Why Should We Launch a Business Presence on Twitter?

Twitter is still a mystical word for many. If you haven’t heard of it, or if you don’t know what it is, don’t be discouraged. At this stage you’re still in the majority.

What is Twitter? It is a free micro-blogging service allow the user to post short messages of 140 characters or less (why 140 characters?), similar to Facebook’s profile updates. These messages are read by followers, other users that make a conscious effort to subscribe to your blurps. In essence, it is instant communication to others that are like-minded.

Although Twitter does not release official numbers, it is estimated that there are between 4-7 million users. Compare this to Facebook’s 200 million users and the question becomes “Why bother?”

Twitter users are very different from the average Facebook user. Tweeters are movers and shakers, they are opinion makers and influencers. Many of them keep an active blog with high readership and they are effective communicators. The successful Twitter user is very well connected.

If you can attract these opinion makers and gain their goodwill, half your battle is won. A loyal Twitter following is a strong viral marketing tool, if you have the right message.
Start utilizing it. Or ask a communication expert to forge your message.

Effective business uses for Twitter are:
- Generate traffic to your website with links to helpful, interesting information on your website.
- Provide regular interesting and helpful tips, professional advice, and industry-related information.
- Improve customer relations through interaction.
- Promote and broadcast live from events, workshops, seminars.
- Send out alerts of new products, specials, blog entries, developments.
- Generate additional revenue.
- Use it as a research tool.
- Conduct surveys and polls.
- Gain real-time feedback about specific topics.
- It increases your credibility, social reach.
- Strenghtens and enhances your brand.
- Puts you ahead of the competition!