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Digital brand management agency Electric Artists is tracking the most popular brands, celebrities, media outfits, and television networks based on category, handle, latest tweet, and number of followers. They also include short notes about how each is using Twitter.

The brand category is host to a pretty diverse group. The top ten based on number of followers consists of:

1. Zappos
2. Whole Foods
3. Jetblue
4. Starbucks
5. NBA
6. MTV
7. Southwest
8. Comcast
9. Dunkin Donuts
10.Marvel

Click here to see the top 45. I am more interested in how they are using Twitter to gain these massive followings. The subject makes for a great follow-up to my article on how local businesses are using social media.

EA's note on number one Zappos is "great customer service. For number two Whole Foods it's "Extremely informative. Great customer..." I assume that means customer service. Look at the company's Tweet Stream. It's currently nothing but replies to followers. This is a clear sign that it is communicating well with its customers.

Look at number two JetBlue's who according to EA just does it right "period." They've got a nice even mix of answering questions, making announcements, and generating conversations.

Another interesting thing to note is JetBlue's bio, which says, "Have a question? Follow us and let us help! - Currently on duty: Morgan."

These are just a couple examples. If you're really looking for ways to use Twitter to benefit your business, I'd suggest taking a look at what each of these brands is doing, and pay attention to EA's notes. You're probably going to get some ideas that you can apply to your own efforts.

(HT: Nicholas Carlson)