The World Of Twitter

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard the buzz over the popular social networking site called Twitter. However, like many small business owners, you may be wondering just how to utilize Twitter to help grow your business. Luckily you don't have to be a computer expert or a marketing guru to implement Twitter into your overall marketing strategy.

What is Twitter?  Twitter is a micro blogging/social networking site that is used to send brief messages (up to 140 characters) to acquaintances, family members, friends, and the general worldwide Internet community (your "followers").

News, instant updates and communication with friends and family are just a few of the more common uses of Twitter. LA Firefighters use Twitter to keep the community abreast of potential fires and other emergencies. News agencies use Twitter to provide up-to-the-minute news updates. And companies and public services are beginning to utilize Twitter more and more. Most Twitter users “Tweet” to keep family and friends up-to-date on their own current activities.

Marketing Your Business with Twitter

If you own a business, Twitter can be used to publish news and updates about your specific business or products. The best way to post would be by having a clickable link to the full article or press release. Business owners should consider the overall value of the release to customers and allow them to "discover" the material via Twitter. Proper etiquette is essential to effective marketing on Twitter. Advertising and selling tends to alienate followers and will usually create bad feelings among potential consumers.

Twitter is a great place to promote sales or special events. For example, Schlotzsky's Deli uses Twitter to keep customers updated on sandwich specials and new menu items. Many companies also subscribe to Twitter Alerts (much like Google Alerts) so that they are notified when anyone is tweeting about them – whether good or bad. When promoting your business it's important to realize that the site is designed for conversation and timely news. Use a personal and conversational tone in your posts and avoid blatant advertising.

Twitter is a marvelous way to provide your brand name its own unique voice. To succeed at Twittering, you simply must reveal your specific personality and post text with a singular flair. This can make a considerable difference in your overall success and help increase your Twitter followers. Without followers, Twitter will not be a valuable marketing too for your business.

When you start Twittering you'll discover that the site is mostly conversational. Twitter represents an opportunity for you to talk to your prospects and potential customers. If this doesn't interest you, then you should probably refrain from incorporating Twitter into your overall marketing strategy. Make acquaintances, be an acquaintance and respond to your followers. Demonstrate to your following that you would like to engage with them. This sort of attitude tells your followers that you are a trustworthy, personable individual.