Social media has become a habit, a daily ritual for most individuals across the United States and the world. It’s become the place to share thoughts, keep up with news, learn about brands, and (most importantly) connect. As social networks have evolved, many companies have wondered if Twitter could be a viable player in a successful marketing strategy. The answer is yes; the network can and should be used by any brand looking to grow.
Currently, Twitter has over 550 million registered, active users. 135,000 new users sign up and 58 million tweets are posted on a daily basis. The network is large and is growing larger every minute of every day. Taking part in this ever-expanding platform can be a huge benefit for businesses.
But the question remains: how can Twitter work for your brand? How can you use it to generate leads and to spread your brand’s message? It’s simple. Below are a few ideas to make your Twitter account work you and your company.
Create an Account and Connect
The first thing to do is to jump in, create an account and reach out. Twitter makes it easy for businesses to create accounts in just a few steps. Publish your Twitter handle across your other social media accounts and encourage your connections to follow you. Start following related brands and those on your e-mail list for whom you can find accounts. The larger your list of followers, the larger your potential impact.
Integrate
Find ways to connect Twitter with your other social media accounts. But don’t stop there. Share your web content on Twitter, just like you would share with your e-mail list. Consumers are looking for brands that provide reliable, useful information when making purchasing decisions. By establishing yourself in this area, you’re more likely to generate leads going forward. True integration is essential for social media success.
Update Your Image
Your Twitter profile image is what your followers see every time you tweet. It’s what they associate with your brand and it is how they’ll remember you long after the conversation is over. Be sure your image is readable if it includes text and not cropped. Consider a way to use a photo instead of a logo, images of people show personality and allow users to feel a sense of connection which is necessary for long term engagement and relationships. However, if a photo wouldn’t be appropriate for your brand, choose an engaging and interesting illustration that represents your company.
Join the Conversation
Making Twitter work for you doesn’t mean starting all of the conversations. Participation is just as important for spreading brand awareness. Look for conversations, learn about the best hashtags for your niche, and get moving. Take the time to answer questions any followers may have. Think of Twitter as a real-time, 24/7 networking session. Find opportunities to become a part of conversations, you’ll be increasing credibility as you take the time to do so.
Take Twitter on the Go
The beauty of Twitter lies in its ability to allow users to share on the go. Unlike long-form content that requires thought, editing and time, Twitter can be utilized at anytime and in anyplace, from the car, to the office. When meeting with a client, taking part in a networking event, or witnessing anything relevant to your brand, tweet about it. The success of a tweet depends on the followers who are online at the time it’s posted; otherwise, it will be pushed down by other posts. Make an effort to Tweet frequently, regardless of your location, for maximum results.
As Always, Don’t Forget the Call-to-Action
The ultimate goal of any online endeavor is to drive traffic to your website. Increased traffic means an increased chance for conversion: sales, contact forms, or otherwise. Twitter call-to-actions can be as simple as asking for a retweet, follow, or reply. When considering which call-to-action to use, make sure to include a clear direction for the reader and include an incentive to click. Be sure your Twitter profile includes a link to your brand’s site as well as links in the posted tweets that drive followers to pages on your site. It’s marketing made simple.
Social media is one of the most effective ways to spread a brand message and to market to potential customers. Make it work for you today. Stay tuned for the Facebook edition!
Author Bio: Savannah Marie is a social media enthusiast and editor for her blog. When she isn’t writing, you can find her walking a trail with her favorite yellow lab, Remington, baking something delicious, or reading a classic.
