So you’ve created a Twitter profile for your small business (if you haven’t check out these 5 quick tips to get you started on Twitter), but you’re not sure what comes next? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with these 3 easy steps to build your Twitter network.
There’s no point to tweeting if you have zero followers and nobody sees your tweet. But how do you go about growing your Twitter following?
Follow Others
The easiest way to gain followers on Twitter is to follow others. You can use Twitter’s search function to look for keywords in your industry. Filter the search results to show only user accounts and you’ll find key profiles to follow.
Be aware not to commit ‘aggressive following’, which is somewhat of a crime in the Twitterverse. Aggressive following is following hundreds of accounts just to garner attention and will subsequently get your Twitter account suspended.
You can also tap into your existing customer base to grow your online community by syncing your email contacts with Twitter.
Engage with Influencers
A Twitter influencer is a well-connected Twitter user with a large audience. In most cases they are experts in their field and have a very active Twitter account.
Search for topics in your line of business and in doing this you’ll discover profiles of other companies and influential people in your sector, profiles you’ll want to follow and engage with.
You’ll also find existing relevant conversations these influencers are a part of and be able to join in and get yourself noticed.
A sure-fire way to build up credibility on Twitter is to post relevant, useful and interesting information and use industry-specific hashtags.
Promote your Twitter Profile
You can’t expect people to engage with you on Twitter if they don’t know you’re there! Spread the word by adding a link to your Twitter profile or a ‘Follow Me on Twitter’ button to your email signature or include this on your business cards.
You can also provide links and shortcuts on your company website, or other existing social media profiles such as your Facebook page and LinkedIn account.
This article first appeared at Ignite Media.