Never break these business Twitter rules
These days it seems everyone is on Twitter or getting ready to go on Twitter, the social technology site that features micro-blogging in 140 characters or less. The unfortunate thing, though, is that this very important channel for interacting with current and prospective clients is often given to employees who are clueless in how to use them effectively. They often end up alienating the very people they want to attract.
Here’s a quick hint: never be unethical or annoying and stop trying to sell me something with each tweet. Right there, that bit of advice will shut down over 90% of small business tweeters.
If you’re a small company and you’re not in the middle of a major controversy that has the global media spotlighted on you, ONE TWEET PER DAY is more than enough. Make it relevant, make it news. If you’ve got absolutely nothing to say, then say nothing. Trust me, if you tweet just for the sake of tweeting, we’ll stop reading your tweets and even un-follow you.
If people follow you, great. They’ve chosen to read your tweets. However, you don’t have to follow them back – don’t follow just anyone. Remember that you might offend customers by your choice of follows. Keep them relevant to your business, avoid controversy, avoid personalities who might be off-putting to your clients, avoid subjects that are polarizing.
When something big happens, it’s all over Twitter within two minutes. Most everyone has a TV, radio, Internet, mobile devices. They don’t need you as a primary news source. Don’t repeat the news.
Share your knowledge. Not every tweet should be about selling something to your followers. Share information. Thank clients. Refer to interesting articles on your site or other content.
Stick to these rules, have a strategy in mind when you open a Twitter account, and give the responsibility to someone who’s earned it – not because they’re young or happen to be an assistant, but because they understand the power of social media to create revenue.
*Did you know that Maggie Curran Inc can take care of all your online needs? Check out THE KITCHEN SINK for details.
