It’s been said (and proved!) countless times: Social media is a vital tool for any business in the 21st Century. But here is something you might not have considered before: in the modern world, your brand is a living and breathing entity 24/7. So how exactly are you expressing yourself in 140 characters? And, are your words powerful enough to evoke change and/or spark a reaction?
I'll admit here and now: I resisted getting on Twitter for as long as I could. The idea of having to jump into a conversation with strangers just to be heard reminded me of my middle school years when trying to constantly get in with the “popular kids” was a priority. And, of course you know if you are in if they decided to retweet your comment. If they don’t retweet your comment then you, and your ten year old self, are stuck at the jungle gym again just waiting for someone to play with.
The other element that really turned me off is that most people don’t even use Twitter correctly. (I am only referring to those who use Twitter as a business tool) They use it as a vessel of self promotion or simply to add to the noise. A short 140-character proof they too were there the minute the news broke that Robin Williams committed suicide. What is the point of this?
So, I decided to contact Joan Pelzer at Joan Pelzer media and get a brush up on how to use Twitter correctly and in a way that would leverage my brand and create sales opportunities for my business. Here are the top 3 top strategies she recommended:
Be Authentic.
People will know write away if you are posting to add to the conversation or just to get ‘I was there” twitter points. Make sure the language you use is in sync with your brand –you wouldn’t want a lawyer to give you advice on what car to buy - and relevant to your business. And of course, be likeable! Don’t set your brand to be considered judgment and critical as this will only lead to a disconnect with your audience.
Don’t Talk – Communicate!
If you are looking to promote a certain service or product then use Facebook or email campaigns, which are more appropriate. If you are going to use Twitter for promotions, then use it in an informative way. For example, if there is a conversation being had about women and money then you can mention your package on “Get Rich Now!” but don’t just announce it to the world. This kind of untargeted solicitation just creates fuzz and sloppy noise around your brand. Buzz is created through very targeted campaigns that elicit conversations not just promoting sales.
It Starts On Twitter But Ends Live.
Twitter is a very powerful conversation tool. It’s a method to scream at the world “I’m doing this!” but, if used more strategically, it can be seen as a connecting tool. Use Twitter when you are at events – especially large conferences - to share ‘I am here” so you can connect with like-minded business owners online but continue the conversation at the nearby Starbucks. Starting conversations online and finishing them offline is the true way to create sales opportunities and forge stronger relationships.
Be the first to write to us at [email protected] on the ways in which you use Twitter to leverage your brand and promotes sales opportunities and could win a free Social Media Audit ($500 value) with Joan Pelzer of Joan Pelzer Media!
Offer expires October 30th, 2014. No purchase necessary.
