Social Media

The Top 10 Companies on Twitter

The Top 10 Companies on Twitter

While big companies clamor to make the most of new technologies and digital resources, some have it all figured out, while others are still evolving. One of the most popular new technologies is the microblogging site Twitter. To get a sense of the companies most effectively using Twitter, CNBC.com asked Ben Elowitz, CEO of the social media firm and author of the , to give his take on who is making the most the site. From providing better customer service to building stronger consumer connections
Source: Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

While big companies clamor to make the most of new technologies and digital resources, some have it all figured out, while others are still evolving. One of the most popular new technologies is the microblogging site Twitter.

To get a sense of the companies most effectively using Twitter, CNBC.com asked Ben Elowitz, CEO of the social media firm Wetpaintand author of the Digital Quarters blog, to give his take on who is making the most the site. From providing better customer service to building stronger consumer connections, the top "tweeting" companies have improved public relations and enhanced their operations by incorporating new media.

So, which are the top companies using Twitter? Click ahead to find out!

Posted 12 April 2010

10. Home Depot

"The Home Depot goes beyond just product and store questions to help showcase how consumers use the store in their home improvement projects."
By Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

"The Home Depot goes beyond just product and store questions to help showcase how consumers use the store in their home improvement projects."

9. Kodak

"With a Chief Blogger and a Chief Listener both hooked onto the party line, this venerable brand now uses the most forward communications to help them stay up-to-date with their product and market."
By Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

"With a Chief Blogger and a Chief Listener both hooked onto the party line, this venerable brand now uses the most forward communications to help them stay up-to-date with their product and market."

8. Starbucks

"The #1 most socially engaged of the Interbrand Top 100 brands, Starbucks is on top of ‘in the moment’ customer interaction. Starbucks says, “It’s about the relationships we form with our customers, not marketing.”
By Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

"The #1 most socially engaged of the Interbrand Top 100 brands, Starbucks is on top of ‘in the moment’ customer interaction. Starbucks says, “It’s about the relationships we form with our customers, not marketing.”

7. Southwest Airlines

"Replicating that same fun, casual flying relationship to enthrall their customers. The (only) airline that knows how to make customers LUV (the company's ticker symbol, based on the Love Field airport in Dallas) them, one tweet at a time."
By Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

"Replicating that same fun, casual flying relationship to enthrall their customers. The (only) airline that knows how to make customers LUV (the company's ticker symbol, based on the Love Field airport in Dallas) them, one tweet at a time."

6. New York Times

"This publisher broadcasts all the news that fits in 140 characters to keep in touch with 2.4 million readers, with subchannels for specific interests."
By Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

"This publisher broadcasts all the news that fits in 140 characters to keep in touch with 2.4 million readers, with subchannels for specific interests."

5. Comcast

"The cable TV giant stages a perceptual makeover of customer disservice by converting a gripeline into a testimonial factory through @comcastcares"
By Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

"The cable TV giant stages a perceptual makeover of customer disservice by converting a gripeline into a testimonial factory through @comcastcares"

Comcast is currently in the process of buying 51 percent of NBC Universal (the parent company of CNBC), from General Electric.

4. JetBlue

"Never again for JetBlue after their 2007 'day on the tarmac' PR nightmare. Constant communication with 1.6 million followers keeps them from falling out of touch; plus JetBlue Cheeps broadcasts fast-moving deals to their most devoted 50,000."
By Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

"Never again for JetBlue after their 2007 'day on the tarmac' PR nightmare. Constant communication with 1.6 million followers keeps them from falling out of touch; plus JetBlue Cheeps broadcasts fast-moving deals to their most devoted 50,000."

3. Zappos

"Extending the zany brand relationship between the online shoe company and customers, encouraging everyone from CEO to newbies to join the party."
By Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

"Extending the zany brand relationship between the online shoe company and customers, encouraging everyone from CEO to newbies to join the party."

2. Whole Foods Market

"Whole Foods uses Twitter to go deep on their customers’ needs, test concepts, and extend the conversation about values that drive them."
By Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

"Whole Foods uses Twitter to go deep on their customers’ needs, test concepts, and extend the conversation about values that drive them."

1. Dell

"For overstock and obsolete equipment, getting outlet inventory sold fast is the name of the game. Twitter is the fast-paced grapevine that gets the word out – to the tune of $3 million and counting."
By Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint

"For overstock and obsolete equipment, getting outlet inventory sold fast is the name of the game. Twitter is the fast-paced grapevine that gets the word out – to the tune of $3 million in annual sales."