It may seem like just yesterday Twitter burst onto the scene, but the truth is it just turned ten years old! When it arrived back in 2006, nobody knew what to make of the microblogging site. Times have changed: TWTR is traded on the NYSE and has 320 million monthly active users.
Over the last decade, Twitter has been part of some of the most important events around the world – and it should be part of your business. Twitter consistently ranks as second-largest social media network worldwide. It can help you cultivate your customers into highly engaged brand advocates … if you use it wisely!
These tips will help you tap into Twitter community:
Be Consistent
If you want followers to engage with you, set a good example. Pick a minimum number of tweets per day and stick with it. If you don’t feel like you have anything new to say, get involved in a Twitter conversation around your brand or industry – but stick with it!
Be Helpful
Odds are good your Web strategy already centers around providing helpful, relevant content that speaks to your prospects’ needs. When you hit the Twitterverse, do the same: Get engaged with people in need, whether answering them directly or linking to an article on your site.
Connect with Others
A community usually starts with a few passionate members who want to see you succeed. There’s no harm in starting by looking for the right kind of person. In fact, Twitter offers you many tools to do so – including hashtag and topic searches.
Bring Your Brand Online
No matter where you are in your journey, you already have customers and others who support you. Bring them online by adding your Twitter handle to your in-store signage, business card, email signature, and anywhere else it can (politely) go.
Always Respond to @Replies
Many people on Twitter are wary of engaging with “brand” accounts. If someone decides to tag you using @, it means he or she is making an effort to reach out. This is the chance to have the kind of one-on-one chat that can spark a real relationship.
Share the Spotlight
So, what is it that turns some people off about engaging with online brands? Simply, the idea it’s always about them, them, them. To break out of the self-promotion mold, share your platform with others. Promote people you know! Link to interesting content even if it’s not yours.
Twitter is a tremendous marketing tool. Learn how to build a strong community and you could find your online marketing efforts amplified by your own tribe of enthusiastic advocates. It may take some time to see results, but it’s worth the effort!