To strengthen its relationship with advertisers, today Twitter joined the ranks of its social media siblings – Facebook and Google – by launching brand pages. We recently wrote about Google+ extending its functionality for brand and business pages in this post.

So, what are Twitter brand pages and how can you use them as part of a greater marketing strategy?

Brand pages have a few key elements:

1.  Design: Pages can now be customized with large header images. Advertisers can use this to prominently display logos, taglines and product shots.  Brands can also choose a tweet to keep at the top of their time line. Customize your “top tweet” by embedding a photo from Flickr or a YouTube video.

2.       Interaction:  Brand’s @ replies and mentions are now separated from its feed. That means companies can respond to users without “diluting” it’s messaging.

Already, top organizations like American Express, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Nike and Paramount Pictures have signed up.  Learn how these organizations are using Twitter brand pages to add to their marketing strategies, here.

According to Twitter insiders, the move is just one part of a more comprehensive redesign strategy. Stayed tuned, we know we will. 

When it comes to technology and communication - we're always asking ourselves, "What's next?" That is why we launched our interactive web division 36i to further our clients' communication needs. It is also why we updated our business cards to feature QR codes.

Why? Access.

QR codes, or Quick Response codes, present the opportunity to offer more than just your name, telephone number, and email address. When the QR code on the business card of a Res Publica Group or 36i employee is scanned, the user is directed to that person's bio, including their LinkedIn and Twitter accounts.

We want you to know more about us.

A study conducted June 2011 revealed that 14 million mobile users in the U.S. have scanned a QR code on their mobile device. It shows that people want access to information immediately.

At Res Publica Group and 36i, we use QR codes to enhance clients' marketing and communication efforts. Given the popularity of SmartPhones and Droids, we see this as a trend that will likely stick around. 

From July 1, 2011 – August 31, 2011 the U.S. Postal Service will be giving a 3% discount on first class presort and standard postage rates for pieces containing a QR/mobile barcode. The promotion is designed to increase the value of Direct Mail and build awareness around integrating mobile technology into communications.

QR codes provide a connection between print and the digital world; when scanned, mobile barcodes can instantly direct users to a web page or display.

At Res Publica Group and 36i, we use QR codes to enhance clients’ marketing and communication efforts. Below is a sample of our latest work using the mobile technology on a client’s Direct Mail piece.

More information on this promotion is available here.

Have you been thinking about integrating mobile technology into your communication materials? Why not start now. We can help!