Your business on Twitter, of course. This has been an interesting stage for Twitter: once the fodder of smarty-pants-businesses and neigh-sayers. Now we have senators ignoring the speakers and tweeting about basketball 
games and candy companies swiping posts for corporate PR. It’s become the “in” thing to do for your brand. But, isn’t it an amazing time suck as well? Yes. It’s like any new toy: you play with it a lot when you first get it and eventually it loses it’s shimmer and glow. For you who are asking, “Now what?” here are some practical time managment tips for your Tweets.
Twitter Goals - This needs addressing up front. If you use Twitter to keep you company or distract you from your boring day job, you can stop reading now. The rest is for the practical user. If you have a goal to network, meet like-minded professionals or find business then let’s get practical. You do not have time to play all day on Twitter. So, here are some ways to help you stay a little more connected and still work with your clients.
Auto Direct Messages - This topic is very controversial amoungst Tweople. Some think it’s absolutely horrible and impersonal. Others use it exclusively and rarely Tweet live. Both are extreme. A happy medium is probably your best strategy. Since my goal on is to meet other smart marketers and find potential new clients, I choose to thank all followers with an auto reply that also has a link to some free info. Now, some think this is a cardinal sin of Twitter. Sorry, but I am only trying to attract followers who have some interest in marketing. If you are that offended, you can unfollow. I’m okay with this.
Searching For Your Tweople - Mastering the Twitter Search is essential. Once you can connect with the right Tweople, the rest is pure visability and likeability.
Conversion – Yes, conversion again! What’s the point at having 3,000 followers with a goal of locating new clients if you don’t plan to convert? You’re going to need ways to interest them so they want more information about your product. Also, getting them to move to email or opt-in is important. (A.k.a. Click my junk on Twitter)
Most of all, social networking is like dating. You need to move slowly and build credibility. When the opportunity arises to move the relationship forward, stay cool or you’ll scare them off.
Paula Pollock is Director of the Pollock Marketing Group: helping business owners attract consistent clients with less effort. To receive her quick-read, weekly marketing tips and her Special Report, “7 Client Attraction Secrets That Will Double Your Income,” CLICK HERE and sign up.www.paulapollock.com
Nice article, thanks – It will be interesting to see if Twitter can sustain the huge interest it currently has, or whether in a few years time it will be seen as “so 2009″!? – I for one would not like to make a prediction.
I’m with you. Some people thought Google couldn’t sustain growth either. In the interim, lets have fun with it.