Why I Grudgingly Accept Twitter

Twitter is a service that let's you Micro-blog (140 characters or less) on it's website to keep your friends and followers updated on your current state of... whatever. The general idea behind it is that people can randomly shout out the tiniest minutia of their lives to an audience that may or may not be receptive.

But now that I'm researching it for a book ... I'm starting to see what everyone is yapping on about.

Some reasons that Twitter is something you shouldn't pass on:

1. It's a gigantic network of people, sheer numbers alone give it a high probability that you'll attract customers, friends and inquisitive clients.
2. It's quick and to the point, which is good for any announcement you may wish to make. Specials, Closing early, Questions, Reviews... it is a great way to sum up a short blurb without the hassle of emailing your entire mailing list.
3. It allows people to scan your posts and profile to get a first impression. Do they seem professional, friendly, do they frequently post, are you and expert about what your talking about. The open nature of a Twitter account can reveal more about what your business and you are all about, compared to a block of intro text on your homepage. It's more human.

Some reasons people fail at Twitter:

1. They don't post everyday. You just need to do this once a day, it could be anything at all, but you need to build the sense that you're a source of news that people want to check back with everyday. It's not hard! Write that the decaf is burnt today so your customers should go with a latte, tell people when the new shipment of dolls is coming, inform them you're thinking of green alternatives for powering your shop, keep people in the loop with what your business is doing.
2. Seeing Twitter as 'just some kid thing', like Myspace or Webkins. I learned this lesson, don't knock it till you try it. I've got five years of professional experience in dealing with new internet technology and ten more years of personal background. Twitter is a serious tool that can be leveraged to your financial benefit.
3. Not inviting your customers to join. Twitter is a lot like your website, you can't just build your profile and then sit on it, hoping that people will find you. Obama, FOX News... these people can sit on it and know people will go find them. More than likely, you're not that famous, so you need to be pro-active. Put a button on your website inviting people to join you on Twitter, put it in your emails, tell everyone you meet, even encourage customers face to face. You'll be surprised at the positive response.

~
Alex Seigfried, Owner
Seigfried Designs
Philadelphia, PA