Marketing Your Business on Twitter

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard the deafening buzz over the popular social networking web site called Twitter. However, like many small business owners, you may be having a difficult time determining just how to utilize Twitter to help your company grow. Luckily, you don't have to be a computer expert or a marketing guru to infuse Twitter into your overall promotional strategy.  What Exactly Is Twitter?  Twitter is a social networking web site that can be utilized to send relatively brief messages of about 140 characters to acquaintances, family members, friends, or to the general worldwide Internet community.   Common Uses For Twitter  There are numerous applications for Twitter, but the main uses include, news, instant updates, and communication with friends and family. For example, LA Fire fighters employ Twitter to keep the community abreast of potential fires and other emergencies. In addition, news agencies use Twitter to provide up-to-the-minute news updates. While companies and public services are beginning to utilize Twitter more and more, most Twitter users utilize the web site to keep family and friends updated on their current activities.   Marketing Your Business With Twitter  Utilizing Twitter As A Mass Media Outlet   If you run a business, you can utilize Twitter to publish news and updates about your specific business or your products. The proper method involves posting 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. Overt advertising tends to alienate followers and will usually serve to create bad feelings among potential consumers.  The Internet's Bulletin Board  If you're looking to promote sales or special events, Twitter represents an ideal forum. For example, Schlotzsky's Deli uses Twitter to keep customers updated on sandwich specials and new menu items. When promoting your business on Twitter, it's crucial to realize that the web site is designed for conversation and timely news. Make sure that you post in a personal and conversational manner. Twitter followers aren't interested in being subjected to blatant advertising.  Instill personality Into Your Specific Brand  Twitter is a marvelous instrument for providing 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 can help increase your total amount of Twitter followers. Without followers, Twitter will not be a valuable marketing instrument for your small business.   Client Support and Small Talk    When you start using Twitter, you'll immediately discover that the web site mostly lends itself to conversation. Twitter represents an opportunity for you to talk to your prospects and potential consumers. 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 allows for optimum client support and tells your followers that you are a trustworthy, personable individual.