8 Ways Small Businesses Can Use Twitter Effectively

by smallbizbee · 3 comments

Social networking can help a small business making more money. While having customers as friends on Facebook is great, Twitter is a tool that should not be overlooked.

8 great ways a small business can implement Twitter to increase profits are:

1. Growing Customer Relations

Being in business is all about people. Without them, there is no company to run. This is what makes Twitter so great. When people Tweet you and you them, they feel closer to you and your business leading them to your door because of the new personal relationship.

People like doing business with people they know.

2. Promoting Sales

Rather than let a stock item go bad and end up in the spoilage bin a message on Twitter might bring in some excited customers who would love to buy something at half price that they are going to buy anyway.

3. Getting the Word out About a new Product or Service

When something new and exciting comes in some people miss out on it. This is lost revenue that could be taken in as a result of building a relationship with clients through Twitter. Simply saying “Limited time new coconut M&M’s in stock” can go a long way compared to leaving coconut candy lovers out in the cold.

4. Special Offers Only to Those who Tweet

Twitter customers can become part of a special class of clientele. For example, you can Tweet to your customers “Bring this Tweet in for a free Father’s Day coffee.” Customers who see it will be there because they love free stuff, and those in the store who see it will want to be in on the special promotions as well.

5. Directing Customers to Product Reviews

When a new product comes into the store, business owners can sell them to customers by writing a review on their blogs. If customers like what they see they will either buy it from you or they can buy it through Amazon.com, which you can affiliate with to retain some of the profits.

This will result in satisfied customers to be very satisfied with you as their consumer advocate. Not only did you direct them to a product that you sell, but you offered them an online alternative to purchase it. The result is them saving money on the product and time by not having to go out to get it.

6. Cheap R&D

One thing businesses cannot often afford early in the game is research and development. The great thing about a small business, especially if it is local, is that owners and managers can use Twitter to gather information about customers likes and dislikes.

A gas station owner, for example, can ask his Twitter network, “do u like or dislike a full service pump option?” Some customers will reply that they like it in inclement weather, or that they do not like that it costs more at the pump and then they feel as though they have to tip the attendant. This feedback can be invaluable to the success of a business.

7. Special Customer Announcements

When a customer has a big event they may want to get the word out. You can offer free announcements to those on the network. This can be very exciting for those who get accepted into law school or want people to know they’ll be playing a concert at the park.

And when these people see that you care enough about them to help them get the word out, they’ll be loyal customers for life.

8. Promoting Worthy Causes

The best thing about influence is that it can be harnessed for good things. A compassionate capitalist will care about his community and support worthy causes in it. Simple Tweets like “Breast Cancer Walk Sunday, 9:00″ can go a long way in helping others and growing one’s business.

About the Author: Melissa Tamura writes about online degrees for Zen College Life. She most recently ranked the best psychology schools.

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