Owning a business is a lot of work! From marketing and customer service to ensuring efficient, streamlined operations, business owners have their hands full; which is why the word “Twitter” makes a lot of business owners cringe.
The perception that Twitter is a time-waster in the minds of business owners is still an obstacle for social media marketers. Many owners spend time and resources blocking social media applications from their employees (who are finding different ways to access them anyway) without realizing the power these marketing tools can be to their businesses. Instead of fighting social media applications, business owners should embrace these technologies and learn to use them to leverage their online marketing strategies.
How can Twitter and Business go hand in hand?
While Twitter can certainly pose as a distraction in a busy work day, it can also be transformed into a highly effective instrument for marketing a business. The question becomes, “Where do I start”?
It is important to create a comprehensive social media marketing strategy prior to jumping on the Twitter bandwagon. Doing so would ensure that each application complements the other with the end goal being to push traffic to your company’s website. Once a plan is in place, Twitter can effectively be used to boost your business in the following ways:
1. Networking
Let’s face it… we live in a social world. People enjoy doing business with people. They like to know WHO they are working with. Networking, in this respect, will never go away and will always be important in marketing strategies.
Following popular bloggers or authorities in your business niche on Twitter is the easiest way to “jump in.” See what they are writing about and engage with them for ideas on your own blog content. “Re-tweet” their postings to show your interest in them, and they will do the same. This is how you grow a following.
2. Research
Knowing your industry’s trends has never been more important than it is now in this age of lightening-fast communications. In order to stay abreast of new business practices, competition strategies, and customer needs, it is important to research. Believe it or not, Twitter can help you here, too! Simply search keywords important to your industry/business and be quickly amazed by the feedback Twitter can provide you.
In addition, you can search your own business within Twitter to see what others may be saying about your company. Or, if you’re seeking additional feedback, Twitter can be used to send links to your surveys or questionnaires.
3. Marketing
Twitter should be your preferred way to disseminating marketing messages; hence growing your following is important. Twitter can be integrated into all of your vehicles of communication – from your website and blog to other social media applications (such as Facebook and Linked-In). Once they’re connected, there is no reason to post a message twice – for instance, simply update your blog and Twitter will automatically send your followers and message; or post an event to Facebook and Twitter will automatically send your followers a link to the event.
Sharing your messages on twitter consistently will make it easier for others to “re-tweet” your posts to their followers (and on, and on). Before you know it, your audience has tripled or even quadrupled! It’s technology’s way of marketing you via “word of mouth”.
4. Customer Service
Excellent customer service is what every business strives for because it lends to referrals for new clients. It also enhances your corporate brand by positioning your business as an expert in your particular industry or niche. Here are a few ways to utilize Twitter in providing phenomenal customer service:
- Answer frequently asked questions
- Tweet links to videos or presentations
- Tweet event/program reminders
- Share relevant photos from speaking engagements
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