Use Twitter For Business

Are you wondering how to use Twitter for business? Can Twitter really help your company, or is it just a waste of time? Many authors, entertainers, and business professionals use Twitter to network with people and grow their business. Here are a few ideas than can help you achieve your own Twitter success. But first, a little background on Twitter.

What is Twitter, Anyway?

Twitter has been called public instant messaging and micro-blogging. The publishing platform allows you to post updates called “tweets” as often as you want. Tweets are limited to 140 characters. When you follow other people on Twitter, you can see their tweets. When they follow you, they can see your tweets.

Twitter is a constant stream of communication, but you can turn it on and off as you like. Twitter keeps your updates as public record, and your posts can be found with “Twitter Search.”

Twitter is not a fad. Many high-profile people use Twitter for a number of reasons. They receive great insight when they post questions. Their thoughts and ideas are spread to new people and places. And, of course, they get traffic.

Business owners can connect with their employees and customers through Twitter. Even if they don’t drive direct sales, businesses can use Twitter to build a brand. Here are ten ways you can use Twitter for your business.

How To Use Twitter For Business:

1.  Build a Twitter account. Building an account is the first step to using Twitter for business. Register for a free account and create a profile. Don’t forget to add a picture. Your customers want to see you.
2. Use “Twitter Search” and listen. Listening is a good place to start. Use “Twitter Search” to “Listen” for your name. Listen for your competitor’s names. Listen to words that relate to your business.
3. Follow interesting people. If you find a Twitter user who posts interesting updates, follow him. See who he follows and who follows him. Follow some of those people, too.
4. Discuss other people’s interests. When you post Twitter updates, talk to people about their interests instead of your own. It shows your Twitter followers that you’re human.
5. Share interesting links about your community. Share links to things around you, such as special community events. Be interesting, thoughtful, and helpful.
6. Promote your employees’ stories. Share interesting things about your employees, such as out-of-work stories. Show them, and your customers, that you care.
7. Don’t over-promote or toot your own horn. Some people may love this, but others will not. They may even stop following your Twitter updates. Go easy on the product marketing and self-praise. Allow your customers and followers to promote your company, product, or service.
8. Ask questions. Questions are a good idea on Twitter. You’ll get great opinions from the Twitter community. Always ask a question, or provide a short explanation, before sharing a link.
9. Provide useful updates. When you talk about yourself, make your tweets useful. Offer advice, share blog posts, and be helpful.
10. Share the human side of your company. While building your brand and business, share updates that have value for your human connections. That would be your Twitter followers.