Building a strong Twitter following for your local business may seem daunting. It can often feel like only the big brands, politicians, and celebrities are the ones getting any attention. But let’s not kid ourselves—Twitter is a goldmine for local businesses willing to invest time and strategy into it.
Before we dive into how you can leverage Twitter to grow your local business, let’s take a look at some compelling stats that prove Twitter is not just a platform for the famous and flashy:
Culturally relevant businesses influence 25% of buying decisions on Twitter.
In 2019, the cost per ad engagement reduced by 12%.
24% of U.S. citizens use Twitter as their primary social media platform.
32% of Twitter users utilize the platform to watch videos.
Now, think about it. If you're sharing engaging video content that resonates with the culture of your target locations, what’s stopping your followers from transforming into loyal customers? Let’s dive in!
Getting Started with Twitter
First things first, you need to determine whether your target audience is even on Twitter. This is essential because investing in a platform where your customers don’t hang out is a waste of resources.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do your existing and potential customers use Twitter?
Who do they follow, and what content do they engage with?
Does your demographic align with Twitter’s user base?
Are your competitors active on Twitter? If so, analyze how they engage their followers. What types of content are they sharing? What’s their engagement like?
If you’re unsure of the answers, start a conversation with your customers. Get to know them better to create a detailed customer persona.
Setting Up Your Profile
Once you've established that Twitter is right for you, it’s time to create your profile. Head over to Twitter’s signup page, and sign up using your business name and email.
Choose a Memorable Username: Your username should be recognizable and consistent across all platforms. Use tools like Namechk to ensure your desired Twitter handle is available. If it’s taken, consider adding your location. For example, Kumon has done this effectively by creating separate handles for different locations.
Optimize Your Bio: Your bio should succinctly explain what your business does while incorporating relevant keywords. This not only informs your audience but also improves your visibility in search results. Don't shy away from using keywords and hashtags!
Visual Branding: Your profile and header photos should match the color scheme of your website. Use your logo as your profile photo and a team image or another relevant picture as your header. Make sure the dimensions are optimized: 400 x 400 pixels for the profile photo and 1500 x 500 pixels for the header.
Setting Objectives and KPIs
After setting up your profile, establish clear objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure your success. Your goals might include:
Building brand awareness through influencer partnerships.
Generating leads with ads driving to landing pages.
Handling customer support more efficiently.
Increasing online sales.
Differentiate Between B2B and B2C: Keep in mind that B2B and B2C strategies will differ. B2B businesses often focus on long-term relationships and lead nurturing, while B2C can capitalize on faster sales cycles through direct engagement and promotions.
Developing a Twitter Strategy
With your goals set, you need a robust Twitter strategy.
Content Strategy: Repurpose content from your blog by turning images into tweets with descriptions and links. Always include a few relevant hashtags and a strong call-to-action.
Engagement: Follow trending topics and relevant accounts in your niche. Engage with local hashtags to build a community around your business. Don't forget to retweet and respond to relevant threads.
Post Frequency and Timing: Understand when your audience is most active on Twitter. Test different posting times to see what works best for you, but start with expert recommendations for best practices.
Customer Interaction: Lastly, actively engage with your customers. If you're using Twitter for customer support, aim to respond within 12 hours. Address complaints with empathy and move sensitive discussions to private channels.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Comments