By Bethany Stephens, Rogers Chamber of Commerce/ Rogers
So, you are sold on using social media to maximize exposure for your business, thanks to all the hype. Or perhaps you read the article on page 24 of the September 2009 issue of Biz2BizNWA. Now, it’s time to tackle a few of the most basic tools available to you. Let’s start with Twitter.
What is Twitter?
Often called “micro-blogging,” Twitter is a real-time conversation between individuals, businesses, brands and popular opinion. Twitter allows users to connect by answering one question: “What are you doing?” Responses are limited to 140 characters. While many individuals use Twitter for personal or pointless conversation, it can be a practical and effective marketing tool. Due to space restrictions, it is also an exceptional way to perfect your “elevator speech,” that is – how concisely and accurately can you really get your point across to your audience?
How does Twitter work?
To get started, simply visit www.Twitter.com and click the green button to sign up. After entering your basic information to create an account, you’ll be able to use the Profile and Settings sections to further personalize your account with a logo, photo, background design and profile. Don’t skip a bio and link to your business, organization or personal website – you’re skipping valuable marketing exposure if you do! The site is extremely intuitive, so you’ll find it easily navigable as you expand your presence. Once you’re all set, use the Find People tab to locate organizations, individuals, your competition, news media and trade journals or websites. Choose a few individuals or companies with whom you aspire to do business in the future as well!
Next, get to posting! At a bare minimum, one post per week will get you by, but once or twice a day is ideal. Keep it from being menial – don’t post for the sake of posting. What’s new with your business? Who did you serve today? Have your customers accomplished something exciting? Did you read an article that might be meaningful to others? The more you keep your posts about others, the better – selflessness is good. Of course, you’re still subtly marketing your business. You’ll quickly see who gets this and who does not – be sure to follow those individuals.
Twitter Tips
• Give credit where credit is due – mention your sources just as you did in the papers you wrote in school. Just place “@” in front of the username.
• Retweet (like so: RT @username) relevant tidbits.
• Follow “thought leaders” – that is the individuals in (and outside of) your field who are doing it right.
• Last but not least, as in all social media, be circular – reference customers, other users and other social media. For example, your Twitter post might suggest that your followers check out your blog (which we’ll cover in a future article). Don’t obsess about how many followers you have – that will come if you focus on humility, frequency and relevance – the keys to Twitter success.
Bethany Stephens is Executive Vice President of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. An active proponent, she blogs and teaches a class on social networking for member businesses. Tweet Beth @bethanystephens, make a connection at www.LinkedIn.com/in/bethanystephens or read her blog at http://rogerslowellchamber.blogspot.com/.
