Here's a quick recap of last week's post:
- Twitter is commonly referred to as a "micro-blogging" (140 character max.)
- Learn the lingo by using sites such as Twitter 101
- Get versed on how to "tweet" and everything Twitter with twitip.com
- Customize/brand your Twitter page with your corporate colors/custom backgrounds
- Get familiar with the advanced search page to keep a pulse on potential business opportunities in your local area
How do I get people to follow me? There are three important things to consider when you begin posting to your Twitter page. It's essential that you post in a timely and regular manner. Make sure the content you post is relevant to your audience. Lastly, grow and maintain an audience by providing them something of value.
It further expand:
Timely - Make sure your posting on a consistent basis. Don't forget to establish/define what timely means for your business. It's also important to make sure there's someone at your organization that can post and readily respond to inquires/comments/feedback. Everything's in real-time ... that's the beauty of social media!
Relevant - Post content that speaks to your audience, but feel free to occasionally diverge from the typical industry-related topics. This will help to keep the conversation light and fun. Social media is supposed to fun, right?
Value - Give your audience an incentive to follow you. This can be accomplished by providing useful how-to tips, thought provoking ideas, exclusive promotional offers, new product announcements, industry news/updates, etc. The possibilities are endless.
What should I consider posting?
Here are some good topic posts:
Post/comment on industry news and products via Google alerts
New products
New features on your website
Industry event promotions
Industry events you’re planning on attending
Press releases
Promote and leverage other social networking apps
Encourage participation
Announce new blog posts, articles and post open-ended questions
Post reminders about renewals, new newsletters, etc.
Post a URL to a micro-site to increase exposure of a particular campaign, product, etc.
Post exclusive deals/specials
Insert a link to a poll, ask viewers to post their opinions
Post job openings
Post upcoming local events or industry events
Provide live coverage at a trade show or event
Tip #1 -
I'd suggest you use Twitter's search function labeled "Find People" to see if any of your existing customers are already using Twitter. This is a great place to find new audience members. Start searching for people you're currently doing business with.
Tip #2 -
It's important to market your social media outlets! Here are some places to begin incorporating your new Twitter page.
- Website Home Page and Contact Us Page
- Corporate Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn
- Email Signature
- Business Cards
- Promotional Materials
- Direct Mail Pieces
- Email Marketing Pieces
- Invoices
Don't forget! Twitter can become a useful portal to connect with key business contacts that can potentially help you grow your business. Keep a pulse on potential business opportunities by following other businesses, industry leaders, and organizations.
1) Find industry groups and ‘follow’ key people within these groups
3) Perform searches by using general industry terms such as “signs”, “vehicle wraps”, “print”, etc.
4) Search for your local Chambers of Commerce
5) Search for local businesses in your area
6) Search for local retail associations
7) Search for industry associations
8) Search for local city planning groups
9) Search for your local community development groups
10) Search for shopping center groups
How do I use Twitter to connect with potential customers outside of the world of Twitter?
Your "tweets" can be leveraged to connect with customers searching on Google. Did you know Google's indexes your "tweets" and Twitter profile? You can essentially use your Twitter page to further expand your scope by reaching potential customers using Google to find the products they need to run their businesses.
First, you'll want to find the most popular search keywords on Google that are applicable to your business. Go to Google's Keyword Tool Box and begin your search. Find out what keywords these customers are querying to find the products you sell. Then, start incorporating these keywords into your "tweets" on a regular basis. Also, incorporate these top search keywords into your profile.
Your profile on Twitter is located on the right-hand side of the page. You can edit your profile by clicking the "Setting" text link, then the "Profile" button.
Next week:
Join us as we discuss the business applications of LinkedIn.
Remember:
Building an online presence can be a time-consuming and often complicated process. When it’s done right though, the rewards can be great. Signsearch offers a line of Marketing Solution Products to help you boost your online presence without any of the hassle or time commitment. Visit our products page to learn more.
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