One hundred ninety-nine million active users can be hard to wrap your head around. Some just pass by, like petals in the wind. Some of them are even nice. But most importantly, they’re scrolling down the road, and with any luck, they’ll find a reason to stop on you and your business.
Any free platform can be leveraged, scaled, and effective in deploying new campaigns, finding leads, or connecting with customers. Whether it’s your first tweet or your following viral message, here are some tips (both practical and technical) as to how to use Twitter for your business.
Find Out What Others Are Saying
A useful tool that not everyone knows about is using the search function of Twitter to find conversations that others are having about your brand.
In the search bar, simply type @ followed by the handle of the page you’re investigating. This won’t pull up the page but instead posts that tag them. Want to get more specific? Try adding other words you want to see as commented in a tagged post. For instance, we’ve never searched “@ConsultMegan charming” or “@ConsultMegan sultry.”
But we could. Just sayin’.
Follow Hashtags and Trends
In the #Explore tab or along the right side of the page on desktop, you will find a section on What’s Happening. While this is usually world news and not always applicable to your brand, it’s helpful to keep an eye on it.
Regional hashtags are pulled up for significant holidays, trends, or jokes multiple users click through. If your eyes can see it, it means others are looking. Have something to add to the conversation? Now is your chance to get visibility!
Know Your Audience, Know Your Platform
Since multiple social media tools allow you to conveniently post content to Instagram, Twitter, and PetFinder at once, it can be tempting to hit “send” all at once and call it a day. Since customers often follow businesses on multiple platforms, viewing the same content in various feeds can get tiring. They might prefer a different writing voice or visual content that is site-specific!
Furthermore, platform restrictions on Twitter must be kept in mind, as with all the platforms you use. While Twitter and Facebook support in-post linking, Instagram will not. Twitter has a low character limit, whereas Facebook and Instagram do not. Instagram supports carousel posts, where Twitter does not, and Facebook will lay photos out differently. So on and so forth.
Unlike oversized onesies, one size does not fit all when it comes to Twitter. Be deliberate!
Respond Directly
Due to Twitter’s threads, it is easier to coordinate with customers over Twitter and lead them towards your DM’s for swift problem resolution. Giving customers the option to connect with you on Twitter takes the burden off your phone line and helps declutter your Instagram comments.
Having an active and responsive Twitter presence is excellent for portraying your brand as caring about its community. Positive feedback from customers and gracious responses to those engaging with your business also encourage further discussion or favorites. The more engagement, the more attention your profile gathers! Not such a bad deal.
Being a business or a brand on social media platforms is equal parts patience and personality. If your business benefits from “human” touch, Twitter is a great place to begin having fun with your customers and community. Likewise, it is an invaluable tool for growth and expanding the reach of your business organically or through paid ads.
If you’re looking for other tips to expand or are trying to get your foot in the door of online marketing, Megan Killion Consulting can answer all of your questions. Book me for a chat today, or Tweet at me to get started!
See you out on the web!