10 tips for Twitter success

D:20130905153126+01'00'Adobe Acrobat 10.1.5D:20130905153814+01'00'Adobe Acrobat 10.1.5 Image Conversion Plug-in 10 tips for Twitter succèss Twitter is the second most popular social media network and small businesses are using it to publicise products and services, talk to customers and increase their online footprint. With the help of social media expert Nicky Kriel, here are our 10 tips for business tweeting. # 1 Know why you're tweeting 4/10 In 140 characters it's tough to raise awareness, generate leads and sell all in one go. So be clear about what you want to achieve. #2 SMĒS use Twitter more than LinkedIn or Facebook Smile! Post a decent picture with your profile. A head and shoulders picture or something that represents the business well. # 3 Paint a perfect profile Your bio can be found on Google so make the words count. Include some keywords that are relevant to your business to help search engines find you. # 4 34 million Link to your website Britons tweet If Twitter is doing its job, people will want to know more. Include links to your website, blog or other social media pages. # 5 Follow, follow, follow Find friends and follow them 42% and they'll follow you back! If you post interesting content, it will get shared and you'll get more followers. of UK SMES use Twitter for marketing purposes # 6 Listen! #7 It's not just a mouthpiece for your business, there are others out there. Listen to what's Join in the chatter being said and respond to questions and comments. You'll get more from Twitter if you engage with others. People are more likely to do business with someone they know and trust. 34% of marketers have generated leads through # 8 Twitter Use proper English It may only take a second to read a tweet, but if it doesn't make sense, people won't waste their time re-reading it. #9 Watch out for DMs Danger lurks in direct messages (DMs). Don't click on links unless you trust them and likewise, don't re-tweet. 55-64 growing Twitter age group Fastest #10 Remember who's watching Once it's out there, it's there forever. If you wouldn't want a potential customer (or your mum!) to read it, don't post it! For more hints and tips on marketing your business online, follow us: @btmarketing4biz Discover more ways BT can help your business at bt.com/twittertips BT Fastest growing Twitter age group: 55-64 years old: www.phewinternet.co.uk/2013/06/social-media-facts-and-statistics-2013/ 34% of marketing professionals have generated leads through Twitter: www.velocitydigital.co.uk/infographic-social-media-statistics-for-2013/ 42% of UK SMES use Twitter for marketing purposes: www.b2bsocialmediaguide.com/2012/04/21/social-media-in-business-stats/ 34 million Britons tweet - 17% of the global Twitter population: www.ukmarketingnetwork.co.uk/profiles/blogs/uk-social-media-stats-for-2013-revealed-1 4/10 SMES use Twitter more than LinkedIn or Facebook: www.scotlandis.com/news/stories/smes-use-twitter-to-cut-costs Sources Tips taken from: www.websites.bt.com/latest-news-guides/item/211-top-10-tips-for-getting-started-on-twitter by @NickyKriel