A Twitter chat is a fantastic way for brands to build a solid relationship with their audience. It’s typically an hour-long discussion via Twitter about a topic that is relevant to both the chat host and participants– anything from what it’s like to go to university for the first time to a new album from a celebrity rap artist.

But it’s not enough to choose a topic and time and let loose on Twitter. A great chat takes planning, organization and – possibly the most important – follow-up.

I’ve been an active participant in a number of Twitter chats, and I’ve noticed that some things work… and some things flop. Here are ten ways to make sure your next Twitter chat is one that works!

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#SMChat sees hundreds of people take to Twitter each week to discuss social media marketing. #BlogChat participants produce over 6,000 tweets about the tools, tricks and tribulations of being a blogger. These are two of the biggest Twitter chats out there, and they’ve developed a “secret sauce” for hosting the perfect chat.

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Nestivity, a community engagement tool that enables you to organize Twitter conversations into structured “nests,” has rolled out its latest addition: a multimedia Twitter chat vehicle called Tweetcast.

Brands and individuals can now share a wide variety of media content in real time as they conduct live chats on Twitter.

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Twubs, creator of branded hashtag landing pages, has released a free, API-compliant Twitter chat tool that’s definitely worth checking out.

The service aggregates tweets from any Twitter client in real-time, cultivating high-quality engagement in the conversation and extra-effective moderation.

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The 55th Annual Grammy Awards are just over six weeks away, and to drum up some anticipation, The Recording Academy has launched a Twitter chat series with major female music stars.

They’re calling it The Artist Interview Series, and using the hashtag #TheWorldIsListening.

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Twitter really IS taking over the world.

First the U.S. Presidential election is played out on Twitter and now we see Obama using Twitter regularly to interact with constituents.

What’s next? The Pope joining Twitter? (Yes, we know that already happened.)

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NPR’s Tell Me More with Michel Martin is hosting a live radio broadcast and Twitter Education Forum on October 10.

Why? ”Education has always played a key role in the American dream of advancement and opportunity. But, to this point, the issue has not been a major topic of discussion in this election season.”

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We all know that bullying is pretty out of control online, but have you considered where the bullies come from?

Though some may be “born that way,” many children are exposed to violence at home and this teaches them aggressive behavior. Identifying those children in school and helping them is critical.

And this twitter chat focuses on just that – helping children exposed to violence in school.
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In a move that speaks to Twitter’s interactivity, the FTC fielded questions on Twitter today about the $22.5 million dollar fine it levied against Google.

The chat on Twitter was much more interactive than the one that took place on Facebook. And we’re guessing there wasn’t a Google+ Hangout on the topic.

Though claiming the FTC “explained” the fine is a bit of an exaggeration . . .
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The White House’s Chief Technical Officer Todd Park (@Todd_Park) will be participating in a Twitter chat today at 2pm ET, answering questions about how the Obama administration is embracing technology.
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