So the target is to beat the Jones’ when it comes to followers on Twitter but how are they doing it? Clearly dedicating time, resource and commitment is the key to ensuring ongoing success with Twitter, but what about the basics?

1) Your profile counts.
The image you provide should be a good representation of you and your brand. The description should be relevant and representative of your brand/business but should be punchy and to the point. Provide a link to your website and an easy means to get in contact. Consistency is essential when looking at the way you present your business/brand online so a background for your Twitter page which ties in closely with your website and all other online applications of your brand will serve as a great identifier. Now you have your base.

2) Follow your followers.
We appreciate that this may go against some advice, but we’re not saying you should allow the numbers you are following to exceed your followers. Instead it is about striking a balance. If someone follows you and you do not follow them back then what’s to stop them unfollowing you? You never know, their followers might follow you if they are a trusted Twitterer and suddenly you’re flying in the Twitter stakes!

3) Tweet away.
It stands to reason that if you are regularly publishing tweets to Twitter then your activity will come up in other people’s timelines more often. If those tweets are interesting, relevant and entertaining to those viewing them, then you’re more likely to establish a larger following and start more open conversations. A warning though. If you tweet too often (i.e. you’re verging on ramblings) it can be too hard for people to follow your train of thought and therefore they divert their attention elsewhere.

4) Start a conversation. Replying to other Twitter members and having them reply to you means that your Twitter user ID will appear in their feed. This in turn, means that their followers have you on their radar. Never underestimate the power of the viral affect! Try asking someone a question or provoking a debate in order to encourage a response. Get involved in other’s debates and follow key trending topics to get even more exposure. A tip within a tip here: Don’t always talk about yourself. A little about where you’re going and who you’re seeing is fine but make sure you intersperse this with a few gems about topical and juicy subjects which people can get their teeth into.

5) Link your online & social presence. If you already have a blog then make sure you tell your blog followers that you’re on Twitter. If you’re on Facebook and Linkedin publish your tweets to your timelines and profile pages. Insert links to your twitter ID on your website/s and in the footer of your email signatures to show people you’re using it with confidence! Like with any online presence, the more you link to it, the more people will be exposed to it. Easy!

For more top tips to help you harness the power of social for your business, please feel free to call us or email us team@newbrandvision.com. The coffee’s on us!

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