Twitter is a great marketing tool that can be used to full potential when we use it as a communication tool instead of just for status update (tweet). Here are 5 tips to start using Twitter effectively for communication.
How Coca Cola uses Twitter communication effectively to reach out to its users
1) Follow
To start Twitter communication, it is best to follow users that interest you or your brand. Also, more people you follow, more you are likely to get followed back. But there is no right follow to follower ratio – if you are a good communicator or are a celebrity or have good things to say, more people are likely to follow you. Follow users gradually than all at once for best results. For individual Twitter account, the easiest way to start is to invite your friends. For Twitter as a brand or company, try adding users related to your industry or clients.
2) @Replies
Twitter works best when you communicate. Use @username of a person to reply or make comments to their tweets. You can also add more than one @username replies to bring people into the discussion. If many people are tweeting same topic, try replying them all such as @username1 @username2 followed by your comment. When users ask something on twitter, they expect replies. So it is a good ‘Twitter ethics’ to reply to other users.
3) Retweet
Use retweet button (below the tweet) to share tweets by users. For retweeting, instead of just using the retweet button, it is a good idea to use RT @username followed by the tweet and your views on the tweet.
4) Direct Message (DM)
Use direct message to send personal message to your followers. But if you are using Twitter for company, don’t just use direct message for posting your links! It is better to send DM to thank your follower and join the conversation. Also if long links don’t fit under limit of 140 characters, you can use services such as bit.ly or ow.ly to shorten your links.
5) Lists
Lists are like public groups. If you follow hundreds or thousands of users, keeping track of all the tweets can be messy. Instead, use Twitter lists to group any Twitter users. You can add yourself to public lists created by other users as well.
Twitter communication is fun for individuals and essential for business when we understand how to use it effectively. Happy Tweeting!
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