Whitfield consulting twitter presentation for ctct event 7.19.2012
1. Why Does Your Small Business
NEED to be on Twitter and
What Does it Involve?
2. Contact Information
Hania S. Whitfield
Owner / Principal
WHITFIELD CONSULTING - Social Business Marketing Media
hania.whitfield@gmail.com
Facebook.com/WhitfieldConsulting
@bizcommunicator
http://www.linkedin.com/in/haniawhitfield
Pinterest.com/haniasw
www.haniawhitfield.com
“A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is – it is
what consumers tell each other it is.”
- Scott Cook, Founder of Intuit
6. Really… What’s the point?
Public, Real time
problem solving and
customer retention
Opportunity to build
good will and personal
relationships
Instant Advertising to
your interested
followers and target
audience
7. “But, We’re Already on Facebook…”
Twitter connects you to more fans outside of your
Facebook sphere of influence
Not all “Tweeps” are on Facebook
Gender demographics are a more equal split than
Facebook if you need to target more men. Facebook is
predominantly used by women.
8. How do I approach Twitter?
Think of Twitter as a
neighborhood block
party!
You don’t know most of
the people there.
You gravitate toward
those with similar
interests
You learn a little, share a
little
You chat business on a
light level
9. How do I drive engagement?
Post customer testimonials
Post in-store pictures of activity
Post new product pictures – preferably showing potential
usage
Post how-tos and tips
Spend “table-time” with followers.
10. Twitter is “Word of Mouth on Steroids”
Word of mouth is the oldest and has
always been the most effective means
of advertising, but can take time…
Twitter has taken the speed of word
of mouth to extreme levels!
Twitter amplifies your other social
media platforms
11. Use the tools Constant Contact provides -
Social Share Links
13. Zzzooooooooommmm…
Today people want speed in
their communications and
messaging.
SmartPhone Technology (like a
mini-laptop) has provided that
speed and encourages even
faster means of receiving all
types of information.
Consumers can post a request
for feedback on products or
services and answers come
flying in - not possible with
Traditional Marketing.
14. Your Handle, @________, is part of your
branding…
Best: Name of your business (if
available)
If not, the handle should
instantly say who you are or
what you do.
8-10 characters average are
recommended (15 are
allowed)
15. Place Social Media links front & center!
Website
Email
signature
Print media
16.
17. Advanced Uses
Hunt for prospects
Expand your network
Check on your
competition
Jump in on trending
topics
18. Use Twitter Home Page Information to help
you…
Your 1st Step: “ABOUT!”
Download
Free:
“A Guide to
Get Started”
19. Make it easy to gain followers
Don’t make people work
to share your content –
a Tweet button offers
convenience for on the
spot sharing
Twitter provides
convenient user-friendly
widgets to increase your
exposure
Twitter provides free
downloadable logos and
icons for a professional
look for all your online
presence.
20. “I just don’t have the time!”
It’s not all about creating content
Repurpose content from your other
online sources
While planning basic content is
important for ongoing results,
spontaneity is contagious!
If you’re not “in the mood,” that’s
the best time to respond to others’
posts and start a conversation.
Engagement increases your visibility,
too!
Secret weapon! Attend a Tweetchat
regularly – great exposure for your
expertise and a great way to pick up
new followers!
www.Tweetchat.com
http://twebevent.com/
21. DOs on outsourcing
Do hire people interested in or studying marketing. Social Media IS
a marketing program.
Do learn which platforms are the most effective for YOUR business.
Do consider hiring interns
Do expect them to create what is sustainable - that you or a new
hire can continue to do.
Do expect they keep up with best practices and case studies in
social media. And make sure you're learning, too!
Do make guidelines on content. No bashing the competition, foul
language, political/religious opinions.
Do change passwords when they leave!
22. DON’Ts on outsourcing
Don't expect hires to work without guidance. Knowing more about
social media doesn’t translate to knowing your business. You still
have to provide supervision and training about your business.
Don't limit imaginations. With social media, it's all about trying
something new. So let hires experiment; don't micromanage, but do
ask to see results.
Don't think this is something any kid can do. Using social media to
build your business isn't the same as sharing pictures of a Saturday
night bash with your buddies.
Don't hire without checking their spelling and grammar abilities.
Remember, they will represent YOU and your business.
24. Why is Twitter Successful?
“People don’t buy what you do, they
buy why you do it.” Simon Sinek, author
Start with Why
25. Contact Information
Hania S. Whitfield
Owner / Principal
WHITFIELD CONSULTING - Social Business Marketing Media
hania.whitfield@gmail.com
Facebook.com/WhitfieldConsulting
@bizcommunicator
http://www.linkedin.com/in/haniawhitfield
Pinterest.com/haniasw
www.haniawhitfield.com
“A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is – it is
what consumers tell each other it is.”
- Scott Cook, Founder of Intuit