What is all this “tweeting” about? What are these social media websites that people seem to be so obsessed with? While social media sites are often viewed as “those things all the kids are fanatical about these days,” they are actually more powerful and effective than many people realise. Although the younger generations often use such platforms for fun activities like chatting with friends, posting pictures and videos and general horse-play, Twitter offers businesses and professionals virtually unrestricted access to an ever-increasing and almost limitless range of prospective clients. Famous company CEOs and celebrities who endorse products from all over the globe are frequent Twitter users.
Twitter allows you to post updates (called Tweets) as often as you like (but limited to 140 characters) similar to a text message. When you follow people on Twitter, you can see their tweets and vice versa. Twitter keeps a public record of all updates in the event of misuse such as the posting of offensive material, in order to protect the integrity of the site.
Industry estimates show that each day 5 to 10,000 new people join Twitter and the total number of users currently stands at over 500 million. This is free access to over half a billion people who are only one “Tweet” away from discovering any information which YOU, the user, choose to share with them.
In order to reach your target market or if you simply want to reach as many people as possible, use keywords in your tweets so that potential customers are able to find the information which you post. Interaction with other users and daily (even hourly) posting of updates will quickly prove to you whether or not you’re reaching your target. If not, you will soon get adequate feedback from those whom you have been interacting with, giving you some ideas as to what keywords you should be using and who you should be following in order to get the most exposure.
Connecting with customers (and getting their feedback)
If you have a customer who has something to say, whether good or bad, you may well hear (see) them on Twitter and this will help your company to receive invaluable feedback and assist disgruntled customers as early as possible.
Sales, discounts, special offers, new products and future plans are all being discussed on Twitter right now by thousands of companies worldwide.
Twitter is Viral
Within a few hours of using Twitter most users find that they can connect with people and access bits of information in an instant. You can even gain a certain amount of “popularity” by being mentioned in other users’ tweets. This can become a vital part of your marketing strategies; letting others spread the word for you for free.
Keeping Tabs on the Competition
With Twitter, not only can you read what customers are saying about you, you can also read what customers are saying about your competitors. It can provide the perfect opportunity to intercept potential clientele who have had bad experiences with your closest competitors.
Gaining Brand Loyalty
Once you have connected to your customers on Twitter, even for what may seem to be the most insignificant level of interaction, a certain sense of familiarity subconsciously develops. Research has shown that this feeling of familiarity is a critical catalyst in the growth of brand loyalty.
The commercial benefits to be gained from using Twitter are numerous. Marketing via the Twitter platform is definitely a great way to boost your business online, gain added exposure, send traffic back to your website, track industry buzz and position your brand message in front of fans and potential customers … the list goes on.
Coming in the next issue of Dazzle Magazine: Tools to Help You Optimise your Twitter Experience. Don’t miss it!
