Only twits use twitter!

Are you a twit? I used to think twitter users were until I discovered the marketing power behind the online platform. Twitter is a revolutionary social media platform attracting millions of worldwide users, taking the Internet by storm. Social media platforms were originally created to provide a format for individuals to exchange ideas. However, it did not take long for businesses to learn how to leverage social media as a marketing tool. If you want to grow your business, follow the ideas outlined below.

1.       Build a Strong Following- The quantity and quality of followers on your twitter profile is crucial to your business’s success. To build followers, begin by inviting your current email contacts. Then, build your list of followers through searching organically and following those people who interest you, many will follow you back. One method gaining popularity to quickly establish a large group of followers,  is by utilizing an automatic friend adder program. The use of these programs is somewhat controversial however, so be sure that you research the systems fully before implementing them into your business’s marketing strategy. Personally I don’t subscribe to this method but it may be beneficial in certain circumstances.

2.       Engage your Followers- To generate leads from Twitter, you need to be visible to your list of followers, and to the Twitterverse in general. Ask questions of your followers. Post links to powerful and informative content that you stumble across in your Internet searches. Announce promotions or discounts your business is currently offering. If you post new content to your company website or blog, post the link and a description within your twitter profile. Vary your twitter posts in order to engage your followers and to stay regularly visible.

3.       Leverage Keywords- Just as in other marketing techniques, keywords matter on Twitter. If your business leverages or targets specific keywords, you can search for twitter posts that include those specific keywords on a daily or hourly basis. Set up an automatic search function on twitter so that you are notified when your specific keywords appear. For example, if you provide eco-friendly printing services, by identifying that keyword phrase in a twitter search, you will be notified of any post containing that exact phrase. Following up with those posts can often generate additional lead traffic for your business. Consider it a form of targeted marketing.

Twitter can be a powerful lead generation tool for your business when leveraged effectively and consistently over time.