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Jump start your business

An excellent way to jump start your business is to sign up for a twitter account. Signing up is an extremely user-friendly process…you just click the sign up link, put the requested information in the form provided, and start “tweeting” (tweeting refers to little messages user’s post about themselves, or their business). You need only take a quick glance at any marketing material written in the last couple of years, to realize social networking sites like Twitter, are a “must have” in your company’s promotion arsenal. Twitter marketing works similarly for both online and offline companies, giving you an opportunity to network in the same place as many of your current and future customers do.

For those of you out there who are just starting in the online business world: Twitter is a place for people to come together and “tweet” whatever is on there mind. This method of socialising isn’t limited to only individuals though; you will find any business that might come to mind, sharing day to day information related to special promotions, up-coming events, etc.

Increase your customer base with Twitter

Any prospective customer could be attracted to tweets that catch their eye if they are about the product or service they are searching for. Keep in mind that these people will add companies of interest to the list of members they wish to follow. For example: Males under the age of 30 tend to add Sony, and Microsoft to their follow list – due to the popularity of their gaming consoles. This demographic wants to find out details about the company as they happen i.e. promotions, savings, contests, etc. Just imagine the extra business this generates for these huge companies!

One of the biggest figures a business owner should consider is that Twitter attracts over 75 million unique visitors a month! Unique refers to new visitors to a particular website, whom have never visited that site before. Twitter also has around 85 million registered users! You may not find 85 million people that are interested in your company, or area of business, but improving your business image only takes a few customers. Lets be honest, even if you only meet three new customers…that’s three paying customers you would have never gained, if you weren’t on Twitter. Meeting like-minded companies that you can create joint ventures with is another wonderful benefit of “twittering“.

Network with like-minded businesses

Many businesses like to come together so they can provide better value for their customers. For example: Twitter has an eBay club, where many eBay vendors join forces to expand their product lines, and give their online stores more selection, enabling them to expand their business ventures. Lets say you have one vendor in China, who needs a US distributor to sell their products…by meeting on Twitter, two businesses that are worlds apart just met, and brought value to one another. The possibilities are endless, but think of it as an international business networking hub.

There are many groups formed by business communities on the website. You can find groups in the financial sector, food service, along with sales and marketing companies of all kinds. These groups generally welcome anyone who is interested. Once you get to know these groups, you will find they become like any business contact you meet in the offline world. You can share ideas, or as mentioned above; explore joint ventures together.

Learn what’s happening before your competitors

So far we have discussed the possibility of gaining more customers, and networking with other businesses to improve your company image. Now let us discuss the day to day information you gain. All of the potential customers, and like-minded business contacts you meet, will all be coming to Twitter every day to “tweet” what is going on in their life, and the world in general. Whether you’re interested in what is happening over in China, or what’s happening in your own backyard – Twitter members generally know what’s happening before the offline world does. For a business person, knowing what’s happening in the world before the competition can be invaluable, regardless of what business you’re in.

Reach Out To The World!

Perhaps you have a retail business, selling hard-to-find vintage antiques, and a Twitter member “tweets” they desperately need a piece you have right there in your store – this presents a perfect opportunity to let that person know you have what they need. You would have never got this client if you hadn’t had Twitter as a resource! You may be an online product marketer, and hear through a “tweet” that Sony of Japan is about to revolutionize the cellphone market, with a new cell phone that does more than any similar product on the market – this puts you in front of the trend before the rest of the world knows about it! One of the best features of Twitter is it’s real time search, this show up to the second what anyone in the world is tweeting about and can be the fastest way to find out any information about world events since users can post straight to Twitter from their phones. Also you can of course search for your business name or some topics of interest in your trade to find out what other people are saying. You can try this here: Twitter Search

Let Your Customers Know You’re Available

You can also “tweet” about your business activities. This allows you to keep your products, or services you offer, fresh in the minds of those whom you have done business with previously, along with future customers who need what you offer, but may never find you by conventional means. Twitter creates a valuable venue for those seeking things, and those who can provide a solution – be that information, or products and services. The advantages provided by social networking sites like Twitter, will elevate your business image by leaps and bounds in the public eye, and it’s free advertising! Click here to create an account, and don’t forget to follow us by clicking here: NetHosted Twitter