One of people’s biggest complaints about Twitter was the inability to organize streams of tweets. With all tweets being thrown together users couldn’t focus on specific segments of their life (personal, business, fun, etc.) and the value those they follow in each category provided. Because of the rapid growth of Twitter and the increased clutter on many people’s main stream the rising social network needed to come up with a solution and quick before users left. Introducing Twitter lists. Now users had exactly what they wanted – a way to group their following into categories and have a concentrated focus while reviewing tweets. This may have saved Twitter, for the time being.

Facebook has also re-designed their homepage almost once a year since its birth in 2004. Why? Because avid Facebook users demanded more functionality and a better interface with instant abilities to share and comment on what others were doing. Furthermore, the most recent homepage designs for Facebook are more ideal for businesses which drive Facebook financially through their version of paid advertisements, keeping users on the homepage longer increasing their chances of having their fan page visited and acted upon.

Besides listening to its users, top social networks realize change and adaptation is necessary for survival in a market where new powers can enter and are backed by large market share in other areas. The introduction of Google Buzz has put a lot of pressure on both Facebook and Twitter because it rests in a place tens of millions already are, Google’s email system Gmail. Since its introduction back on February 9th, Google Buzz took only 2 days before over 9 million posts and comments were made. Google described the quick effect of Buzz as well as their priority to please the people in a recent post titled “Millions of Buzz users, and improvements based on your feedback.”

“Improvements based on your feedback” is a motto all social networks, and businesses, need to consider and act accordingly to. User’s activity is the lifeline for social networks and the ones people spend the most time on will win and carry on. Social media platforms need to evolve with our social environment to stay in existence or risk becoming extinct. The always listening ear and actions that follow is now more important than ever.

Do you know of any other platforms that could threaten Facebook or Twitter? Besides Google Buzz, there has been a lot of talk about Pip.io which has drawn attention for its attractive user interface.

- Billy
@BillyMacDonald

Twitter lists give you more opportunity to connect. If you’re following a lot of people, valuable information can get lost beneath the 20 tweets visible on your screen, phone, or application like Tweetdeck. How often, if ever, do you click the “More” button on the bottom of the page?

Separating your followers in categories enables you to absorb more information with a concentrated focus. Each list should include people that provide specific types of information. For example, you may have a list for family, friends, experts, co-workers etc. and you expect to get different content from all of them. If you’re scattered like a general Twitter feed it’s tough to absorb all of the various topics in front of you.

Lists are an especially valuable tool for anyone in sales. By putting your hot leads into a list you can make sure to view it regularly and engage in conversation with them. Before lists the chance to see what prospective clients are talking about and maintain a relationship could easily be lost among the other people you follow. More importantly, since you can make these lists only available to yourself, your competition won’t be able to take note and go after them – because your competition IS watching.

Refer to your focused lists. Engage with them by showing interest in them and their business. Lists make sure you maintain the concentration necessary to effectively make Twitter a business source. Lists are designed for focus and efficiency so take advantage of this great addition.

You can follow me on Twitter @BillyMacDonald and view my lists (well some of them anyways)