Twitter may well be the social media platform that offers the biggest punch, yet for the smallest amount of content shared. With each tweet limited to just 140 characters, users are forced to be brief and to the point. Yet using the Twitter social media platform as part of a business marketing strategy is an extremely savvy move by a business owner, and can up the ante for any brand’s digital profile in a dramatic way.
Why Twitter?
Almost 50% of Twitter’s user base follows brands they like and as such, the platform is awash with powerful marketing opportunities. Twitter can be used to spread and maximise brand awareness, generate leads, drive traffic to your website, and to build and maintain a loyal and active customer base.
Basic tips for a successful Twitter marketing strategy
Twitter is a fantastic tool for business, but to get the most out of it you need to know what you are doing. Follow these basic tips on your way to social media marketing success:
1. Choose your handle: Keep it short and memorable. If your business name is long, consider a catchy and memorable abbreviation or use the name of your biz if it’s available.
2. Complete your profile: First impressions count, so make sure your profile is complete. This includes having a suitable professional photograph, logo or icon. Always include a link to your website and your on or off-site blog if you have one.
3. Connect with others: Follow all personal and professional contacts you have that use Twitter and also utilise the Twitter search tool to identify businesses and people to follow who are tweeting about topics relating to your own business or industry. Follow companies, influencers and like-minded tweeters – many of those you follow will organically follow you back.
4. Build a following by retweeting: Retweets are appreciated by the original posters and not only will they provide you with greater visibility; they will grow your following. Always give credit where it is due; this also is appreciated and you will reap the rewards in future when your own content is retweeted.
5. Compose tweets mindfully: Remain committed to your brand image at all times and consider what it is you want to say, how you want to say it and for what qualities you want to be known for. Strongly themed tweets will be the most powerful and generate most follower engagement.
6. Use keywords: Keywords are a driving force in digital content. If you have an SEO campaign under way (and you should!), you will have a number of target keywords relating to your business and which should be used throughout your website to drive digital traffic your way. If not, choose common search terms relating to your brand, business and industry, and link these to valuable content on your website in your tweets and any other social media marketing activities you undertake. This will help attract a specific and targeted audience to connect with relevant Twitter users.
7. Use links: By using short-links (via Bit.ly or a similar tool) to drive Twitter traffic to valuable content on your webpage (or any other location you choose), you are helping to grow your follower base and retain those followers you have. Be mindful that shortening links is critical for the aesthetics of your tweets and also to maximise the character limits you have to work with.
8. Share images: According to Twitter’s own research, tweets that include images generate three times more engagement than those without.
9. Use hashtags – properly: These are powerful but oh-so-misunderstood by so many. The purpose of the hashtag is to organise and spread information to a targeted group of recipients. They make your content visible and discoverable. Look at the hashtag you want to use and see what traction it already has online. There’s a myriad of hashtag rules that need to be followed (sadly, many don’t abide by these), but the biggest and single most important guideline is not to overuse them. Keep to no more than two appropriate hashtags per tweet.
10. Share content that is unique: Compose your tweets in your own voice; be mindful and strategic with what you share in order to make the audience feel it is valuable enough for them to click on your links and retweet your posts. Share and link to articles, videos, news, tips, quotes and opinions that are entertaining, informative and interesting.
11. Don’t make it all about you: There is no surer or faster way to alienate your followers than by appearing to be completely self-absorbed. Even though the Twitter feed is for your business or brand, remember the customer comes first – so make it about them. Focus on your audience and mention their content regularly. When you do make it about you, share enough about yourself to interest followers and to personalise the connection between them and your feed.
12. Forget the hard sell: Twitter is not the platform for hard selling and high-pressure sales tactics. While promotional tweets do have their place, Twitter is better used as a useful resource for your followers. Lead topic discussions, answer questions, and share your blog etc. Be helpful rather than simply a digital commercial for your product.
13. Be present: Ideally, you will tweet a few times a day. Too often will become overwhelming and annoying for your audience; not enough and you risk becoming invisible. Be consistent so that your followers know what to expect from you. Additionally, be sure to engage with your audience. Ask questions of them and respond to their comments and feedback. By showing commitment to posting content, you add value for your followers on an ongoing basis.
14. Make recommendations: By referring others to connections you rate, including suppliers, clients, colleagues and commentators, you set the wheels in motion for others to refer and recommend you.
15. Monitor your results: Which tweets generate most positive engagement? What are your followers saying about you, your brand, and your industry? What is working for you – and not working for you? Constantly monitor your engagement and results, and modify your Twitter marketing strategy to comply.
[Tweet “To get the most out of #Twitter you need to know what you’re doing. These 15 tips are pretty hawt..”]
[Tweet “#Twitter can up the ante for any brand’s digital profile. @AdamHoulahan shares his stella advice…”]
Want more where this came from? Head over to Adam’s website here to find stacks of tips and advice for boosting your social media presence.
