September 30th, 2009 | No Comments
This article is based on a document that we give to our clients that we help with blogging. It is a compilation of ideas and thoughts collected on the internet on how to be successful using Twitter.
Introduction
Twitter is the single fastest growing social media outlet on the Internet. From April ‘08 to April ‘09, Twitter has gone from 1.22 million users to 17.1 million users (Time magazine).
More importantly, Twitter is a fantastic tool to increase your network. Unlike other social media tools such as Facebook or LinkedIn where the primary network is people you already know, Twitter goes far beyond that network putting you in touch with a world beyond the one you already have access to.
General Tips
- Coordination with Blogs
- Don’t be a afraid
- Search is your friend
- Pre-write your tweets
- Pre-date your tweets
- Use Twitter software
- Find Your Voice
- Re-Tweet With Confidence
- Consistency
Coordination with Blogs
Blogs and Twitter are like peas and carrots. Many of the same benefits of blogging apply to Twitter. Additionally, you can use Twitter to draw additional traffic to your blog, which in turn improves your search engine optimization.
Don’t be afraid
A potential downside of Twitter is that it carries a slightly steeper learning curve with it. It isn’t more difficult to use or do per se, but because it is such a new platform it is difficult to wrap your head around it. Don’t be afraid, within a short while you’ll be tweeting like a pro.
Search is your friend
One of the finest ways to use Twitter, develop followers and make it work for you is to use search effectively.
Pre-write your tweets
I recommend to all of my clients to pre-write a number of tweets at once. This way, if you are stuck and can’t think of something relevant to write, you have a go to tweet that will work.
Pre-date your tweets
Tools such as HootSuite.com allow you to send your Tweets at a pre-arranged time. Works in conjunction with Pre-writing your tweets.
Use Twitter software
Twitter.com’s interface is limited. Using desktop software to be more productive with your Twitter time. We use TweetDeck, but there are a number of other alternatives out there.
Find Your Voice
Twitter allows you to let people in on the little stuff. The little stuff is interesting.
Re-Tweet With Confidence
Re-Tweeting gives Twitter its viral growth and expands the communication spectrum.
Consistency
Frequent and consistent tweeting is critical. I suggest at least 3 a day.
Overall benefits
- Direct Communications
- Brand Building
- Competitive Differentiation
- Positions Your Business as “Cutting Edge”
- Relational Marketing
- Exploit the Niches
- Build Community
- Media & Public Relations
- Position You as an Expert
- Coordinate With Your Blog
- Reputation Management
- Low cost
Direct Communications
Twitter provide a way for you to speak directly, openly and honestly with your customer.
Brand Building
Twitter serve as another channel on which to promote your brand and company.
Competitive Differentiation
Because Twitter give you the opportunity to tell your story over and over, they help set you apart from the competition.
Positions Your Business as “Cutting Edge”
By embracing new technology, you establish yourself as a pioneer, rather than a follower.
Exploit the Niches
Twitter help you fill your particular industry niche.
Build Community
Business Twitter provide your small business with a chance to share your expertise and knowledge with a larger audience. An opportunity to connect with a wider audience and build a community is a strong benefit for consultants and knowledge workers.
Media & Public Relations
Twitter are excellent PR tools. The media calls you, not your competition.
Position You as an Expert
Twitter enable you to articulate your viewpoints, knowledge and expertise on matters pertaining to your industry.
Coordinate With Your Blog
Twitter gives you an opportunity to drive traffic to your blog.
Reputation Management
Twitter helps you manage your online reputation.
Low Cost
Twitter is inexpensive to set up, operate and maintain.
Final Thoughts
Don’t Miss Out
Twitter is here. it is popular. Position yourself to best take advantage of this fantastic new communication tool.
Have Patience!
You will not see immediate gains from Twitter. How Twitter will affect business is still evolving, but it is better to be in a situation by participation, then deciding when it is too late.
