Social Media Strategies: Using Twitter to Grow Your Small Business

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you understand that Twitter is a phenomenal social media venue where people can glance into your life to see who you really are - in 140 characters or less!

Once you have signed up and your account is active, you’ll be able to post “Tweets” about things that are going on in your business or personal life daily, as well as what you’re doing and thinking about. Now, we're not saying you need to document your entire life’s story, but simply let people know when something worth posting surfaces. We recommend Tweeting articles, links and videos related to your profession or ones that are comical in nature. Think about what you would want to read about and apply it to what your followers might find interesting.

The tweets that you post daily are very revealing about yourself and basically tell others if you have things in common, are a trusted resource, or if you’re just plain crazy! We’ve met several people that are interested in social media marketing, outdoor sports, and others that have the same type of dog. It’s pretty incredible with whom you can connect with in this form of social media.


When navigating on Twitter, pay attention to what other people are saying. If there is a question someone has posted, go right ahead and answer it. When viewing a Tweet that you want to comment on, don’t think, just do it. Twitter requires action, usually repetitive to establish a rapport.


You can even use http://search.twitter.com/ to search for related topics about your business locally. When you answer questions, you’re instantly viewed as a problem solver and a resource. Positioning yourself as an expert in your field and in social media strategies helps people notice your business.


This is a short-list of reasons to use Twitter every day:


1) You can easily establish connections and meet new friends that eventually may do business with you


2) You get fresh, minute-by-minute insight as to what is happening in peoples lives


3) You get access to links to articles folks have read and particularly enjoyed - these can be great ideas and jumping off points for you to apply in your social media strategies.


4) It’s the perfect place to ask legit questions and obtain answers


5) You can connect with people in your local area


6) You can get massive amounts of new business


Twitter is actually pretty easy to understand, you just have to begin today and get familiar with it. We would rate it as simpler than many other social networks that are valuable to your social media strategies - just slightly more complicated. Keep in mind that you always want to add value to a Twitter conversation. If all you do is sell your business and services - you're not really listening to your followers. This is very basic. If you contribute something of value, individuals will thank you and be inclined to remember you. Some may decide to also follow you in return. In its basic form, though, you’ll have gotten someones attention.

The first thing to do once you get on Twitter is to get yourself a user name. Decide which of the examples below you want to mimic. If you want, you can alter the names later, but makes sure you think ahead. In a local niche, review these hypothetical listings below for ideas.


- Plumber & your Name = @PlumberJack


- Regular Name = @MatthewLoop


- Attorney Related = @AttorneyLady


- Name & Area / Location = @JaredMI

- website = @MySiteName

There are customizations that can be done to your Twitter profile page. You don't need to get complicated but do make sure that your photo represents your brand, logo or yourself. Your image in social media should match your business image and be consistent. Incorporate Twitter into your Social Media Strategies yourself of let us help!