Exeter businesses will soon be able to authenticate Twitter accounts with blue tick

Businesses and individuals across Exeter will soon be able to apply for their very own blue Twitter tick as the social media giant begins rolling out a new scheme.

Over the last few weeks Twitter has announced it will be launching a new system which allows local businesses apply for verified status. Verified status is displayed by the reputable blue tick that appears next to a Twitter profile.

Previously, Twitter verification was only granted to public figures who were deemed to be of public interest, but soon anyone will be able to apply, providing they tick all of the boxes.

The application process will include elements such as a website, verified phone number, and a confirmed email address, to ensure the Twitter tick will retain its credibility.

The news has been welcomed by marketing specialist Mark Worden, owner of digital marketing agency MiHi Digital, which was founded in Exeter.

He said: “This is great news for local businesses and individuals in the area, who will soon be allowed to apply for verification status. The ticks are already well established amongst celebrities, journalists and other notable individuals around the world, but this new scheme will allow Twitter to become more localised and, more importantly, reinforce a business’s professional image.

“As a result, anyone viewing a Twitter profile with a blue tick will know the business is authentic and successful, therefore encourage them to buy the business’s products or use their services.”

Tina Bhatnagar, Twitter's vice president of User Services said: “We want to make it even easier for people to find creators and influencers on Twitter so it makes sense for us to let people apply for verification.

"We hope opening up this application process results in more people finding great, high-quality accounts to follow, and for these creators and influencers to connect with a broader audience."

The application form is to be rolled out globally over the next few days.

For more information about the scheme visit https://support.twitter.com/articles/20174631 or find out more about MiHi Digital at http://www.mihidigital.co.uk/