How to use Twitter - in a nutshell

Ah Twitter, Everyone hears about Donald Trump tweets and all the negative stuff, so some people are afraid of it, some don't think they need to be there, and others just don't get it. That's ok. Twitter is not your usual platform. It is a bit time consuming alright as it's NOT an advertising platform it's a social platform. But if used correctly, Twitter is a HUGE lead magnet and it's a fantastic way to build relationships with who you want to connect with. It's easy to find your customers and it's easy to build trust. Easier than Linkedin in fact.

Twitter is more laid back than Linkedin. It's ok to have an unusual twitter handle (mine is @tweetinggoddess. If you are in accounts, you can call yourself 'The Accounting ninja' or anything you like really cos names that stand out help your business to stand out.

Why use Twitter?

Small Business owners are there

Over 35 year olds are there.

It's easy to connect with your customers or connect people with others by just tagging them. (no need for big long email intros)

It's FREE!! (Unless I am managing your account)

It's real time news as it happens (get ahead of the rest)

It's also fun! You can take part in numerous discussions (keep away from controversy though)

You can use Twitter live and video to give your 'tip of the day' or connect with your audience in a fun way

You can do Twitter polls to get feedback from real people right now!

Communities are there. e.g. #irishpharmacychat #irishhealthhour #Belfasthour #Womensinspire There are many global Twitter chats such as #Twittersmarter that will give you plenty of tips on how to use Twitter (Run by Madalyn skylar) ...see a list from Social media examiner of Twitter chats for marketeers here

Communities are easy to find by just using the 'search' option on Twitter. If you love craft, just put 'craft' or 'Crafter' into the search box. If you love Kitesurfing, put that into search and you will find a lot of people all over the world using those words. Follow some of those people and tweet to them, ask them who should you follow. Most people on Twitter are REALLY helpful and will tag the right people for you.

If you are a hotel in Galway, search for #Travel #Galway and see what pops up. You will find lots of travel bloggers and tourists putting up photos and tweets about Galway. Maybe they need a hotel room? Follow or engage with them. Ask how their trip is going, comment on that photo they put up. Trust me, they will click on your profile and check your hotel out.

Make your bio look awesome. Fill in as much detail as possible with keywords that describe YOU and what you do. Use images and a professional headshot if possible. Mine is by John Murray

Check out my lists - Click on my profile and click on my 'Awesome irish people' list to find really cool people who are great at engaging on Twitter. I also have a 'cool people' list. Start by following some of those people.

Most of my followers are small business owners, Women in Business and also social media fans. Oh Mark Hamill also follows me (that was a happy day)!

But I haven't time to put into Twitter!

Look, we all need to do this, social media is where your customers are probably hanging out. Your customers might be on Twitter. The people with their finger on the pulse are definitely there. CEOs are there, decision makers are there. I know as they have reached out to me and said 'Ah yes I saw that on Twitter'.

Here is a FREE video for you on how to create a Twitter account:

I've just been announced as Brand Ambassador for Content Cal - This tool helps me by scheduling my content and it's really working well for my team and I. It's saving me soooo much time and it allows me to be more creative too. I've a FREE webinar on Monday all about this if you would like to join us. Register here

And hey if you need training I can help you. I do skype consultations and I do Women's inspire events where we teach lots of tips too. We are heading to Galway April 11th so come along and meet me for a cuppa! Book your tickets here https://bit.ly/WIN18Galway