Twitter is so great. It is such a fun switch-up from the ever-so-personal Facebook. If you’re a small business…and you’re not on Twitter… you might want to reassess your social media strategy. Don’t know where to start? Here are some tips to help get you started.
Step 1: Goal Setting. Develop a Brand.
As stated in my previous post, goals are everything when it comes to strategizing social media. Determine your purpose for using the platform. When it comes to using Twitter, you are likely one of two things. You are either using it to communicate or listen.
Communicate: If your goal is to influence, promote, or sell you are going to want to attract attention. This includes tweeting and direct messaging with a focus on getting information out into the twitter-sphere.
Listen: If your goal is to keep up on news, learn, or provide customer service you will want to follow popular industry leaders and become familiar with #hashtags.
Once you figure out your goal, determine your brand. Do you want your tweets to be funny and casual? Or are you looking to be more professional and serious? Are you trying to be a thought leader? Or are you seeking celebrity status? Determining your Twitter persona will help give you a direction on who to follow and what to tweet.
Step 2: Learn the Twitter Terminology.
Tweet: When you post something.
Retweet or RT: When you repost something from another person.
Favorite or star: Similar to a Facebook “like”. If someone reposts your content- starring their post would be a kind way of saying “thanks”.
DM or Direct Messaging: Privately messaging someone on Twitter.
Step 3: Get Acquainted with #hashtags and #keywords.
Hashtags are a tool to make words more searchable. They also allow Twitter users to engage in a Twitter-wide conversation. To put it more simply, a hashtag = a keyword. To create a hashtag, simply add a # in front of your keyword. Don’t know where to start with your industry-specific keywords? Check out the Google Keyword Planner.
Don’t go #hashtag crazy- we know it can be addicting. Try to keep your #hashtags to a maximum of two per tweet.
Step 4: Customize your profile.
Once you have decided your focus, purpose, and target audience it is time to customize. Start by fixing your profile picture. Replace the pre-set “egg” profile photo that comes standard with your profile, and insert your logo. After you have picked a few keywords, include them in a sweet little description about your business. Using keywords in your description will help you show up in search. If you have a business website, make sure to include the URL.
Step 5: Build your network.
Let the fun begin. It is time to get in there and build your following. The unsaid rule “I follow you and you follow me back” is the most common way to acquire followers. Be careful, the limit to the rule is 2000 followers.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Play around with finding your personality. Create content that is informative and entertaining. Write about industry news and current trends. Share facts, insights, and statistics.
To determine whether or not anyone even cares about your topics or keywords, do a simple Topsy.com search. This fun tool lets you see the latest Twitter results.
When utilized correctly, Twitter can be a great tool to find new customers, communicated with current customers, and improve your brand awareness. Spend 30 minutes to one hour of your day experimenting and engaging in this new platform. Good Luck and Have Fun!