Last week after speaking on social media at the Soap Guild conference, I answered lots of questions about Twitter. Here are 3 tips any small business owner can use to Twitter efficiently and cost effectively.
First, use Tweetdeck, which allows you to create columns on your desktop so you can scan Tweets by people you add to those columns. Tweetdeck automatically separatesTweets according to people you identify as belonging to the various columns so you can easily scan, reply and direct message. You can also quickly "favorite" Tweets to your Favorites page. Another option to check out is Tweetgrid. It works similarly to Tweetdeck, but with more bells and whistles.
Second, regularly Tweet informational blog posts and news articles. This a quick way to start a conversation and shows that you are in the know about issues affecting your industry. People share such Tweets days or even weeks later, giving you credit for initiating the conversation. It only takes seconds to do this. Remember to shorten links using TinyURL or SnipURL.
Third, share your informative blog posts, newsletter articles and photos on Twitter. This creates an interesting stream of content that is attributed to you and is picked up by search engines. When a new person visits your Twitter page, they see frequently updated entries that point to you as an active and knowledgeable person in your field.
Treat your Twitter page like any other professional website. Limited space is no excuse for messy spelling and grammatical errors. If a Tweet is too long to share in 140 characters, use Twitwall so you can add photos, video and as much text as you like.
Quesiton: What are some of the simple ways you use Twitter to professionally connect with customers, clients and other stakeholders? Share your Twitter tips in the comments section below.
Great post. Tweetdeck is a great app. One time saver I use is Tweetlater.
Great post. Tweetdeck is a great app. One time saver I use is Tweetlater.
First of all, I have dM to thank for introducing me to Twitter. 🙂
Since November, I have increased from 3 to over 1600 followers, made real relationships, had 2 articles written about myself and my business, had a video review posted, met my business coach, made sales using TWITTER as the coupon, had “The Go-Giver” mailed to me as a gift by a fellow tweep, and so on…. and so on.
It is an invaluable small business marketing tool. For me the rules of Twitter include: be interesting, be amusing, be grateful, share worthy information, don’t hard sell, but allow yourself the chance to gently share what you do. Trust me, if you brand yourself, people will want to know what you do. Most of all be yourself. If you want to find me, I go by “scrubzbody”. 🙂
First of all, I have dM to thank for introducing me to Twitter. 🙂
Since November, I have increased from 3 to over 1600 followers, made real relationships, had 2 articles written about myself and my business, had a video review posted, met my business coach, made sales using TWITTER as the coupon, had “The Go-Giver” mailed to me as a gift by a fellow tweep, and so on…. and so on.
It is an invaluable small business marketing tool. For me the rules of Twitter include: be interesting, be amusing, be grateful, share worthy information, don’t hard sell, but allow yourself the chance to gently share what you do. Trust me, if you brand yourself, people will want to know what you do. Most of all be yourself. If you want to find me, I go by “scrubzbody”. 🙂
I have really loved using twitter. More than I thought I would! It’s added a third dimention to our business that has really taken on legs of its own.
I agree with Roberta that it is invaluable as a small, rural business tool. We’ve joined some Twibes and tweeted with people from all over the country. Getting a new follower is the highlight of my day. ha Just be yourself on twitter, let the real you shine through, and your business will bloom. 🙂 We go by NeeNeesSoapShop. Come by and tweet with us!
I have really loved using twitter. More than I thought I would! It’s added a third dimention to our business that has really taken on legs of its own.
I agree with Roberta that it is invaluable as a small, rural business tool. We’ve joined some Twibes and tweeted with people from all over the country. Getting a new follower is the highlight of my day. ha Just be yourself on twitter, let the real you shine through, and your business will bloom. 🙂 We go by NeeNeesSoapShop. Come by and tweet with us!
@Jack: I’ve considered Tweetlater but haven’t used it yet. I know there are some Tweets I can use it for, especially when I have scheduled conferences and other events planned. Tweetlater seems perfectly suited for Tweets like that because they don’t really have to be authentic and personal in order to be effective. Thanks for reminding me to give it a try.
@Jack: I’ve considered Tweetlater but haven’t used it yet. I know there are some Tweets I can use it for, especially when I have scheduled conferences and other events planned. Tweetlater seems perfectly suited for Tweets like that because they don’t really have to be authentic and personal in order to be effective. Thanks for reminding me to give it a try.
@Roberta: I do love your Tweets. You are personable and do all of the positive things you mentioned in your comment. I hope others reading this will follow you at @scrubzbody and take note how you do it. Congratulations on all the Twitter success and I am honored to have introduced you to such an exciting discovery. You have truly taken to it like a fish in water. You have to hook up with @priiacosmetics if you have not already!
@Roberta: I do love your Tweets. You are personable and do all of the positive things you mentioned in your comment. I hope others reading this will follow you at @scrubzbody and take note how you do it. Congratulations on all the Twitter success and I am honored to have introduced you to such an exciting discovery. You have truly taken to it like a fish in water. You have to hook up with @priiacosmetics if you have not already!
@Renee: Funny how you mention that you like Twitter more than you thought you would. That seems to be a universal experience. I hope people who are weirded out by Twitter read your comment and know that they are not alone, but that if they give it a shot, it can pay off for them too. Thank you for sharing that with us!
@Renee: Funny how you mention that you like Twitter more than you thought you would. That seems to be a universal experience. I hope people who are weirded out by Twitter read your comment and know that they are not alone, but that if they give it a shot, it can pay off for them too. Thank you for sharing that with us!