Unless you're living under a rock, you know Twitter is growing like a banshee.
Recent claims say they are gaining more that 1.
8 million users a week.
That's more than the entire population of Nebraska...
every week.
I credit the increased popularity to the shift from traditional to social consumption.
We used to accept what we found on Google, or saw on T.
V.
Now we want to get our information from other people.
Other people whose authority we trust and choose to "follow.
" 1.
Understand The Culture of Twitter Fitting in with the culture of twitter will increase the overall value of your effort.
People will not only consume your output but they will begin to interact with you.
It will bring you closer to your customers and prospects.
The interaction and insight that takes place will put your brand on steroids.
2.
Build Tweet-Equity Tweet-equity is the perceived value of your tweets in the eyes of your followers.
If you spout off about useless topics and post spammy links, you have no equity.
When your tweets have equity they are more likely to stimulate a response from your followers.
It is an important aspect of your twitter marketing strategy.
3.
Grow Your Network Your whole effort is a waste if you don't have anyone following you.
Obviously.
But getting a massive amount of followers shouldn't be your goal.
By strategically developing a quality, engaged network of followers you'll learn from their interaction and give your word of mouth advertising a boost.
4.
Get People Interested In You This may be the most difficult part of twitter because people are lambasted with information, followers, @ replies, re-tweets, trending topics and more.
There is a ton going on that can steal people attention.
Being human and making real connections is the best way to get people interested.
5.
Secure a Lead, Sale or Subscriber The trust, authority and respect you gain is useless if you don't make conversions.
Conversions are exactly how you make twitter marketing profitable.
Once you have proven your value, built your tweet equity and grown your network, you get the opportunity to accomplish what you set out to use twitter for.
Make sure your presence is set up to take advantage of it.
The lack of a twitter marketing strategy will turn your presence into a disregarded waste of time for your company.
On top of that you'll be missing an opportunity to attract a loyal following of customers that choose to do business with you regardless of price.