There is little doubt that with over 200 million active users, Twitter is one area where forward thinking business owners should be focusing their attentions. However, as many businesses have found out to their cost, the use of social media to propel a business forward is an action which requires careful planning, effort and forethought if it is to prove successful.
There are many key points to establishing a successful Twitter campaign, ten of which we’ve listed below;
1. Look after your Existing Followers
It’s all too easy to concentrate on new opportunities only, but that could be erroneous. If there are already people interacting, reacting to your posts and communicating with you then ensure that you give them your attention too.
@ollieglass great , we are looking forward to your feedback. #Toolschat
— TweepForce (@tweepforce) July 25, 2013
2. Welcome New Followers
If people have taken the time to follow you then let them know they have been seen and matter to you. Developing the relationship with a friendly tweet could be hugely beneficial.
Shouts to new followers @Dazcomps157 @mariemcmahon3 @Daddykins75 @PaulPaulgriff @Justdave12345 @EllieeStocks @Playthemusical …
— Jane at TikBuzz (@TikBuzz) July 24, 2013
3. Invite People In
If you have customer contact forms or email out information to your customers then ask for their Twitter information so that you can add them to your following list.
4. Keep it Geographical
If you know you’re going to be basing either yourself or your new product in a specific location, check your followers list and give them a shout. Invite them to see you and ensure that they know you’ve sought them out especially.
5. Look for Cries for Help
Twitter is often a place to vent frustration and it’s well worth the effort of ensuring that if your customers are having problems with your products or services, you’re on hand to deliver an apology and/or solution quickly and effectively.
6. Remember Your Hashtags
If you’re already using keywords to strong effect in your website and/or blog then it’s well worth considering that they could be just as useful and give strong results in Twitter.
7 reasons for brands to use twitter for business & product development http://t.co/YxwnA2Yc8I #BizTalk #winthemoment
— TweepForce (@tweepforce) July 26, 2013
7. Investigating your Customers
If your customers are tweeting about something then it’s important to them – make it important to you too and use it in conversation with them and they’ll soon see that you’re paying close attention.
8. Follow Your Viewers
You don’t only have to follow those people who’ve followed you. Why not look at users who’ve viewed your page and haven’t followed and follow them – they’ll soon notice you!
9. Testimonials
Where clients have taken the time to tweet positive things about your products, take the time to retweet them as testimonials
Very interesting: Six Economical and Quick Ways for Start-ups to Promote Business http://t.co/wKQ1Vn0031 via @tweepforce @myen
— Yves Oesch (@yves66) July 25, 2013
10. Spy on the Competition
Monitoring leads who mention your competitors can give you a huge advantage as you get to see what they like or dislike and act accordingly.

