Connect with Today’s Mama

What do you get when you combine Twitter with the networking power of micro-blogging mothers? The result is a new social media network called “Connect.”

Rachael Herrscher, CEO of Todaysmama.com, first had the idea in December 2008, and Connect launched in March of this year. It operates similarly to Twitter, with posts limited to 140 characters, the symbols “@” used to reply to another user and “#” to denote a topic. In addition to these features, groups are created based on geographic location or topics, and groups can be contacted on mass by using an exclamation point.

Rachel Herrscher

Herrscher thinks that moms are natural connectors and networkers. “When you have information and outlets, I think you are empowered, and a little more sane” she said. “I hope that our micro-blogging feature will act as a mom powered search engine for moms looking for information and inspiration or just a place to vent.”

So far, the response to Connect has been “phenomenal,” said Herrscher. “People are excited to have a place to connect on common ground.” Women have been using the feature to form groups, and share information about life, their blogs and their businesses, she said. “We are excited to see how things grow over the coming months as we continue to roll out some very cool promotions surrounding the feature.”

Despite the success of Connect, Herrscher doesn’t think it will replace Twitter, but that Connect will be an additional tool for moms already using Twitter, or an alternative for those who don’t see a place for themselves on Twitter. “For those already on Twitter I think we provide a great place to filter out the noise and know that you are connecting with a certain demographic: moms with similar interests and issues,” said Herrscher.

Herrscher’s hope is that Connect will be used to create some real world experiences for its users. “Whether it’s finding local moms to connect with, information that affects and impacts your family for the better, a platform to promote your business,” she said.

“I believe social media, when targeted, should create real life opportunities to interact,” said Herrscher. “I hope to see some meetups in different areas come out of it at least.”

Connect can be found at todaysmama.com/connect