You’ve probably heard that Twitter can be a valuable marketing tool for your small business, one that can bring you a steady stream of followers. But did you know that you can grow your Twitter following with few to no expenses, by simply becoming a more engaged user? Here’s how.
1. Customize Your Profile
Use a good-quality logo and a custom background. You will look more professional, and also make a better impression on anyone who visits your page. Your logo is particularly important as it has the power to make your brand easier to recognize as well as more memorable. Today, online logo design services are inexpensive, so you have no excuse for not having a professional logo. A business without a logo is like a person without a face.
2. Post No More and No Less Than You Need
Some small businesses create a Twitter account and then seldom tweet. Others, on the other hand, tweet incessantly, so much so that they end up annoying people — and get unfollowed. The key to gaining more followers is to tweet several times a day, but not more.
3. Offer Discounts and Promotions
An effective way to attract attention in the Twitter world is to regularly offer your followers links to limited offers and promotional codes. If you do, customers will be more likely to spread the word about you, favoring and retweeting your messages. The key for this strategy to work is to offer something worthwhile. Also, add a sense of urgency to your offer.
4. Like, Praise, and Recommend
By saying good words about other businesses and people in your field, you attract their attention. At the same time, you can encourage them to share your tweets and join your conversation, which in turn can increase your reach. You can and should also retweet messages from your existing followers, to increase engagement and shares. Tweets recommending others are a good substitute for content when you can’t think of anything new to post.
5. Spread the Word About Your Twitter Account
Have you thought about including your Twitter @name on your business card or email signature? Find a way to add it to the other stuff you print, such as catalogs, leaflets, or brochures, right next to your Facebook link or email address. In this way, you can encourage existing customers who until now have not paid much attention to your presence on Twitter to check out your profile.
Finally, keep in mind that Twitter marketing is an ongoing effort that requires a long-term commitment. If you’re not willing to make this commitment, don’t expect to gain many followers.