No doubt you’ve seen the deluge of social media sites out there. Some have faded quickly, while others have become intertwined into the fabric of our modern existence. So, why should you care? It’s simple – companies big and small, from one end of the globe to the other, are taking full advantage of websites like MySpace, Facebook and LinkedIn as a vital part of their branding initiatives.
More recently, Twitter.com has taken the world by storm. In just over a year it has risen from a user base of 1.5 million to more than 32 million. Some attribute this success and meteoric rise to the vast amount of celebrities who use it to update their fan base, as well as the simplicity of the site itself. What is certain is that Twitter has fast become a social media tool that forward-thinking companies have found to be entirely helpful in communicating with their various constituents.
In this issue of Gray Matters, as we examine the topic of defining who you are as a company, we felt it was important to give you our top five tips on how to develop your company’s brand on Twitter.
1. Carefully Consider Who is Posting Your “Tweets”
A “tweet” is the 140-character update that tells the world what you’re up to. You want the person posting that update to not only be knowledgeable and eloquent, but consistent and entertaining as well. People will “follow” your Twitter page if the updates are interesting, unique and fun to read.
2. Personalize Your Page
Anyone can open a Twitter account. It’s the personalization of your page that makes it something people will take time out of their day to pay attention to..In your account settings, make sure you fill out all of the fields in the bio section. The goal here is to create a personal relationship with your clients and customers, thus forging a loyalty unrivaled by your competitors.
3. Tell the World
A common mistake among many companies when starting out on Twitter is to choose to set their postings to private. Be sure to allow everyone access to your profile. Only then can they decide if they want to “follow” you and keep up with your company’s news.
4. Show Your Appreciation
From your Twitter account, set an automated response (which you can also personalize) that goes to each new individual that chooses to follow you. Don’t miss this opportunity to thank them, thus creating one more “touch” opportunity between you and your audience.
5. Be Relevant
Your tweets don’t always have to be about your company. Don’t be afraid to comment on current events, whether it pertains to popular culture or breaking news. Your followers want to know your company’s position. Doing so will show that you are on top of trends and relevant in this ever-changing society.
As always, if you need professional advice about this or any other PR-related topic, please let us know (see contact page for phone numbers and e-mails.)
Happy Twittering!