Just eight short weeks ago I had no real idea what Twitter was. Sure I had heard of it. I even signed up for it back in May 2008, but no one I knew seemed to be on it then and I felt really odd about inviting friends, so moved on and forgot about it.

My active membership started in July 2009. Ninety-five followers (if I didn't block the dodgy-sounding ones this would be much higher!) and 237 tweets later, I am as good as dependent. I tweet online, I tweet while out using my mobile phone, I tweet from anywhere I can. And as Twitter is taking off, people just like me - like newborn foals unfurling their Twitter legs for the first time - must be a marketing target. Or should be.

And that's why I am writing this. My mind is far more open on Twitter (for the moment) than it has been for years when it comes to brands on TV, in print media and so on. Call it the honeymoon period. You also have access to my mind wherever I am... via my mobile.

So where are you, brands? I've even looked for some of you.

Here are some thoughts on Twitter that may help your brand catch up, or if you're there already, find some of the right people.

5 reasons I like Twitter

1. Strengthening connections – Twitter gives me extra insight into people I know and allows me to 'meet' those I don't; if we like each other, we stick around. This most certainly extends to brands too.
2. Mobility – This especially comes into its own with on-the-spot pictures. I love seeing what people are experiencing right at that moment. Similarly I love sharing things as I experience them, wherever I am. Think about whether you can apply this to your brand.
3. Recommendations – So far, via Twitter, I've eaten at a restaurant I would not have otherwise found; learned of a shoe shop that will undoubtedly diminish my bank account; and discovered countless URLs for stuff I didn't know I needed (but quite clearly do). I've bought one item online via Twitter links and would not hesitate to do so via mobile if it was just a wee bit faster. Third party endorsement, word of mouth, call it what you will... it's powerful. On Twitter, even a brand promoting itself can look like a recommendation if it's done well.
4. Being part of something as it unfolds – Or in other words, news and current affairs. OK, maybe I'm not actually part of it (thankfully in many cases!) but there's something in me that revels in knowing about something as it is happening. Brands have news too.
5. Entertainment – This one is a home run for branding. Entertain me... it's an open invitation.

5 things I think brands could do better on Twitter

1. Be there! And be easy to find. I actually searched for 50 multinationals on Twitter last week and only found 20 to follow. Some of the brands missing surprised me. Give people an easy way to find you and to actually choose to hear what your brand has to say.
2. Use your brand's voice – Just because it's a change of medium, don't change your voice. Know your brand essence and stick with it. This applies whether you are posting as a company or appoint and name an employee (or employees) to post for you (for an interesting aside on this issue, check this out... found via Twitter of course!) By extension, let your employees Tweet about the brand if they wish. They are your brand voice too. There's a risk here, but high reward too. You'll become known as a brand that trusts its people; and the good things they say will be much more powerful than if you said them under the company name. Language is interesting too. English for me, and I believe 95% of Twitter is operating in English; but you do need to consider your audience.
3. Be real – No bots, no auto feeds. Have a real person tweeting. Please. You can tell. If you feel you're going to miss opportunities because your Tweeter has to sleep, consider appointing someone in North America, someone in Europe and someone in Asia, Australia or New Zealand. If your brand is global that is.
4. Ask, don't tell – Don't just post the things you want to tell people. Find out what they want to hear from you. Ask them their opinion on things (especially if they engaged with you and retweeted or send you a reply or message). Hard to do well, but worth trying. And I think people will forgive initial clumsy attempts as long as you are sincere.
5. Play, take risks – If you can't take a risk on Twitter, you shouldn't be there. Is there something you can pilot here first? Some bonus you can give people who are choosing to follow you? An exciting and relevant experience you can share with photos or links? Try new ideas out. Have fun. Your followers will be able to tell and will like you for it. Twitter seems to humanise brands that use it well.

These opinions are my own and not necessarily shared by Synovate, although the company is embracing social media. You are welcome to follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lgcollard and, of course, Synovate at http://twitter.com/synovate.

Please let us know what you think of this list. Is there anything you would add? What do you think brands could do better? What are some brands doing well? What would you like to see from Synovate?