Twitter is the social network set up by US bloggers in 2006. For some, it’s a status symbol for others by-product of successful community building. It has exploded in popularity and is used largely by people to promote business or creative self. A lot of popular celebrities, entrepreneurs are using Twitter today as it provides a fantastic opportunity for business promotion.
Understand the Twitter Glossary
- Tweet: The word used to describe the update a person posts on their Twitter page
- Following: The members of Twitter you have chosen to follow
- Followers: The members of Twitter who have chosen to follow you
- Retweet (or RT): The act of reposting on your page a post from another member which you find particularly interesting or useful
Identify your audience
You need to identify what you’re interested in learning or accomplishing by using Twitter. Once you have that clarity it will be easier for you to identify your target audience.
Use right keywords in your biography.
Twitter is restricted in the number of characters you can use. You can make use of various search engines to track down relevant people to follow. Insert keywords search terms you think will be popular for instance include ‘small business’, ‘small businesses’, ‘SMEs’, ‘entrepreneurs’ etc. Equally if you’re after clients or customers in a particular locality include that as a keyword.
Follow people you find influential
Follow people you’re really interested in learning about or connecting with. Follow those people and others that are relevant. A good percentage will follow you back, and will want to read an interesting bio about you and explore what you are posting, in the hope to find something helpful for their business interests.
Branch out and connect with an audience way outside of your network.
You’ll see trending topics on the left hand side of your Twitter home page once you log in. Those are trends around the world and it gives you an opportunity to gather and discuss with audience way outside of your network.
Respond to tweets by others
Like other online communities such as forums and groups, the key to making the most of Twitter is demonstrating that you’re an expert in your field. If people recognize that you know what you’re talking about and you’re willing to offer bits of advice for free they are much more likely to do business with you.
And don’t forget to check the ‘@replies’ section on the right hand side of your Twitter page. This lists the members who have tweeted directly at you so you can respond.
Schedule tweets to remain consistent
Ensuring you tweet on a regular basis is key to building a good community. A lot of scheduling tool help streamline your day. Spend 30 minutes in the morning or night and pull together a handful of tweets you want to send out. Time them out and sprinkle your tweets throughout the day.
Add a human element to your tweets
This practice will build personality around your business and avoid perceptions of a faceless organization. Ask questions – You could also use it to do a bit of market research directly related to your business or sector. Respond to other people’s questions. You should also ask some of your own as it will encourage some community interaction.
Every character counts
With important things to say and only 140 characters it’s important you’re as concise as possible while at the same time getting your point across.
Retweet to an optimum level
Reposting of particular tweets from other people on your page which you find particularly interesting or useful demonstrates to your followers you’re not all about flogging your products or services but you’re also willing to share tips and advice.
Don’t go overboard with promoting your business
Bombarding your followers with links to your website will be treated as the Twitter equivalent of spam and will discourage people to follow you. By all means link to your website or blog but say something interesting about it. It is also a good idea to post tweets about subjects not linked to you or your business
If you follow these steps, you’ll see your business promotion on Twitter will build a fan following and increase very steadily over time. You will be growing a very solid network that shares similar business, views, and is interested in what you have to say.