Five Easy Steps to use Twitter as a Business Tool |

Five Easy Steps to use Twitter as a Business Tool

July 6, 2011 Che Web Design Blog No Comments

If you have a business and you are not on Twitter, then this is for you. In 5 easy steps we’ll help you get setup on Twitter and use it as an effective business tool.

STEP 1 – WHAT IS IT?
Is it a bird?…sort of… is it a plane…maybe. It is a status update. Twitter is a very simple tool that you use to send 140 character status updates. These updates can be read by anybody in the world using a Twitter client application. It is similar to a Facebook status update or an SMS message. It is a quick and easy way to stay connected with your customers regarding new products, special offers and announcements. It is quicker than sending an email.

STEP 2 – HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Go to twitter.com and create a new account. For example, Media Eye Studios has an account: http://twitter.com/mediaeye. Then use Twitter’s website or a client application like hootsuite.com to view Twitter feeds from others and also post your own. Twitter also provide free client applications for most smart phones and the iPad. Use the Twitter website or apps to search for people with similar interests to follow. Twitter will also recommend people that you can follow. Yes, and please follow us!

STEP 3 – RT: HI @TWEET
What does all these @’s, RT’s and #’s mean?

Tweet: is the short message or status update that you send using Twiiter.
Retweet (or RT): is a re-post of a tweet from somebody else that you liked. This is a good way to quickly spread note-worthy information.
Following: The people or companies that you follow.
Follower: People or companies that follow you. These are typically people that are interested in you or your product/service.
DM or Direct Message: Twitter provides a way, called a DM, to send a direct message to one of your followers. Only your follower will see this message. It is private.
Hashtag: For example #fail, #wordpress, #yyc. Use hashtags in your messages to allow others to quickly find your tweets.
At or @: a handle, or somebody’s name. Use this in your tweet to mention somebody, e.g., @mediaeye to mention Media Eye Studios in your tweet. This is NOT a private message. Everybody in the Twitter world can see this message.

STEP 4 – HOW TO USE TWITTER FOR BUSINESS
Many people use Twitter for personal use, e.g., tweet that “I’m at Starbucks“. This is not very valuable for a business. The most effective way to use Twiiter is to include a short link back to your website or another interesting website, e.g., “Here is a great Twitter guidebook resource: http://on.mash.to/EQU82“. This link will usually send the follower back to your website or better yet a blog post.

Use @’s and DM’s to communicate quickly and directly with your customers. It’s quick and easy, however you have to respond quickly to messages directed at you. The quicker the response the better, however definitely within 24 hours.

STEP 5 – AWESOME TIPS FOR BUSINESS USE
Here are a few awesome tips to get the most out of Twitter:

Use an app like hootsuite.com or socialoomph.com to send timed tweets. E.g, you can set up a whole month’s worth of useful tweets to be sent out every day.
Use a URL shortner service like bit.ly or the built-in shortners provided by the Twitter clients to shorten URLs.
We suggest that you mix your content using the following rule: 60% interesting content (not referring back to your website), 20% content from your website (like a blog post) and 20% special offers and product announcements.
Use search.twitter.com to search for keywords related to your business. You can then directly response to potential clients.
Add a Twitter feed to your website’s front page. This is a great way to keep your site fresh and SEO friendly.

GREAT TWITTER RESOURCES
Here are some more detailed Twitter guides and resources:

If you need help setting up Twitter, or adding Twitter to your home page then we can help. Please contact us today.