Discover how Twitter can be good for your business
Despite being the media darling of the social networks, Twitter is so often misunderstood by those very people who most stand to benefit from this iconic and simple service.
Originally launched as a micro-blogging platform, so many business owners still see it only as that, and as a result are missing out on a golden opportunity to engage with their customers—and ultimately make more sales.
Could you sell to a pub audience?
Have you ever been sat in the pub talking to your friends when someone has come in with goods or services to sell? I’m willing to bet you would never buy from a salesman in a pub using this approach. Here’s the thing; twitter is the pub. People sign in to chat, learn about something, catch up on the news. They’re not looking to buy.
Twitter is not a blog
Twitter provides a unique marketing opportunity online. It’s where your customers can really get a handle on your business personality, and engage properly with you before making a purchasing decision. It isn’t a direct marketing platform like your website is. It’s a supporting platform where customers and prospects get a feel for whether you business is a good fit for them.
Twitter for businesses: dos and don’ts
Do:
- Follow your customers and interact with them
- Be quick to respond if someone has a genuine enquiry or complaint
- Share content your audience will find valuable
- Discuss current trends and changes in your industry
- Focus on your followers, not yourself
- Be friendly, polite and approachable
- Have a sense of humour
- Tweet your giveaways and competitions
Don’t
- Expect your audience to come looking for you
- Use twitter as a direct sales platform
- Get into personal arguments
- Tweet to people who don’t follow you
- DM people unless the message is personal
Entrepreneurs often become so focused on growing their business that they miss the subtleties of the social web. Direct selling works in some situations, but for Twitter, you need to learn to talk to your customers first. Network with them. Create an account for your customer services desk. Be seen to be approachable, friendly and quick to respond.
If you’re already familiar with the twitter basics, you can read more about twitter for business here business.twitter.com, or for a quick-start guide, read on.
Social means etiquette
Twitter already has its own unique etiquette and traditions, and you’ll do very well to learn them. In a maze of RT’s #FF’s and @replies, you may feel lost; but spend half an hour finding your way around and you’ll be ready to tweet your way to success. To get you started, here’s a quick primer for the first-time tweeter.
Twitter: a micro-primer
- @replies – when someone replies to your tweet, or tweets directly to you, they’ll use the @ sign follwed by your twitter handle
- #hashtags – if you’re tweeting about something you’d like others to find by searching, use the hash tag (#). Simply include the topic with a hash attached anywhere in your tweet, e.g. “The weather at #wimbledon was terrible today”
- RT – With the inclusion of a re-tweet button, the RT is a diminishing phenomenon, but you still see it quite regularly. RT is shorthand for ReTweet. It’s when you decide to share a someone else’s tweet with your followers
- #FF – Follow Friday. Your first friday on twitter will be confusing unless you’re inducted into the world of #ff. It’s become a tradition on twitter to suggest interesting people to follow every friday. Use the @ sign when mentioning people, and use their twitter handles so your followers can find them easily, e.g. “#ff @thebluecube for brilliant web design and SEO articles”
- DM – Direct message. If someone says “DM” me they’re expecting a private message, not a tweet. You can only DM those who are following you – it’s easy, no need to go into depth here!
About seoblogger:
Our SEO blogger is an expert in Web Marketing, Usability and Interface Design. He has been a vital part of The Blue Cube Communications since 2003. As the West Midlands fastest growing web marketing agency, we always strive to maximise return on investment for our customers.
