8 Quick Steps to Building YOUR Tweep Base!
You are OPEN for BUSINESS!
Congratulations!
EXCITEMENT…
You are eager to share information about your business and the services offered.
BUT…
You aren’t quite sure how to go about this?
Social Media to the Rescue
Social media is a great way to create visibility for your small business.
Better yet…
TWITTER is a great place to build an initial base following for your company.
It’s also a great place to share information and ideas with your followers.
You like the idea!
BUT…
You aren’t quite sure how to get started?
NO PROBLEM….IT’S EASY!!
Reach out to your family and friends.
Build your initial base of followers with family or friends with existing Twitter accounts. It is considered “polite” to follow your friends on Twitter; so in theory, if you follow them, they should return the favor and follow you.
Step 1: Log in to your Twitter business account. (If you manage different Twitter handles, make sure you are using the correct one.)
For example: I manage my personal Twitter account: @ckshumaker AND my business account: @aJuxtMedia. (So, for this exercise, I would want to make sure I was logged into the account for my business.)
Step 2: Click on “Followers” under your profile image on the left side of your screen.
Step 3: On the left side of your Twitter Page, you will see a box that says “Who to Follow?” At the bottom of this box, you will see a Tab that says “Find Friends.” Click it! A box will then appear asking to search the address books of the different email accounts you have. Click the Search Contacts button next to the appropriate email provider(s).
Step 4: Once you click Search Contacts, another box will appear asking your permission for Twitter to access your personal address book. Allow permission. Once this is done, a box will appear listing any of your contacts with an established Twitter account. Look for the Tab at the bottom of this box that says “Follow All” and click it. You are now following all of these contacts on Twitter.
Now that you have completed this step, another box will open asking if you would like to Invite the rest of your contacts from your email address book to join Twitter. You can participate in this exercise but it rarely generates extra followers.
NOTE: The specific email address an individual chooses to use as their Twitter login matters. I wouldn’t
spend the time inviting anyone to Follow my Twitter handle if they don’t pop up in this box with a
Twitter profile picture and handle. (example of a Twitter handle: @ckshumaker)
Step 5: From the “Who to Follow” box on your Twitter Page, you can also click the Tab “People You May Know.” This is an additional opportunity for you to Follow people Twitter suggests to you. If you know anyone from this list, make sure you Follow them too.
Step 6: While you are waiting for family and friends to Follow you back, make sure you POST on your personal Twitter account that you are seeking Twitter followers for your business page. Even take the time to post a message on Facebook, both your personal page, as well as your Business Page asking for support on Twitter.
For example: “I am excited about working at @aJuxtMedia. Please follow our business page.”
Step 7: Search Twitter and seek out KEY INDUSTRY INFLUENCERS. Basically, you are looking for and want to Follow any company similar to yours who has set up shop in another market. Look for any BRANDS you offer, as well.
The idea here is to build strategic partnerships with others in the industry. This will help keep you informed of the latest trends and ensure your small business is keeping up with them.
If you need help determining who these influencers are, there are tools available on the Web, like Klout and PeerIndex that can help you determine who to Follow.
Step 8: As each person Follows your Twitter handle, make sure to thank them!
Ultimately, the content you Tweet about is what will drive people to your page. Don’t forget to take the time to read what others are posting too. This is how you will begin building your base and establishing your brand on Twitter.
Enjoy!
Written by Christopher Shumaker