20 Sep Twitter Marketing Content Inspiration: ESPN “Dictionary”
Recently, the Cleveland Browns made a surprising personnel move, trading running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for future a draft pick. That said, we’re not here to talk about sports (as much as I would like to). We’re here to talk about how this announcement was covered, or rather commented on via social media, and more importantly, what can you learn from it to help develop your Twitter marketing content. Read on.
The Tweet
Following the trade, the ESPN Twitter handle made this comment:
Future (n): 1. Time regarded as still to come. 2. What the Cleveland Browns are building towards.
— ESPN (@espn) September 19, 2013
As fun as it can be to poke fun at the Browns, this tweet goes far beyond that and demonstrates true innovative thinking. How? Allow me to explain.
Why is this Tweet Worth Mentioning?
There are three main reasons why this tweet is just so darn good:
1. It’s Funny and Original
Making fun of the Cleveland Browns isn’t exactly a difficult task (apologies to all Browns fans). However, when you tackle a subject so many have before you, it can be difficult to be original. This tweet remains hilarious while avoiding hackneyed phrasing.
2. It’s a Clever Piece of Commentary
Although there’s much of the season left, it appears as though the Browns, through this trade, have admitted they’re already looking to next year. Conveying that idea with a fake dictionary entry is clever and unique. It says so much with so little.
3. It’s Eye Catching
Before you even read it, this tweet stands out just because of the way it’s formatted. This characteristic leads into my next point, and what you should be thinking about while you’re developing future content.
Think Vertically
People, including myself, tend to forget that Twitter allows a bit of creative freedom when it comes to formatting. The 140 character limit is just that, a character limit. It’s not a spacial limit. Hitting that enter key only costs you one measly character, and, at the same time, opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Now, in your future tweets, consider things like bulleted lists, multiple choice questions, Q&As, and quotations and attributing their authors. In this case, your creativity is your constraint, not a character count.
What are some uniquely formatted tweets you have seen? Share in the comments.
