Ok, I thought I’d post several helpful Twitter Tips & Resources for those starting out on Twitter. This is actually from a previous SEO Web Consulting blog post, but am transferring some content over to this site blog…
Please keep in mind, before setting up a Twitter account for your business, intelligently plan out your goals and strategy for using Twitter for your business.
Twitter Resources & Tips for Beginners:
After setting up your account, be sure to fill out your profile. Be sure to add your website and a professional, captivating bio. Even witty bios are better than no bio!
Consider customizing your Twitter background to reflect your business profile. Have your web design team design a suitable Twitter background for your business. You can always check out TweetPages for freebies.
You only get 140 characters for your Twitter posts, so become familiar with using URL shortening to reserve your character count.
URL Shortening Services:
http://bit.ly/
http://is.gd/
http://tinyurl.com
Here’s a good URL Shortener Resource: 11 Best URL Shortening Services to review different features of each shortening service.
How do you find Tweeple to follow?
There will always be those you know on Twitter who can get your ‘follow’ list started, but what happens when you max-out that list?
Reach out!
Sometimes when you follow people in your niche, they follow you back. So reaching out - even to competitors - can not only be a good way to learn how other businesses are using Twitter, but it can be fun to start and nurture online business relationships.
– Use the Find People function (top right navigation link)
– Use the Twitter Search function (either on right navigation or footer link). Use the search function like you would a search engine. Use your niche keywords to target others in your business niche.
– Participate in conversations. Comment, Retweet, Ask questions, conduct polls / contests / surveys
Be selective! Don’t follow just anyone. Follow those of specific interest to you and your business - or those who consistently offer interesting information.
What do you Tweet to attract followers?
– Interesting articles you’ve read or written
– Interesting industry blog posts you’ve read or written
– Breaking news that you want to share w/your Twitter following
– Industry news
– Use Twitter #hashtags to attract more followers in your niche. DON’T ABUSE #hashtags!!! It will turn tweople off!
– Use the Twitter Search function to find business-niche Tweeple and follow them (they may review YOUR tweets and want to follow you back!)
– ReTweet!! If you see a Tweet from someone you are following - and think YOUR following could benefit - RETWEET! (i.e. RT @vdcseo How Mayo Clinic Uses Social Media http://bit.ly/9djiC WELL WORTH THE READ!!)
– Post your Twitter badge on your website, blog, email signature and all online (& offline!) marketing - inviting people to follow you on Twitter
– Again, participate in conversations. Comment, Retweet, Ask questions, conduct polls / contests / surveys
Keep checking back for more Twitter resources and tips - whether you’re an experienced Twit or new to Twitter! And in the meantime, I invite you to follow me on Twitter!
