Extract taken from the Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce’s monthly ‘Review’ magazine:
A record attendance of members and guests packed into the Old Swan Hotel on Monday 8th February to hear from North Yorkshire’s social media experts…
Tweet your way to success
Bob Tait, from Harrogate-based, full service creative agency Mixd, was next up, to help demystify the online phenomenon Twitter and in particular how businesses can embrace this powerful social networking tool as part of their own brand strategy. Whilst the room was entertained when Bob explained the basics of Twitter terminology, such as ‘Tweets’, ’Twetiquette’ and ‘Tweeple’ (no doubt soon to appear in the Oxford English Dictionary), it was clear to Chamber Members the serious impact, both good and bad, that Twitter could have on their businesses.
Twitter has experienced unprecedented growth since its conception in 2006, with latest year on year figures showing an increase of 1,928 percent in unique users from June 2008 to June 2009; propelling it into the top 5 of all social networking sites. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of Twitter users (84%) are over 25, making it an ideal audience for the business community.
This powerful online tool, with so many users, offers substantial benefits to businesses including:
- a new and innovative way to drive new traffic to your website;
- online protection of your brand / reputation;
- customer support;
- opportunities to engage with a new audience to share opinions, tools and resources and demonstrate your knowledge; and
- the formation of networks and collaboration.
Bob went on to discuss case studies on a range of businesses who currently utilise Twitter, including Dell (international), BT (national) and Mixd (local), as well as touching on the basics for success; including:
- what to say in the 140 character limit;
- how to gain ‘followers’;
- how to brand your Twitter page;
- the basics of ‘Twetiquette’ (Twitter etiquette!); and
- the use of add-on tools for business, such as search facilities, topic alerts and multi-users.
The informative 20 minute presentation provided a great insight into Twitter for Business, but there is so much more to benefit Chamber Members.
For further details, log on to the Mixd blog at www.mixd.co.uk, contact Bob on 01423 566043 or, of course, jump on http://twitter.com/ and send a Tweet to @mixd
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Nice article; go Bob!
If you want a hand with your social media strategy, or how to utilise Twitter for business, please just get in touch through whatever medium you like!
Tags: twitter