Her first post discusses the much-talked about “phishing” and spamming episode on Twitter, which happened earlier in the week affecting many users, including some celebrity Twitterers. She offers tips for how to avoid such scams and what to do if you were affected. Twitter is an online service that allows individuals to converse socially within the confines of 140 characters per comment.

“I hope that I can create some interesting content that will engage this group of very Internet savvy moms,” says Mettler. “I know I’m in great company and I look forward to further sharing my love for all things social media.”

Step Ahead, Inc. is a Mt Pleasant-based company that combines the best of traditional public relations with social media campaigns that engage blogs, social networks, online video, Podcasting and more to help maximize visibility for companies and their products both online and off. To date, the company has worked with the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Charming Inns of Charleston, ClassifiedFlyerAds.com, Tiger Lily florist, Charleston Parks Conservancy, Golf Island, Myrtle Beach National, Coco’s Café, POSITUS consulting and others.

Step Ahead executives regularly speak about social media across the state, including events and luncheons for the South Carolina Public Relations Society of America state conference, Columbia chapter and Lowcountry chapter; Center for Women; Charleston Digital Corridor; Charleston Trident Association of Realtors and more. The company has also been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on MSNBC.com and in numerous local publications. Visit www.stepaheadwebstrategies.com or call (843) 388-8376 for more information.

The “Using Twitter for Business” seminar will be held Nov. 18, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Francis Marion Hotel, 375 King St. for a cost of $50, including a box lunch and drink. The seminar will cover the basics for people new to Twitter, discuss the benefits, the etiquette, the most useful applications, as well as how to fit it into your schedule, what to say, who to say it to and lots more. Register at www.stepaheadwebstrategies.com.

“As a PR professional, Twitter is one of the best PR and marketing tools I’ve come across in a long time,” says Lyn Mettler, president of Step Ahead Web Strategies. “It’s helped me personally to get new business, media coverage, increased Web site hits and more, and we hope to share that insight with others. It’s a free tool, and in this economy, it’s a great way to expand awareness about your business for only the cost of your time.”

The company also recently developed the Lowcountry Twitter list, a place for Twitterers from Hilton Head to Charleston to register their “handle” or username so others can “follow” them. Locals can view the list and sign up at www.stepaheadwebstrategies.com.

“While it’s easy to make contact with those in your field, or with similar interests, on Twitter, it can be kind of tricky to find those geographically close to you,” says Simon Ashton, vice president of technology for Step Ahead Web Strategies. “So we developed the Lowcountry Twitter list to help those in our area connect. If you’re looking to make local contacts and network, this is a great resource.”

About Step Ahead Web Strategies
Step Ahead Web Strategies is a Mt Pleasant-based company that helps businesses and organizations strategically engage and manage the latest and most innovative technologies, including online video, social networking, search engine optimization, blogs, Podcasting and more, to reach their target audiences with the right message. To date, the company has worked with the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Charming Inns of Charleston, ClassifiedFlyerAds.com, Tiger Lily florist, Charleston Parks Conservancy, Golf Island, Myrtle Beach National, Coco’s Café, POSITUS consulting and others.

Step Ahead Web Strategies executives regularly speak about social media across the state, including events and luncheons for the South Carolina Public Relations Society of America state conference, Columbia chapter and Lowcountry chapter; Center for Women; Charleston Digital Corridor; Charleston Trident Association of Realtors and more. The company has also been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on MSNBC.com and numerous local publications. Visit www.stepaheadwebstrategies.com or call (843) 388-8376 for more information.

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Twitter. It’s currently both my favorite waste of time and my most productive outlet. For fun, making contacts, publicity, research and much more, Twitter is simply the best right now.

But…

While it’s easy to make contact with those in your field, or with similar interests, it can be kind of tricky to find those geographically close to you. You can try TwitterLocal, or search for mentions of you city, but it’s still a bit hit or miss.

So, inspired by the Official Nashville Twitter List, we decided to start the Official Lowcountry Twitter List. If you’re looking to make local contacts, we’re here. If you want to make yourself known, please send us your info via the form or contact @simonashton on Twitter . Feel free to copy or share the page, the more the merrier, and any suggestions or comments are more than welcome.

Hope to hear from you soon.