The 140 character limit is an aspect that is commonly associated with Twitter.
Though effective at helping users publish information in a quick and easy manner, even the social network itself understands that everything cannot always be clearly expressed within such a confining window.
To address this issue, the site has decided to reinvent itself with a new design that goes beyond 140 characters.
In this article, we will discuss how the move could potentially make Twitter far more effective as a business tool.
Improved Discovery System The new and improved Twitter has the potential to offer more value as a business tool simply because it makes it easier to connect with others on the site.
This is attributed to a number of factors, but let's start with the two-paned interface.
The first pane gives you the timeline and a similar look to what is currently found on the existing version of Twitter.
com.
The second pane, now officially known as the details pane, shows information that was previously not available.
On this side you will find additional details such as replies, tweets and other content related to an author or topic.
Coupled with a search function that is more prominently displayed, the two-pane interface makes for a discovery system that could help marketers get discovered and build their network on the site.
Bigger and Better Tweets According to Twitter, one of the biggest problems it currently faces is appealing to everyday people.
While the site has millions of loyal users, many of which include celebrities, athletes and media personalities, it barely even registers on the map in comparison to Facebook.
The redesign represents a move the social network is banking on to change its perception and attract new users.
Twitter has formed partnerships with a who's who of well known players in the social media world, including Flickr, Justin.
TV, YouTube and a slew of others.
With the ability to do more tweets, the site could be much more attractive to businesses looking to tap into a larger audience.
Will Users Embrace Change? Twitter is hoping that users will embrace these updates with open arms, but there are no guarantees.
Even though it has included features that add to the site's capabilities, many users have already found ways to extend functionality by integrating a variety of third-party applications and services.
For example, someone that has the need to publish a post with more than 140 characters can easily do so by using a service such as HugeTweet or SuperTweet.
However, the enhancements could appeal to new users as well as those who find the existing interface to be lacking.
The changes go beyond making Twitter more physically attractive, it is about making the platform faster, easier, and more enjoyable to use.
According to Twitter, it plans to roll out the new and improved site as a preview in the coming weeks, giving users the option to go with the updated version, or stick with the current one.
And while the changes may not be enough to get everyone on the bandwagon, it could open the eyes of businesses that have been seeking new ways to increase exposure and create awareness.