Twitter, Twitter, Twitter . . . literally. There are 3 main ways you can use Twitter for your business.This comes from some questions I got after guest speaking on a Twitter teleseminar this week.The Party
The first way is the method you’ve likely heard a lot about. That’s called social media. Scott Stratten calls it “unmarketing” and Perry Belcher calls it “the party”. Basically, Perry’s right, the first method is to act on Twitter the way you would should you show up at a party 5 minutes late.
How’s that? Well, you don’t walk in the door handing out business cards, for one. You don’t announce yourself second after first pitching your product – and you don’t take over conversations already in progress with information about your products. That’s social marketing no-no’s. But the idea there is that you mingle, provide value, be funny, enjoy the crowd and market by not marketing.
The Lottery Method
The second way people use Twitter is a bit more like lottery marketing. Figure out all the crazy ways you can manipulate Twitter to amass a huge following. And then spew links and information about your company hoping that a few of the millions who are following actually click on your links and buy your stuff. That’s a numbers game for sure and has its place – but it’s not for everyone.
Typically you’ll see the Lottery doing that kind of marketing. Buy space in as many places as you can find, and then hope a few people who see your ad buy a lottery ticket. It works for them.
PBS Radio
Finally the third way is radio itself. Create a Twitter account that is pure information. Don’t follow anyone – just provide information. Name the Twitter account with your niche or business keywords or name – like “Boston Painters” or “All About Trees” or something like that. Then only tweet about those subjects – nothing else.
This method requires people find you, follow you and listen to what you’re saying. This is the most organic of all and is like NPR. NPR doesn’t advertise really – they just hope you find them by turning the dial and stopping when you hear the information. And then hopefully . . . without being asked. . . you add them to your car stereo channel list. Can you imagine how targeted your list will be if people who are looking for your information, find you and then follow you?