50 Suggestions for Utilizing Twitter for Business

Introduction

It’s undeniable that businesses are exploring the use of Twitter as part of their social media strategies. While some may consider it a frivolous platform with no business value, many of us, including myself, disagree and recognize its potential. Instead of dwelling on the naysayers, I will provide 50 ideas for those interested in leveraging Twitter for their business endeavors. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a large corporation, these suggestions are applicable. Keep in mind that these ideas may vary in effectiveness depending on your specific circumstances, and feel free to contribute your own insights in the lively conversations happening in the comments section of [chrisbrogan.com]. Join in the discussion!

Getting Started:

1. Create an account and immediately utilize Twitter Search to listen for mentions of your name, your competitors, and keywords related to your industry. Listening is the first step.
2. Upload a profile picture. (Shel emphasizes this point.) We want to see the face behind the account.
3. Engage with people about their interests, demonstrating your human side. Although it may not directly sell more products, it establishes a connection.
4. Share interesting content related to your industry, not just promotional material about your own offerings.
5. Share links to fascinating resources within your community. (e.g., @wholefoods excels at this.)
6. Avoid getting trapped in a cycle of apologies. Instead, be helpful. (e.g., @jetblue provides travel tips.)
7. Be cautious about constantly promoting your own products or services. Your fans may appreciate it, but others may tune out.
8. Highlight your employees’ personal stories outside of work. (e.g., @TheHomeDepot does this effectively.)
9. Incorporate a few personal accounts, such as RichardAtDELL or LionelAtDELL.
10. Discuss non-business topics as well, like @aaronstrout and @jimstorer.

Ideas for What to Tweet:

11. Instead of answering the question, “What are you doing?”, answer the question, “What has captured your attention?”
12. Have multiple individuals within your company tweet. People may leave or take vacations, so having a variety of voices is beneficial.
13. When promoting a blog post, ask a question or provide a preview instead of simply sharing a link.
14. Ask questions to gather opinions. Twitter is a great platform for this.
15. Follow interesting people. If you find someone who consistently tweets intriguing content, explore who they follow and consider following them as well.
16. Share content from other individuals. While it may not directly impact your business, it portrays you as more than just a self-promoter.
17. When discussing your products or services, ensure the information is valuable. Offer advice, link to blog posts, share pictures, etc.
18. Showcase the human side of your company. By engaging on Twitter, you acknowledge the value of social media in establishing human connections. Share pictures and other relatable content.
19. Avoid excessive self-promotion. (This is ironic, considering I often engage in self-promotion. – Side note: I need to stop promoting myself so much.)
20. If you do promote yourself, strive to balance it by actively promoting others.

Maintaining Balance:

21. You don’t have to read every tweet.
22. You don’t have to respond to every @ mention directed at you (although responding to some is encouraged, don’t feel guilty for skipping others).
23. Utilize direct messages for one-on-one conversations if you believe the conversation holds no value for the wider Twitter community (credit to @pistachio for this insight).
24. Use tools like Twitter Search to ensure you’re aware if someone mentions you. Engage when it’s appropriate.
25. Third-party clients like Tweetdeck and Twhirl simplify Twitter management.
26. If you tweet all day while your colleagues are occupied with work, be prepared for feedback.
27. If you’re representing clients and billing hours, tweeting excessively may lead to repercussions.
28. Familiarize yourself with URL shortening tools like TinyURL and similar services. They tidy up your tweets.
29. If someone criticizes your Twitter usage, disregard it. Twitter is an opt-out platform, and they can unfollow you if they don’t appreciate your approach.
30. Comment on others’ tweets and retweet their content to foster a sense of community.

Addressing Potential Criticisms:

31. Twitter can be time-consuming.
32. Twitter can divert your attention from other productive work.
33. Without a strategy, it’s merely typing.
34. There are alternative approaches to achieve similar goals.
35. As Frank often hears, Twitter doesn’t replace customer service (Frank is @comcastcares and has pioneered exceptional customer service on the platform).
36. Twitter may have technical issues and may not be suitable for enterprise-level operations.
37. Twitter is often associated with tech enthusiasts only.
38. Although Twitter boasts millions of users, it’s still a relatively small audience.
39. Twitter shouldn’t replace direct email marketing.
40. Engaging on Twitter may expose your company to increased criticism and complaints.

Highlighting the Benefits:

41. Twitter facilitates the organization of spontaneous meetups known as tweetups.
42. Twitter serves as an excellent platform for conducting opinion polls.
43. Twitter directs attention toward valuable content and resources.
44. During events, Twitter fosters instant “backchannel” communication among participants.
45. Twitter often breaks news faster than traditional sources, particularly if the news affects online communities.
46. Twitter offers businesses a glimpse into the power of status messaging for organizational purposes, reminiscent of presence in the 1990s.
47. Twitter brings together brilliant minds, providing daily learning opportunities if you actively seek them out and follow the right individuals.
48. Twitter provides a platform for your critics, enabling you to analyze their feedback.
49. Twitter supports business development efforts, particularly if your target audience is online (as is the case for me).
50. Twitter can enhance customer service (with the caveats).

Cyber Security Insurance

Additionally, it is important for businesses utilizing Twitter and other online platforms to consider the significance of cyber security insurance. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the risk of cyber threats and data breaches looms large. Cyber security insurance provides financial protection and assistance in the event of a cyber attack, helping businesses recover from potential damages, legal liabilities, and reputational harm. By investing in a comprehensive cyber security insurance policy, businesses can mitigate the potential financial risks associated with cyber incidents, ensuring the continuity of their operations and safeguarding the sensitive information of their customers and stakeholders. It is crucial for businesses to assess their cyber security needs and consult with insurance professionals to find the most suitable coverage that aligns with their specific industry, size, and risk profile.