As the popularity of Twitter continues to grow, the number of supporting software applications do as well.

Following is a list of Twitter applications that I either use or are on my “To Check Out” list based on the recommendations of my “Tweeple”.

Twitter Applications You May Want To Check Out:

Twhirl - Desktop client allowing you to perform normal functions (posts, RT, DM, etc.) with followers.

Tweet Later – This one application contains several Twitter productivity tools.  You can track keywords, track replies, schedule tweets, send welcome direct messages, and much more.

Ping FM - Post Tweets and Status Updates (with shortened URLs) to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and more than 25 additional social networking sites

Twitter Toolbar - You can use the toolbar to access online Twitter tools, check your Twitter stats, post your updates and more.  Versions are available for both Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Twitoria - This app lets you find out which of your followers has not been actively tweeting.  Easily sort through your network of followers and purge the inactive users.

Blip FM - DJ your own musical favorites and “Tweet” them out to all your “Tweeple”!

Digsby – Keep track of everything your followers are doing at all times.  The Digsby box display gives you a real time view into your Twitter account right from your browser.

Bubble Tweet - This unique application lets you post a short video message that pops up on your Twitter profile in a bubble shaped player.  You can personally introduce yourself and/or your business to anyone who visits your profile.

Twitter Gallery - A collection of free background themes for your Twitter account.  You can use the one click installation or manually install them yourself.  Lots of nice designs and colors to choose from.

Twit This - Allow visitors to your blog or website to easily post Twitter messages about you or your business.  Post the TwitThis button to your website or blog pages with the instructions and coding provided on their site.

TwitterFox – This app lets you post Twitter updates without visiting the Twitter site each time.  A small icon is added to the bottom of your Firefox status bar.  The icon opens to reveal your friend’s most current updates.  You can add your updates from that dialog box.

Future Tweets -  Allows you to schedule your tweet ahead of time for a specific date and time.  You can even schedule reoccuring tweets to post daily, monthly, even yearly.

TwitPic – This app lets you share your favorite pictures on Twitter.

TwitterHawk – This marketing app helps you connect with consumers in your area and related to the keywords you choose.

Tweetburner – Lets you shorten URLs and track the clicks your tweets accumulate.

Tweetdeck - Displays your Twitter friends and messages in a unique columned user interface. Allows you to group people together and search across the “Twittersphere”.

Twitter Safe – This free service will restore your network of followers in the event that your list is compromised.

Twimailer – Gives you more more extensive email notifications when your account obtains new followers.  Instead of the generic Twitter email notification; the email contains the followers location, followers stats and their most recent tweets.  At the bottom of the email, you can choose to follow the individual without even visiting Twitter.

I hope you find them useful!

But First, What is Twitter?

Hitting the Web-stage in 2006, Twitter entered as both a social networking and micro-blogging site using a relatively unique approach where Tweeple send short messages limited to 140 characters or less to followers or even directed at individuals.

Twitter has quickly risen through the ranks of the social networking arena.  Estimates indicate that Twitter has risen to be the third most used social network behind Facebook (#1) and MySpace (#2).

Beyond day to day social networking, Twitter has even gained celebrity status with numerous references on TV newscasts and info-based shows (CNN, The Daily Show) and was referenced throughout the recent political campaigns.

There is little doubt that Twitter is on the rise and here to stay ….

If you are not yet familiar with Twitter, here is a short video explaining the basics of “Twitter in Plain English”:

Twitter Business Building & Increasing Marketing Effectiveness with Twitter

Spend a little time on Twitter watching the Tweets float by and you will quickly realize many marketers have gravitated to this social networking platform.  It is also obvious that many of the posts originate from in-experienced or aggressive marketers.

Why is it so obvious?

Mainly because most of these individuals use Twitter to constantly promote some product or service. The problem is, however, most Tweeples’ reaction to the direct “sales Tweet” is either to ignore the tweets or worse, un-follow the sender!

Marketing on Twitter is definitely an art form in itself and most of us should really take the time to stuffy those that are apparently doing it right.

Here is second video borrowed from Ed Dale’s “Thirty Day Challenge Series” describing one individual’s use of like his business blog and Twitter account to increase exposure in an “attractive” manner:

It’s a great video description (IMHO) of an fantastic approach to online marketing and integrating tools like blogs and social networks to both deliver value and offer your wares in an manner that is non-offensive.

I believe we should all take some time and study the video and increase the effectiveness of using Twitter in our business building and marketing efforts.  I know I will!