Twitter Lists are finally here! In response to user feedback regarding the site’s previous inability to group relationships beyond following each other, Twitter rolled out a new feature to all users recently. I was thinking a lot about this new development for the third largest social network and how it will impact the way we use Twitter.

This has some amazing benefits for small businesses in how they can organize or otherwise endorse people they follow. There isn’t (and likely, shouldn’t) be best practices for using Twitter Lists; however, I’ll share a few suggestions to spark your imagination.

The reason for Twitter Lists is here is because of the missing ability to group followers together. This is akin to “Buddy Lists” that AOL Instant Messenger popularized in the nineties. One difference though, Twitter Lists can be private or public and people can follow each other’s lists without resulting in an influx of people they follow.

This is an illustrated example of a Twitter List. (Credit: Twitter)

Many have speculated this is now the next metric on how to measure ‘success’ on Twitter. There are folks who support the innovation and there are those who feel it’s a step back for the once-simple information network. Either way, it will be a new way we find relevant groups or communities on Twitter. It’s like #FollowFriday, but organized.

There is one group, especially, that should pay close attention to the Lists they are on:
Small Business.

In the world of becoming noticed and noticing others, Twitter has become a very equitable platform — everyone has a chance to connect to their desired audience and engage. A noisy platform that has casts on the numbers of followers one has. Instead of becoming obsessed with the number of followers you’ve amassed (or not); pay attention to the lists you’re enrolled on and see which associates you’ve attracted.

Now would be a great segway to let you know that you can see which Twitter Lists we found ourselves on. It’s pretty interesting to see how people categorize us. You can add us to your lists and let us know how we help you.

This unfiltered feedback is how people view you and your brand. It’s often a reflection on how your contributions are being received. Take that feedback and do what you will. I’ve yet to see anything truly shocking with it other than it’s a good way to validate branding effectiveness. Of course, it could just be another means for gaming Twitter fame with an audience.

Here are suggestions for how a small business could leverage Twitter Lists:

1. Highlight Employee Accounts – We know some companies encourage employees to Tweet. This would be a healthy why to highlight and endorse one’s relationship with the company.
2. VIP’s – Does your business make use of VIPs or similar rockstars that could be a street team for your brand? Highlight them and they highlight you.
3. Industry Peers – Do you associate yourself with industry associations or peers? On Twitter, it’s not about competition but collaboration. Share it!
4. Relevant People – There has to be someone in your industry who is great on Twitter. Showing humility and embracing talent on Twitter is a great service for your audience to help grow your audience.

There are probably more ways on how your small business could benefit from Twitter Lists. If you need help, Mashable has pretty straightforward guide explaining Twitter Lists. But the point here is to think how you could benefit others through your lists. Putting yourself second to your customers, prospects and peers in turn puts you ahead in the game.

What are you using Twitter Lists for? Share it in the comments!

[Photo credit, made via Twitlogo]

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