A large number of users of Twitter have heard its a great business tool but don’t know how to use it as such. Some don’t get started, this should help you on your way, some jump straight in and make mistakes, hopefully it’s not too late and the below tips can help you salvage some of the mess you’ve created!
1: Don’t sell!
Most important!!! PLEASE!!! A lot of people get confused here, using Twitter as a marketing tool is not about trying to sell to all the users of Twitter.
2: Add VALUE!
If you want people to follow you, talk to you, interact with you and potentially buy from you then add value to them. That’s the way to get them interested in what you’re talking about and ultimately to get what you want from them.
3: Engage in conversation
Talk to people, get to know them and have a chat. That’s what social media is all about, its like a massive dinner party where people chat and interact. Don’t act any differently to what you would in a normal social environment.
4: Add links in your tweets
Twitter is all about fast, quick and easy communication, that’s why its limited to 140 characters. So add links that substantiate what you’re talking about. Even better (from a business perspective) if those links go to your company blog / website / Facebook profile or wherever it is that your tweet is substantiated.
5: Answer questions
Get involved with people talking about topics you have knowledge on. Look for questions people are asking so you can answer them and add value. Engage with these people and help, that’s the only way you’re going to build credibility and create brand awareness through twitter.
Written by: Ian Thomas an Internet marketing specialist in South Africa
Twitter: www.twitter.com/IanThomas_
