I once heard an analogy in a training session that has become my adopted mantra as to how I practice social media relations.  The trainer told us to think about the world of Web 2.0 networks as a giant business cocktail reception; and behave accordingly.  A successful professional would never run around a business cocktail reception yelling- BUY MY PRODUCT- READ MY BLOG!  If that were to happen, it is likely the person would be asked to leave- what a waste of energy!  People who make valuable connections at business cocktail receptions exchange information and participate in a conversation.  They ask questions, they answer questions.  It takes time to build these alliances, and the same is true in the world of social media. 

I have found Twitter to be a place where the same rules apply.  Nobody likes to follow the user who only blasts advertising.  Twitter users like to connect to real people- whether personal or professional.  You may be surprised to learn that it was only 6 months ago that I opened my Twitter account.  This network exploded onto the social media networking scene in 2007 and Web marketing professionals have been buzzing about it since the beginning.   Curiosity eventually got the best of me- so I gave in; signed myself up; and have not looked back. 

I have to be honest, during the first few weeks I thought Twitter was the most ridiculous site I have ever been on.  I thought to myself- “How does this work?”  “What is the point of doing this”  “How can anyone possibly find me and why would they even care what I am doing?”.  There are numerous ideologies and schools of thought on how to utilize Twitter- but all can agree that it is a network that Web marketers cannot afford to ignore.  Here are some points I have discovered about Twitter in my research:

What is Twitter?

A micro blogging platform that allows the user to exchange ideas and publish short messages of less than 140 characters.  It is one of the fastest growing social networking communities on the Web today and is attracting a mass number of users that range from working professionals, bloggers, journalists, large & small business organizations, and students.  Twitter gives the user a brief synopsis of personal & professional news, ideas and experiences through a series of answers to the question:  “What are you doing?”

 

How Can My Business Benefit from Twitter?

If used correctly Twitter can drive traffic to your site.  The placement of links in your profile and conversations can direct visitors to a specific Website. Users who have built a strong network will frequently experience a bump in traffic when they use Twitter to announce new blog posts and publish the link.  It can also be used to introduce your blog to more people through Twitterfeed- a means to allow the Twitter account to update every time there is a new post on your blog.

 

Can Twitter be used to engage customers and request feedback?

Most definitely!  Some businesses have utilized Twitter as a means to solicit feedback and comments about their products, the Website, blog posts and other bit of information.  What a way to interact with your customers!

 

Will Twitter Result in Additional Coverage in Blogs and Other Forms of Media?

Possibly.  This is where I see the most success stories coming from businesses who utilize Twitter correctly.  When you use Twitter to contribute to the conversation; people will notice.  Maybe not right away- but if you are authentic and contributing valuable ideas to the conversation- they will notice. 

 

Ask questions, answer questions- be more than an advertisement.  With patience and persistence, you just may make that hot connection that will lead to increased visibility and hits to your site that you have dreamed about.  Most people who use Twitter want to meet and follow like-minded friends and professionals.  It is not uncommon to connect directly with bloggers and journalists who may find your brand and expertise interesting.  Twitter is a place to explore these connections to the max.  Pay attention to who is following you, look at their site and their blog- and strike up a conversation! 

Good links & resources:

http://www.michaelhyatt.com/fromwhereisit/2008/05/12-reasons-to-s.html

http://shiftingcareers.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/how-twitter-can-help-at-work/

http://www.doshdosh.com/ways-you-can-use

Web Marketing Therapy Related Links:

• Want A Larger Following in Twitter? Take a Look at Your Bio.
• Your Twitter Questions Answered: What Are Follow Fridays & Hashtags?
• The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: LinkedIn’s Integration with Twitter
• My Little Twitter Tricks