A huge advantage of using social media has since been recognized by marketers and entrepreneurs alike. Most companies now agree that engaging with customers on social media helps boost sales and improve customer relationships.
But companies continue to remain puzzled about the return on investment through usage of social media.
Twitter itself confronted the issue that small and medium-sized businesses “prove that their efforts on Twitter can lead to real business results.” Therefore, Twitter and Market Probe International fielded a study of 500 adults that follow small and medium-sized businesses on Twitter. The findings were hugely encouraging:
• 72 percent of followers are more likely to buy something from a business they follow.
• 86 percent of followers are more likely to visit a business if a friend recommends it.
• 85 percent of followers feel more connected with businesses after following them.
Experts insist that there is no ROI in anything if a person does not know how to use it. Learn about ways can make or mar your business.
It is important that you position yourself as a thought leader on Twitter.
Regardless of the type and size of their business, owners can use Twitter to position themselves as industry experts. Make it a point to share information that will be interesting and useful to your target market. Also, engage others in conversation about their tweets that are relevant to your topics.
Of course, it is a fact that technologies like Twitter can distract businesses from creating a clear brand proposition, It s believed that Twitter will fail to prompt purchases and inspire brand loyalty unless coupled with the craft of brand building.
Most businesses have joined Twitter because they have content to share that promotes their brand. Unfortunately, if you use the tool only for that purpose, you’re likely to be tweeting in a vacuum. Remember the 80/20 rule.
Eighty percent of your content should be about things that your target audience is interested in and needs to know. Twenty percent should be about promoting your products and services.
Exercise your discretion and first follow before engaging. It can be tempting to jump right in and attempt to create a connection with a business prospect on Twitter. Such rashness can be self-defeating.
There is a lot of noises and Twitter and you need to stand out among the endless streams of content flowing thick and fast. Respond when other people ask questions, retweet posts from people with whom you want to develop relationships and post content that’s going to be valuable to others.