How Twitter Can Aid You In Surviving The Recession

Do you Twitter?

If not, perhaps you should use it as a way to promote your business by raising its visibility. Twitter isn't the sole solution to surviving the recession, but it can be one of the many strategies you employ to reach new and current customers.

First, you should know that Twitter is free. You should also know that many businesses and non-profits are using Twitter to market themselves. If you have employees who are already involved in the twitterverse, then you can enlist their help in getting started. Perhaps they'll take over and do the tweeting for your business.

Five Ways Twitter Can Help

1. Use Twitter to publish tips on how customers can purchase your products. You've probably got years of product knowledge locked up in your brain, right? Your years of experience can help you gain credibility on Twitter as a leader in your profession. For example, you can take a pad of paper and start writing down basic tips about how to purchase the product you sell (what to look for, what to avoid, etc.).

You can also list tips on how to maintain that product. For example, if you're in the retail jewelry business, what should you look for when purchasing a diamond? How do you keep it clean? How often should you have the prongs checked? If you run a dry cleaning business, what tips can you provide your customers who may spill something on their clothes. Theres a lot of different fabrics out there, each perhaps needing a different way to remove stains. If you make a list of ten or 20 tips, you can send one out each day. Once you've got a list, it will take you less than a minute to send a tweet.

2. Use Twitter to announce new arrivals of inventory. When you get in a new shipment and it's ready for the sales floor, tweet about it.

3. Announce sales and other promotions. Yes, it's okay to have a promotion just for those who follow you on Twitter. That's what my local newspaper did.

4. Use Twitter to network with others in your profession in order to increase your knowledge. My profession is customer relationship management. I've benefited from networking with people all across the US and Europe. One has provided me with invaluable advice.

5. Do you or your employees have favourite charities? Follow them on Twitter and promote them as well. This will get your name out to their followers, some of whom may be interested in purchasing your product.

Remember, Twitter is free.It's no substitute for other marketing channels, it is a new marketing channel. Don't overlook it.

Source: www.allbusiness.com