Twitter-dee, Twitter-dum…
Jul 18th, 2008 by admin
Okay… I have to admit, I have not been using Twitter for very long. I’ve known about this unique social ‘what are you up to site’ for quite some time, but was hesitant to sign up. I just didn’t see the appeal or value in using this IM-based social networking and microblogging service with all the other alternatives out there (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). And I just couldn’t fathom why anyone would give a hoot…uh…tweet as to what I was doing? I’m not Angelina Jolie or an American Idol. I’m just a simple girl, with extraordinary goals – an entrepreneur.
Well, I finally took the plunge and hooked up as Babeofbusiness. I’m following a few people and a few people are following me. I update every day or sometimes a few times a day, and yes, there are some people who are actually interested in what I’m doing. Now that I am part of the Twitter network, I do see potential in this service from a content and traffic perspective. For example, your daily update can include a link directly to your most recent blog posts or you can keep people up-to-date on what’s happening with your business (announce upcoming events, special promotions, etc.). This naturally drives increased traffic to your site or blog. Another benefit is that you can connect with others who operate in your niche or reach out to members of your target market. Once you’re following them and they’re following you, viral opportunities kick in. You know… He told a friend of a friend of a friend… It’s contagious.
Here are some other pointers for being successful on Twitter:
- Remember to update or tweet every single day. Don’t let weeks pass without posting. There’s no point in maintaining a presence on here if you are not going to be consistent.
- Take advantage of your profile page as another medium for reinforcing and promoting your brand. Upload a logo!
- Ask colleagues, co-workers, friends and family to join the Twitter service.
- Reach out to other existing Twitterers – network when you can.
- Maintain a professional or appropriate image. Nasty words for your in-laws are not exactly appropriate in a Twitter post.
- If you don’t have anything to say, ask. Ask people what they think of this or that. It might be related to starting a business or marketing a new chocolate bar. This is a great way to engage other Twitterers and start building your network….following, sorry.
I’m sure that there are a ton of other helpful hints and tips for getting started with and using Twitter – but like I said, I’m just a novice. So please feel free to post your ideas and suggestions. Together, we can really help one another reach our goals…and understand what Twitter is all about.
You know, part of me has often wondered if the ‘twit’ in the name Twitter really has some hidden meaning… Maybe we’re all… being secretly laughed at… Just a bunch of twits…
They’re laughing at us, aren’t they?
