Twitter for Businesses What can 140 characters do for you?
Since Twitter hit the social media world, brands and individuals have flocked to it. The 2011 Pew Internet & American Life Project illustrates that 13% of online adults now use Twitter, up 5% from 2010. Tweets are flying, around the world, and there is plenty of room for brands to get in on the action.
Twitter? What is it, really?
At its core, Twitter is simply an information sharing network. Made up of over one million active users, Twitter allows people to share, interact and network. Anyone can read the majority of Tweets online, and setting up a Twitter account is simple. Millions of individuals, brands and groups are on Twitter, looking to learn and communicate.Brands not currently utilizing Twitter are missing out on an important branding opportunity.
Twitter technology allows people to publish short Tweets to a user's followers. Tweets are limited to 140 characters, so it can take some creativity to get your message out in such a short amount of space. These messages can include text and links to other Web pages, photographs, audio clips, videos and more. You can send these messages and access Twitter in many different ways; online, from a text message, from the Mobile Web or from a variety of third party applications like HootSuite or TweetDeck.
How does Twitter benefit businesses?
Twitter allows brands to...
- Connect with and react to customers and the general public.
- Update customers about company deals and codes (occasionally, make sure there is more to your Tweets than just sales information).
- Gain public feedback and gauge public perceptions of brands.
- Establish yourself as an expert in your field.
- Meet possible job candidates.
- Network with those interested in working for you.
- Offer an alternative customer service option.
- Brand yourself. Broadcast company logos, catch phrases and goals.
- Grow your community.
- Stay up to date with things going on in your industry, and keep the rest of your industry aware of news at your business.
- Promote your company. Send a Tweet out with a link to a new Blog post or announce new things going on with your brand.
- Invite your Twitter followers to company events or occasionally to sales events.
- Make your company human. Allow the public to relate to you and your employees.
How do you become successful on Twitter?
The basics of social media apply to Twitter. To be successful, you must commit the time and patience necessary to develop an interactive strategy. Both individuals and brands need to be authentic and persistent. Sometimes it even pays to be a little controversial!
With sites like Twitter, you can easily see how many people are interested in your brand. From the number of followers you acquire, to the percent of your messages other users "re-tweet," you can see how and where your brand is connecting. Paying attention to the reactions and responses from the Twitter public is vital to succeeding online. Establish your goals before implementing a campaign and be flexible in updating those goals along the way.
Twitter offers a search feature, allowing you to scan the Twitter-verse for messages about your brand. Respond to those users discussing your products or services, even if they didn't mention you by Twitter handle. Review the "Trending Topics" for ideas on what to Tweet about. The easiest way to become successful on Twitter is simply to Tweet regularly, and provide Tweets with valuable information. Have a sense of humor, be ready to connect with others in a timely fashion, and deliver worthwhile messages.
How Tweet It Is
Twitter gives companies a popular way to share information and connect with their fans like never before. From industry news to employee milestones, Twitter is the place to share it all. Look beyond promoting your latest sale or product addition and find ways to make your brand more personable. Consumers are looking for brands on social media, make sure they find your business and keep coming back for all that it is you have to offer.
Contact E-Power Marketing's Social Media team today for more information on how your brand can make the most of Twitter!
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