Figure out ways to use the trending hashtags to talk about your brand.
Whether it is to catch the breaking news before it’s in the media or to find out what the world is busy talking about, Twitter is our go-to spot on the web. But it’s not just personal. Twitter is a great place to build your brand, market yourself and network too! Here are 7 interesting ways to use Twitter as a professional and get the most out of it.
1. Decide your purpose: Whether you want to spread awareness about your brand or simply build contacts, you need to know the reason for which you’ve joined Twitter. That’s the only way to figure out how to use it effectively. If you are looking to promote your business, keep track of the strategies your competitors are using and the kind of people they are talking to on Twitter. If it’s networking you are interested in, follow the right people, initiate discussions with your followers and engage with other people with similar interests.
2. Update your profile: A random profile picture and run-of-the-mill bio about what you like and dislike just won’t cut it. Keep your brand or profession in mind and then write some snappy text.
Take a look @LonelyPlanet’s bio
Tweeting (& retweeting) the best in travel. 1. Follow us. 2. Tag your tweets with #lp 3. We read your posts 4. We re-tweet the best of them.
Everywhere, all the time · lonelyplanet.com
Or food writer @RushinaMG’s bio
Foodblogger|Foodwriter|Consultant Author: A Pinch of This, A Handful of That. Chief Foodie@APBCookStudio. Follow for spicy conversations Twecipes & #Foodles.
Mumbai · rushinamunshawghildiyal.blogspot.in
Deciding what your brand or you stand for makes your work ten times simpler. Use a picture that shows your face clearly or put up your logo as the profile picture. Don’t forget to mention your website or blog in your bio as well, so people can see your work or brand before they follow you.
3. Follow your competitors: It’s very important to know what your competitors are up to, their strategies and their target audience. Follow not only your competitors, but also some of the people they are following. Your target audience will be similar if what you’re offering is similar. Follow influencers and celebrities too as they have a lot of followers of their own on Twitter. Tweeting at them to get noticed (in the non-stalker way, of course) would mean that they might follow you back and even retweet your tweets.
4. Follow up: Personal interaction is extremely important on Twitter because that’s how you set yourself apart from the numerous other brands and personalities. After you follow someone, send them a message saying that you’re following them and that you’re looking forward to their tweets. Also, don’t forget to reply to tweets from your followers, favourite tweets you like and retweet them too.
5. Create lists: You don’t need to create an excel sheet to manage your contacts anymore! Use Twitter effectively by segregating people into various lists. This provides you with a database of your own and will be very helpful when you need contacts. For example, if you have a list of all potential customers, you will be able to see what exactly they are talking about at a glance and then cater to their needs accordingly.
6. Listen to your followers: Listen to what your followers are talking about. It’s going to be extremely beneficial if you listen well. Once you listen to them, you can decide if your brand has what people are looking for. Everyone likes being heard and this is a good way to listen to them and give them what they want. Don’t directly market (read: push) your product. Do it subtly.
7. Mention your Twitter handle on other social media platforms: Twitter is a great way to market yourself or your brand and gain professional leverage. Spread word about your Twitter account by mentioning your Twitter handle on other social media platforms. You can also allow customers or your network to follow you by putting in a link to your Twitter page directly on your website or blog.
8. Cash in on the trends: At any given time, Twitter will show you the 10 most talked about topics or trending subjects. Now, they may or may not relate directly to your business. But a smart tweeter is one who can use these to his advantage. Figure out ways to use the trending hashtags to talk about your brand.
How have you been using Twitter to create a buzz around your brand or network better? Leave us a comment and let us know.
Image courtesy:©Thinkstock photos/ Getty images
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