The 3 Cs of Twitter for Your Online Business

Twitter sounds really easy.  It takes about 30 seconds to set up an account.  And, you only have 140 characters, so it certainly can’t be “time consuming.”  Or something only a good writer could master.  Right?

And certainly, if you’re just tweeting with your friends, it is easy.

Then good news is ~ when it comes to using Twitter for your online business ~ it also can be easy.  IF you do it right.

I don’t count myself as a Twitter expert, but there are some guidelines I can give you for developing real relationships with people in 140 characters or less.

I call these guidelines the 3 Cs of effective Twitter use in your online business.  They are the things I have done to develop relationships with people on Twitter.

1.  Content

Create quality content.  

It amazes me how many people use Twitter to spam their online business.  A look at their stream shows nothing but links and hyped up claims about “best systems” and “quick money.”

Yes, I know you’ve decided to use Twitter to help grow your online business.  That doesn’t mean you should use it like a drive-by billboard to advertise your business.

Twitter is first and always a tool to build relationships.  It is not about selling.  That occurs, when appropriate, somewhere else at some other time.

Give your followers things they want to read.  Things that will help them.  Motivational quotes.  Quick tips. Valuable links.  Share a personal joy or picture.

2.  Consistency

Tweet consistently.  Which means every day, every 1-3 hours. 

This is especially important in the beginning, when you are working for every follower.

If you’ve been on Twitter for even a minute, you know things move very quickly.  You are lucky if your tweet stays in your follower’s stream for 60 seconds.

But, if your followers start to see you consistently giving quality content, they will seek out your tweets.  They will add you to their Twitter “lists.”  They will begin to engage with you.  This is the beginning of your opportunity to get to know each other.

3.  Communication

Communicate with your followers.  Ever heard that “communication is a two-way street?” 

Twitter is not your own personal TV station where you broadcast your online business to your followers.  It’s a phone line where a conversation occurs.

You pick up the phone when you tweet.  Your desired result is to have as many followers as possible pick up the other end of the line.

In Twitter language, someone picks up the line when they send you an @ reply, retweet your content, mention you in their stream, or send you a direct message.

So, how do you get them to do that?  If you follow the first two Cs and consistently create quality content, it will start to happen naturally.

But the quickest way to make it happen is to step out and do it first.  For every piece of content you post, either retweet or reply to 4 pieces of your followers’ content.

Another good way to start your Twitter phone conversation is to just reach out to one or two followers a day by tweeting:  “@JenniferHerndon Good morning!  How are you?”  You will be surprised how many people will respond.  And, will remember you.

Happy Tweeting!

Let me know how the 3 Cs work to help you grow your Twitter following and develop relationships with your followers.

If you want to jump start your growth, my number one recommendation is to use Twellow.  This is a free resource.  Just enter keywords that are relevant to your online business and it will recommend targeted followers for you.  Many will follow you back ~ especially if you use the 3 Cs!

JENNIFER HERNDON is a work at home mom with three fabulous kids, ages 3, 4 and 7. She has been enjoying the time freedom and financial benefits of working at home for over 13 years. Jennifer’s passion is empowering others to personal and business success through a positive mindset and consistent action.

Jennifer credits the turn-around in her online business to Jim Rohn’s One Year Success Plan, the perfect tool for planning a successful life. Here’s your chance to be inspired and guided daily by the world’s greatest business philosopher. Create your future with Jim Rohn’s One Year Success Plan and start improving your life and your business today!

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