Just when a growing number of businesses were starting to get their heads around blogging and podcasting, Twitter has emerged as yet another social media/communications tool they need to consider.
And like blogging is a good fit for some companies and a no-go for others, the same goes for Twitter. For some companies, getting on the 140-character bandwagon to communicate with customers, suppliers and partners makes sense. For example, companies selling consumer products should use Twitter, while a widget maker may want to think about it twice.
Here are some general rules that companies should seriously consider if they’re going to use Twitter:
1. Don’t Be Half-Pregnant: Just like blogging, you either embrace it fully and completely or don’t bother doing it at all. There’s nothing worse than watching a business move into the social media arena, and then do a half-ass job because they haven’t got a plan, the commitment and/or a good understanding of what’s involved.
This means you have to post on a regular basis, find people to follow, and be part of the ongoing conversation. In other words, be a member in good standing.
2. Contribute: If you think Twitter is just another marketing vehicle, then stop right now because you’ll barely get out of the gate. Nothing will turn people away than a company simply looking to hawk its goods and services on Twitter.
Instead, you should be looking to provide comment, opinion, and highlight interesting news and Web sites. If you do that, you can also put the spotlight on some of your company’s announcements and new products without being worried about pushback. Twitter is a great way to expand your brand if you take the right approach.
3. Be an active follower: Following a lot of people is a good thing because it gives a company a better sense of what’s happening on a real-time basis. It also lets people who are active in social media know that you’re interested in what’s going on. As well, having a large number of followers also makes it easier to get wider distribution of blog posts and press releases. (Note: Twitterfeed is an excellent way to auto-post your blog posts on Twitter.) Another benefit of following lots of people is, in theory, people will follow you as well.
4. Stay on top of things: Use search tools such as Summize.com (now Twitter search) and monitoring tools such as Social Mention to be aware of conversations involving your company and your industry. This lets you be pro-active rather than reactive.
5. Spread the word: If you’re going to use Twitter, let lots of people know you’re using it. Wherever you would give people about your Web site, also include your Twitter ID.
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How Businesses Can Conquer Twitter
Just when a growing number of businesses were starting to get their heads around blogging and podcasting, Twitter has emerged as yet another social media/communications tool they need to consider.
And like blogging is a good fit for some companies and a no-go for others, the same goes for Twitter. For some companies, getting on the 140-character bandwagon to communicate with customers, suppliers and partners makes sense. For example, companies selling consumer products should use Twitter, while a widget maker may want to think about it twice.
Here are some general rules that companies should seriously consider if they’re going to use Twitter:
1. Don’t Be Half-Pregnant: Just like blogging, you either embrace it fully and completely or don’t bother doing it at all. There’s nothing worse than watching a business move into the social media arena, and then do a half-ass job because they haven’t got a plan, the commitment and/or a good understanding of what’s involved.
This means you have to post on a regular basis, find people to follow, and be part of the ongoing conversation. In other words, be a member in good standing.
2. Contribute: If you think Twitter is just another marketing vehicle, then stop right now because you’ll barely get out of the gate. Nothing will turn people away than a company simply looking to hawk its goods and services on Twitter.
Instead, you should be looking to provide comment, opinion, and highlight interesting news and Web sites. If you do that, you can also put the spotlight on some of your company’s announcements and new products without being worried about pushback. Twitter is a great way to expand your brand if you take the right approach.
3. Be an active follower: Following a lot of people is a good thing because it gives a company a better sense of what’s happening on a real-time basis. It also lets people who are active in social media know that you’re interested in what’s going on. As well, having a large number of followers also makes it easier to get wider distribution of blog posts and press releases. (Note: Twitterfeed is an excellent way to auto-post your blog posts on Twitter.) Another benefit of following lots of people is, in theory, people will follow you as well.
4. Stay on top of things: Use search tools such as Summize.com (now Twitter search) and monitoring tools such as Social Mention to be aware of conversations involving your company and your industry. This lets you be pro-active rather than reactive.
5. Spread the word: If you’re going to use Twitter, let lots of people know you’re using it. Wherever you would give people about your Web site, also include your Twitter ID.
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