Why I'm Not Impressed with the Twitter Follow Button

On Tuesday Twitter announced that it has released a “cool new button” that allows a company to insert a Follow button to help users interact and follow their brand on Twitter. From the Twitter.com blog:

“For publishers and brands, adding the Follow Button to your website and using Twitter to stay connected with your audience is a powerful combination. People who follow your account are much more likely to retweet and engage with your Tweets, and to repeatedly visit your website. Adding the Follow Button to your website is quick and easy, and you can configure yours right now at twitter.com/followbutton.”

I’m having a hard time becoming excited over a little button. I understand that Twitter could care less about my opinion but I still need to air my grievances. I’m still waiting for this unbelievable site to do something that builds credibility in their somewhat mysterious business model. Actually… let me rephrase that… their slightly non-existant business model. I’m not talking about new functionality with photo and video sharing. I’m not talking about buying TweetDeck and releasing new UI design.

I love Twitter as a communication and marketing tool because it works for me. Unfortunately… my minuscule bank account is not enough.

I’m talking about building a model and system that turns this wonderful website into something sustainable. I firmly believe that the brilliant minds at Twitter are pushing towards that goal… but I have yet to see anything of substance.

You can only sustain certain models for so long until you need to change and adapt.

Facebook and LinkedIn accomplished it.