How to use Twitter for business is a question that often comes up in talks with clients. Those who are not familiar with the social media platform may have preconceptions about its purpose. And, for that matter, what on earth is a tweet?
Well, Twitter is not about knowing what someone had for lunch anymore (although some people still do tweet about what they recently ate, like a certain congressman from Texas).
It is a social media platform where you can find news and information refined to your tastes or interests; connect with like-minded individuals; network for business or other reasons; promote your brand; spread your message; keep up on interesting people, and, once in a while, know what someone had for lunch …
And a Tweet is a 140-character message that you can send out to your followers. As a matter of fact, you can practically reach the entire world, because all tweets are now indexed by Google search.
But why would you want to use Twitter for business? 
Following are a few enticing reasons:
- More than 304 million monthly active users
- Get real-time intelligence on competitors
- Create targeted audience lists
- Great source for industry news and updates
- Easy to compose and send messages
- Rapid fire ability to connect with others
- Ideal for mobile use
- Can expand reach with targeted ads
- Access to high-profile people
- Increase brand awareness
- Can use it as a customer service portal
- Monitor your brand reputation
- Run targeted campaigns and contests
- Broadcast live video with Periscope
- Increase SEO
As you can see, from the above list, Twitter is a highly useful networking platform. It is one of my favorite networking and brand awareness tools. It’s easy to use once you get the hang of it. I highly recommend it as part of every business owner’s social media marketing strategy.
So if you are not on the platform, it’s time to get on the Twitter Train to start increasing your brand awareness, and generating leads and connections.
To help you get started with Twitter, in the following slideshow I show you how to set up a Twitter page, optimize your profile, and post your first Tweet. I also show you how to quickly grow your follower base, and share some cool resources and tools to maximize your reach. Expanded notes below the slide are included to get more insight, and tips and advice on setting up your Twitter profile.
A Word About Keywords
Keywords will come naturally from a description of your business, but there may be other words people use more. For instance, in real estate, obviously those are your main keywords, but location, the type of services — single-family homes, commercial real estate, etc. — can also inform your description. Use Google’s Keyword planner to determine what search terms, and in what combination, are optimal. I go in-depth on how to use several types of tools to do keyword research in my upcoming online courses at the CJS Online Marketing Academy.
You’ll use keywords in all aspects of your social media profiles. Many people use hashtags, but it’s not necessary, as search algorithms in Twitter, as in all sites have been refined. It doesn’t look so hot with so many hashtags, but it can’t hurt in respect to SEO.
A Word about Hashtags
When the # symbol precedes a word, it’s considered a #hashtag. When people are searching for a certain topic on Twitter, hash-tagged words will pop up in their searches. This is why it’s important to use them in your postings. But be careful to not clutter your messages with irrelevant tags.
Don’t Forget to Include a Link!
This is one important thing that many forget to include in their Twitter bio: a link to your company site or blog. Some people like to put a link to their LinkedIn profile in their bio, which is a great idea depending on who is your target audience. If you’re trying to land a certain position, a link to your professional profile on Twitter will make it easier for a company to immediately get more information about you.
Another example of what kind of link to include in your bio: if you’re running a specific campaign, like a giveaway or contest, you can launch it right from your bio—put a call to action to click your bio link to enter the contest, or get an offer, such as limited time discount.
Your Profile Photo
Your profile photo is not only found on your Twitter profile page, but it is also the icon people see next to all your Tweets. If you’re setting up a Twitter business page for a company, a logo would do, but if you’re going to be networking as an individual, it’s best to have a headshot. Something open and friendly. Never use a photo of your dog, or a pic of you favorite super hero. No one will take you seriously.
Header Photo Considerations
Your header image shows up across the top of your profile, full screen on desktops. On Twitter’s mobile app it is sized at a 2:1 ratio. It’s prime real estate to showcase your products or services, or you can use the header image to promote a sale or other event. So make sure it’s professionally designed to engage attention.
Your Twitter Handle, or Username
One last thing to consider before setting up your page is your username, or Twitter handle. Your user name should represent you or your company, but it can also include a keyword or two if it will fit within 15 characters or less.
My Twitter handle is @CJScribe, but I could have easily implemented a keyword: @CJSocialmedia. The benefit of using a keyword is to have greater potential to be found in Twitter searches. Same idea for your bio.
In Summary
If you want an easy, effective networking platform to reach potential customers, clients, or to increase brand awareness, Twitter is the way to go. It’s one of the simplest, yet most effective social media platforms to use in today’s crowded online networking world.
Following the outlined steps in the accompanying slideshow, will help you get started with an effective Twitter profile, and to quickly grow your fan base.
Let me know what you think
Did you like the slideshow presentation? What would add to it? Let me know in the comments section below.