I don’t have to talk about the necessity of the presence on the social networks if someone wants to be successful. I am inspired by Steven Hughes’ post from yesterday, “Get Twitter Followers: Building a Foundation” which gave a real insight into Twitter Common Sense. In my post, I will explain how to be successful on the micro blogging service Twitter, starting with the very basic, from you open a profile on Twitter.
How Can Twitter be Effective for Your Business?
Basic Twitter Guideline
Choosing a Good Twitter Username is Important, But Not Decisive
The first thing Twitter requires is a user name. Quite logically, when you open a business profile, select the name of your “business”. However, when you open a thematic profile, try to keep the name as clear, simple and short.
An excellent example of a thematic username is “@designersbooks” — used for a publisher of important, meaningful and formative books recognized by esteemed members of the design community. For a personal Twitter profile, your option should be “@name.surname”.
In the video below, Natalie gives a quick tour through Twitter homepage and give some basic tips on setting up your account.
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Give Attention to Your Own Profile on Twitter!
Use a photograph, illustration, or whatever you choose as a profile picture – anything instead of the standard Twitter egg. Using the default Twitter egg brands you as an amateur. Consequently, the egg won’t attract many visitors. My choice for business would be the logo or some product that can identify your business. For example, a photo of a bike to represent a bike manufacturer or retailer.
Profile descriptions are imperative. Descriptions are the first product or service encounter for potential Twitter followers. Would you like to attract potential followers? Keep in mind that badly written descriptions discourage follower loyalty.
Effective Twitter Marketing for Business
Twitter can be a business bonus when you consider marketing, sharing information and communication with other clients and customers. Having a part-time Twitter account is insufficient and not recommended.
Build Your Company’s Credibility Through Communication
Web services cannot be profitable when potential customers ignore you. Throughout the game of finding adequate ways to earn money or cash in your product, it is important to hold onto your most important asset – Customers! How do you make this happen?
Help your followers. Answer questions. Take part in discussions.
Share tips from your life and business practices.
Share photos (I recommend a service called Twitpic) from conferences, travel, company products or other interesting pictures.
Share observations of conferences, business news and other various timely events.
Share news of your expertise, industries and company trends and everything else related to your business. Add comments.
Expand the Number of Followers
New Twitter users might think that success is hidden behind follower volume. However, the number of Twitter followers does not guarantee profits for your company.
Level of success on social networks like Twitter will be measured by the quality and participation of your followers. You cannot develop relationships with followers who are not interested in what you have to offer. Increase the number of followers by choosing quality over quantity. Try this:
Connect with friends from other social networks and find useful contacts using Facebook, LinkedIn, and email contact lists.
Join groups and discuss topics associated with your business on sites like twibes.com and wefollow.com
Distribute your tweets via other social networks such as Facebook, FriendFeed, Google+, etc.
Conclusion
Although it is an interesting platform for all aspects of life, Twitter and its services can be useful for your business. Take advantage of different approaches in terms of promotion, marketing, market research, customer relations, etc., within the 140-character tweet limit.
Thousands — millions of worldwide companies — are sending millions of tweets every day. If you aren’t of them, you are missing a great business and social networking opportunity.
Hi Annetta,
Well I haven’t paid much attention to Twitter until recently, this is because I had no traffic coming from them.
I changed the way I was using Twitter, meaning I started to retweet more, to thank people who shared my content and retweeted my tweets, that’s when things started to change for me.
Twitter is now in the top 3 referrals for traffic to my blog. I think it’s all about doing for others what you would like others to do for you. Karma exists on Twitter 🙂
Merry Christmas Annetta, all the best to you.
~Philip
Thank you Philip for the comment! Glad to see that Twitter is working in favor of you.
For many years Facebook was my No.1 referral traffic source and things has started to change when I revamped my Twitter marketing strategy. I will be coming up with a new blog post in January with real status update about my Twitter traffic.
Twitter is not about self promotion all the time, unless you are a corporate brand. Sharing contents from your niche and being social with your followers and the people you follow will get your noticed.
Sensational tips Annetta!
I rededicated myself to twitter during the past week. I engage more along with my automation. SO key to keep chatting, asking questions, answering questions, sharing, retweeting and thanking your followers in the twit game.
Engage and good things will happen for you in the twitter sphere.
Thanks!
@ Ryan Biddulph:
Very sound advice there. Thanks for sharing it with us! 🙂