How to Market Your Business on Twitter

By Laura Townshend, The Writers Network

Last Updated on June 8th, 2011

Social media is hot, and if you're not marketing your business on Twitter, you're missing out on some fantastic opportunities to network. Twitter offers unique ways to showcase what your business is about and communicate with like-minded people. By using Twitter, you'll learn more about your customers, prospects, and competitors.

What Twitter Is

Twitter is an online program that allows you to socialize with others. Though some people use Twitter for personal conversations, businesses are recognizing how powerful Twitter is as a marketing tool. When you follow others and listen to their conversations, you can see what they're interested in. The same is true of the people who follow your tweets. You have a free platform to market your services and products, have others promote your tweets and become listed.

What Twitter Is Not

The easy-going, casual nature of Twitter is deceptive. You'll want to abide by social marketing etiquette in order to keep your followers and gain new ones. Tweeting incessantly about your latest promotion is uncool. If you use Twitter to shout-out your business while ignoring everyone else, you'll come off as dull and one-dimensional.

How to Use Twitter Effectively

In order to use Twitter effectively, strike a balance between listening and interacting. Join conversations and start some of your own. Pose questions to your followers. One or two tweets about your business's new events, promotions, blog posts, etc. is effective. Be sure to re-tweet and circulate your followers' messages, too. Answer questions, and have fun socializing.

Remember that Twitter is a tool businesses can use. Sales and marketing principles haven't changed, but the ways we promote our products and services are different due to changes in technology. Establish strong relationships with your prospective and current customers by listening to their feedback. Let people know how your business can solve problems. Twitter is an excellent way to establish your company as trustworthy and reputable.

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