon.

They're from a range of organisations and they're all very worthwhile - and I'll try to explain why after each.

Crucially, they all talk directly to their audience (or 'followers') and importantly they all lead to useful info.

Ignore Twitter at your peril.

Tweeter South Wales Police
Twitter name swpolice
Tweet Officers Seize Fireworks http://fb.me/Epte419i
Useful because It links to a news item about advice on storage, underage sales and the anti-social elements of Guy Fawkes Night. Good PR, good public info.

Tweeter Cardiff Business Online
Twitter name CardiffBiz
Tweet Any FREE DESSERT when you order a starter and a main course at Mocka Lounge with the voucher here http://ow.ly/33hBa
Useful because It links to a hot eating out offer - and hopefully a few extra sales.

Tweeter Swansea University Students Union
Twitter name SwanseaUnion
Tweet Taking action for broke and broken postgraduate students! http://fb.me/tqb3MrtV
Useful because It links to a blog about the union marching on London urging the UK government to not cut higher education. Good to rally support and deliver a political message.

Tweeter Wales In Style
Twitter name WalesInStyle
Tweet Andy Fisher is the 3rd person to Pack His Bags to WIN a stylish break in Wales. Enter now - http://ow.ly/33joF
Useful because It links to a promotional competition, creating strong PR, customer interaction and a little bit of fun.

Tweeter Bishop Gore School, Swansea
Twitter name bishopgore
Tweet Boys PE Extra Curricular Oct View http://bit.ly/94PYAh
Useful because It links pupils to important information.