One More Reason Your Business Should Be On Twitter
February 2009 Twestival Cleveland
After attending my first tweetup (that’s twitter speak for meeting other Twitter users in person) last week, as a part of Twestival (how can anyone compete with that type of branding, twantastic! 
, it prompted me to do some updated research about using Twitter for business. In this post I’ll share a pretty compelling stat I found, as well as how you can get started with Twitter. If you are unsure if Twitter can be used for your business read on.
One More Reason Your Business Should Be On Twitter
Some Recent Twitter Demographics
According to a recent study by Pew Internet 11% of online adults use Twitter, and when segmenting further the numbers indicate that 1 in 5 online adults age 18-34 use Twitter.
(Sidebar: There are even dogs on Twitter! though that is not in the report)
Is Twitter for Business?
If you have prospects and buyers that fall in that age group you need to consider a Twitter marketing strategy. You may find your competitors already using Twitter for business. You might be saying, “I cannot get my head around this, how can I begin to use Twitter for my business when it is being used by so many to talk about their latest lunch, song they’re listening to, and other trivial matters?” Perhaps that is because those individuals do it for fun, and not with a Twitter marketing strategy or social media optimization in mind.
Consider this chart:
Why Is Twitter Necessary?
Welcome to Web 2.0: Messages now have to meet the market on their terms, not ours. Small businesses that take steps in putting their message on the mediums users want. With the right social marketing plan, Internet marketing entrepreneurs have a chance to cultivate relationships, and outsell competitors who choose to sit on the sidelines. Those who make Twitter an active part of their Twitter marketing strategy will be more relevant to their market.
How Can I Get Started with Twitter for Business?
1.) Setup an account at Twitter.com
2.) Follow someone you know (you can even follow me if you like)
3.) Search Twitter for your market keywords at search.twitter.com
4.) Follow people who are saying interesting stuff, that you think would add value. Consider how you can get started by adding value to folks that follow you.
What Say You? Whether you are using Twitter for business, or have you never heard of it until now, share your thoughts in the comment boxes below. Using it? How? Do you have a Twitter marketing strategy?
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Hi, my name is Travis Campbell, I operate this site. I'm here to share what I can from my lessons marketing online. With sizeable investments in continuing education, various software products and services, I have had some winners, and some losers. One way I can extend what I've learned is by writing about it, here... and helping you along the way.
Ok, ok. I’ve been holding of on Twitter for some time, I see what you are saying, I think I get it. I just don’t get what I should do on twitter. I mean, what do I tell them, why would people follow me? How does it actually lead to sales?
You get what I’m saying?
I’ve frequently used Twitter for more research purposes, but haven’t been an active poster myself. I’ve also never really considered the possibility of using this to enhance my business…thanks for posting this article, it has definitely opened my eyes. I would love to see some additional articles of this type in the future…maybe including some additional hints on how to get the most out of Twitter.
@robert consider what you post as adding value to your market, and what ends up happening is you’ll attract your market as they search for that information. Then you have an opportunity to sprinkle in your own stuff as you go along. Some people get a bunch of followers who end up unfollowing, because the individual send spam (buy this, sign up for that). Steer clear from that, and you can steadily grow a list of decent followers. Hope that helps.
@cohen thanks for stopping by. You both might find value in an earlier post on this, it deals more with strategy, but I think strategy is where it all begins
http://www.marketingprofessor.com/social-marketing/social-syndication-5-secrets-to-broadcasting-value-and-expertise-with-twitter/
I am so excited about becoming a force on Twitter
Your site is helpful in that regard
Thanx
ZuD
Z-
It looks like you are well on your way. Thanks for stopping by.
I just joined Twitter to promote my web design business and over a short period of time I managed to find a few clients. I highly recommend this post and Twitter.
Congrats Kevin. That is what it is about, getting more exposure. Who else is using or thinking about Twitter?
Travis, sorry I missed this event! Appreciate your thoughts about Twitter and business.
– Anita
Anita Campbell’s last blog post..19 Tips to Bring Focus
Hey you write some solid stuff, me likes. ++ Kudos
Thanks for stopping by Sean. Was there something specific in this post (or another one) that you found particularly valuable?
Following you on twitter.
Love your site!
What program allows us to see your webcam video and desktop activities? I would love to play with that!
Dr. -B-
Dr. -B-
Glad you find it useful. For videos? I’m using Camtasia primarily, and sometimes Sony Movie Studio. Welcome any feedback at the YouTube channel (scroll to bottom ‘online connections’ section for link).