Twitter is an Internet social medium where users can post brief online messages known as “tweets.” Posts can consist of a maximum of 140 characters and are available to other Twitter users around the world. In addition to use in personal communications, Twitter can also be of benefit to businesses. In particular, business owners can use Twitter as an effective marketing tool.
Cost-Effectiveness
For cash-strapped small-business owners, using Twitter can be a cost-effective way to reach customers and prospects around the world. There is no charge to open and operate a Twitter account, so your only associated expenses are your computer and Internet connection, which you likely already have. You can send and receive tweets via mobile devices such as cell phones at no cost other than those required by your service provider, such as the cost for text messages. Twitter offers additional marketing tools at no or low cost.
Target Marketing
With Twitter, you can locate people who have similar interests, which can help you target potential customers. For instance, if your business is selling model trains, you can easily find other model-train enthusiasts and “follow” them, which is the process of enlisting to receive tweets sent by others. Through networking, you can build your own following and develop long-term relationships that can lead to sales. The process of “retweeting,” where your followers send your tweets on to other interested parties, can also help build your prospect base.
Providing Expertise
You can use Twitter to establish your expertise in your field, which can help build credibility and lead to gaining customers or clients. For instance, if your business is real estate, you can send frequent tweets that provide brief tips in areas such as how to prepare your home for sale or how a recent change in interest rates may impact home sales. You can include a link to your website for additional information.
Immediacy
Twitter allows you to get your message out at any time of day or night without delays. If you come across an important bit of information that can be of immediate benefit to your followers, you can send a quick tweet and gain a competitive advantage. For example, if a sudden change in market conditions makes owning a product you sell of great benefit to your followers, you can be the first to communicate the change and make sales as a result.
Source: Smallbusiness
