If you’re watching all of the hype surrounding Twitter with more than a little skepticism, dismissing it as another time-wasting, teenage hangout to be avoided in the name of finally gaining greater focus in your life and business – then you are likely in the majority.Â
If you are someone who is experimenting with Twitter and don’t yet get a sense for how this might be useful in your life, then there are many of you as well.
Then there are those of us who have become addicted to our daily fix of tweets, RT’s (that’s right, Twitter has its own language developing – RT stands for Re-Tweet and is put in front of someone else’s post to share that with your followers – something that is often reciprocated and can bring in a truckload of new followers for you when that happens).Â
But even those who become TwitterEgulars (sorry couldn’t resist – I meant Twitter Regulars) soon begin to wonder how they can use this short texting phenomenon to their advantage.Â
CAN TWITTER REALLY PAYOFF?
I’ve been on Twitter for a few months now, but only recently became a regular contributor and participant (which goes a long way to getting others to follow you – almost “list building” for those of you versed in Internet Marketing techniques).
If you’r on Twitter, or head over to signup (it’s free) then follow us at our Twitter address here.
We operate several online niche businesses and market them all using a variety of internet marketing techniques and so wondering how Twitter can help with our online business is an ongoing question.Â
So far, with just 550 followers (last time I checked), I’ve already found…
1. Twitter had led directly to sales – not exactly how many, but certainly some of my customers have reported they found me on Twitter (a field that gets filled out in my shoppingcart when they order).
2. My subsriber rate has gone up by approx 20% since being active on Twitter and sharing many of my free resources
3. I have formed 4 new JV’s that will lead to large improvements in sales – and I operate in 3 different niche markets. Right now I am operating with one Twitter identity – probably a case for using 3 different ones for each niche (people have told me I have a split personality anyway!)
4. I’ve found some really cool tips and tools that I had not known about — right now people tend to give away more info on Twitter than forums because they are trying so hard to build loyalty
5. Reach high authority, big names in different industries – not likely this would have worked via email – little change it would have ever made it to them, but on Twitter, good success making contact. This has been great to form joint ventures, secure interviews, get their opinion or tips on aspects of my business and just to use as an “ice breaker” opening up the channel to further communication.
So yes, in our experience, Twitter can really payoff. Now, do we know if it will still be around 1-year from now, no? But for now, the potential looks great and you may even come across more ways to benefit than I have – so get Twittering.
Jeff
