An Excerpt from Twitter: Success in 160 Characters or Less

All Tekla Design clients are assigned a Twitter account when the main site design is completed. The most common response I hear to that offer is “what is Twitter?” The technical answer is that it is a “microblogging” platform. For the rest of us, there’s a little more explaining to do to show why it’s actually useful.

Twitter is– while one of the most popular new social networking platforms out there– one of the most confusing ones as well. How can a person maintain a conversation with a limitation of a sentence? How does this build my business or increase my visibility?

Twitter works because it applies one of the most basic maxims of life to the online world: “get to the point”. Short messages to your Twitter followers act as reminders that you are available for them. Some people use Twitter to randomly greet people (this is common with celebrities who like to “talk” to their fans.) Some use it to let people know about features and specials available from their business (such as “come in today and get 15% off oil changes”.) And don’t assume just because someone isn’t following you, they aren’t reading. Oftentimes people will simply observe without following certain individuals, though this doesn’t allow for a dialogue with your clients. It’s never a bad idea, if a client has a Twitter account, to offer something in exchange for their input through social networking sites. One restaurant offers a free sandwich if you like them on Facebook. Similar discounting methods can be used with Twitter.

Of course, why would anyone give away something to get a follower on Twitter? The answer is simple. Imagine if you could, whenever you thought “I need more clients here today”, have a group of people sitting and waiting for your next word. Twitter has this effect: people follow it on their cell phones and computers. If they are following you on Twitter, they are effectively a captive audience. No need for a poster or anything else. And then their followers can see who they follow. It’s like an instant endorsement! (Not that you need to give away food to get followers: I’ve heard a sign on the door that says “follow us on Twitter” with your Twitter name works wonders in high-traffic areas).

The other reason for a Twitter account is a dialogue with your following. If one person asks a question, chances are another two or three were thinking about it. Answer that question online, and it’s one less question a person has to ask when they come in to do business.

The preceding was an excerpt from our monthly newsletter distributed exclusively to our clients. If you are looking for assistance in improving your online presence and visibility, contact us!