2 Maximize, Inc.

10 essential tips for companies new to Twitter, or those that are already tweeting:

1. Even if you’re not interested in Twitter and you think you’ll never participate, claim your Twitter name now before somebody else does, like your competitor.
2. If you’re actively tweeting, let your customers know where they can follow you. Post your Twitter name everywhere – at your website, on your invoices and receipts, on product packages, and in paid advertising.
3. Don’t worry about amassing thousands of followers. Attracting fewer quality followers, like people in your target market, is more important than attracting many followers who don’t care about what you have to say.
4. Avoid the “what I had for lunch today” tweets which only add to the noise. Concentrate on sharing helpful tips and advice. Link to quality blog posts and news articles.
5. Follow the “12 to 1 rule”. For every tweet that talks about you or your company, write 12 more that refer your followers to someone else. If you pass along helpful resources, it makes YOU more valuable to your followers.
6. View Twitter like a giant cocktail party. You’d never start promoting your products or services the minute you meet someone at these events. You can promote, but no more than 5 percent of the time.
7. Spend more time listening than you do talking. Ask people how you can help them.
8. Use keywords in your tweets, so people who are searching for the kind of information you’re providing can find it.
9. If you’re using Twitter primarily for business, steer clear of topics like politics and religion, which can be divisive.
10. If you’re confused about how to use Twitter, ask people who are following you. They’ll be happy to help.