Lately I have written a few blogs about Twitter basics and my Twitter pet peeves.   After talking to a friend and client of mine, I realized that there are still a lot people who don’t really know what Twitter actually is.  So I decided to take a little time to give a brief synapses of what I understand Twitter to be.

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What is Twitter

So, what is Twitter? Twitter is a real time information social platform that provides friends, family, coworkers, businesses and perspective clients the ability to connect and stay connected using short quick exchanges.   Twitter users listen, share and communicate information regarding their thoughts, new and exciting news and events.  Users ask questions and get answers.

Many Twitter users have used Twitter to replace email messaging when it comes to quick thoughts and questions like: What are you doing?  Can we meet? How are you today? Etc. These quick thoughts and questions are called Tweets, which can only be 140 characters.

If you don’t think Tweeting is for you then you can still set up an account and follow Twitter users who tweet about topics of your interest to you.  Many people use Twitter as valuable source of news because Twitter acts like news feed.

Twitter is also a great way to get brand exposure for your business because it allows you to share your content with your followers.  Don’t get too caught up in self promotion, most Twitter users don’t like that.  You should also share or retweet  information that others may find interesting as well. By doing this you build relationships and increase your brand exposure.

I have met people on Twitter I would have never met on Facebook.  Many of the Facebook friends I have gained in the last year have been in direct response to my increased Twitter presence.  Based on my Google Analytics numbers, 40% of the hits to my website have either come from Twitter or from Twitter monitoring sites or applications.

Want to learn more about Twitter?  Please visit the following links:

Also if you have a question please feel free to leave our question below.

Related links:

Just yesterday I was Google+ ing and came across a post from @Kimbeasley.  Her post was asking if users should “+1” or “Facebook Like” their own content.  Amazingly a few of the commenters thought it was blatant/overt self-promotion to +1 and Like your own posts. One response said that they actually make fun of people who like their own posts.  Wow! Really?!?!  Ok, if you say so…..

+1 your content

First let me explain what is considered Blatant/Overt self-promotion in regards to social media.  Big Fat SPAM! You know the people that post their services and products to your Facebook wall and you barely know them? How about the people who tag you on their pictures that are sales ads? That is Blatant Self-Promotion and it is very, very, very irritating.

There is nothing wrong with self-promotion when it is done the right way.  So what are some of the right ways to self promote?

1. Posting sharable content (posts that people like and share)
2. Posting questions/statements that generate conversation
3. Networking and sharing other peoples content (yes sharing others people content is a form of self-promotion)
4. Blogging about information that is informative, helpful, funny, or beneficial to those who read it
5. Commenting on other peoples posts & blogs sharing your knowledge
6. Liking, +1 ing, sharing and tweeting other users content as well as your own

So what about those people who thought +1 ing and Liking your own posts was blatant self-promotion?  Well if I post it and I liked what I posted, why not.  I would also point out that +1 ing, Liking, Sharing, & Tweeting your own content has SEO benefits.  Each social media like/plus/share to your content increases your search engine rankings.  This is important if you are a business owner trying to get traffic to your website…. and traffic back to your website is the ultimate goal right? But hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion so… if you choose to miss out on the possible benefits… well that is totally up to you.

Lastly and more logically how will anyone know about the services and products your company sells if you don’t self promote.  Tastefully promoting your company by sharing beneficial, shareable content is the acceptable way.  Do not be scared that someone will be offended if you tweet, like or +1 your own blog posts; doing so only makes good business sense.

Now for a little “Blatant” and “Overt” self-promotion, I will be adding a signature to the end of this blog post.  Oops did I offend you?

Did you know that something as simple as adding an email signature to the end of your emails could help you promote your brand?  Yup, it sure can.  By adding a simple signature with links back to your website and social networks you can increase brand recognition, traffic to your website & increase followers on Twitter & Facebook.

I suggest you make your email signatures eye catching by using color and a font style that matches your brand.  I don’t send very many emails anymore because Twitter and Facebook have taken over most of my communications but when I do this is what it looks like.

Aries – Graphic Design & Internet Marketing / AriesGDIM

You should include the following in your email signature:

1. Branded Logo
2. Name
3. Title
4. Contact numbers
5. Links to your websites
6. Links to your social networks
7. Tag line
8. Condensed mission statement

Depending on the information you are sending in your email you have no idea of the possible reach of your communication.  You never want to miss out on an opportunity to put your company information in front of a potential client.

Simple right? You would be amazed how many companies don’t take advantage of this easy brand booster.

Do it today!