Twitter is a social media platform that allows users to post short messages called tweets. Key aspects of Twitter include: - Tweets are limited to 140 characters - Users can follow other accounts to see their tweets - Mentions using @username allow public replies and conversations - Hashtags like #fireworks allow users to find tweets on specific topics - Direct messages allow private conversations between followers - Strategic use of tweets can help promote businesses and drive traffic to websites - Engaging with other users through sharing, retweeting, and starting discussions helps build connections and communities on Twitter.

1. Twitter! What it is and how to use it Sandy Ketcham The Word Pro www.thewordpro.com Twitter.com/thewordpro

4. Glossary Tweet - “What are you doing” in 140 characters or less. Follow – See what another person is “tweeting.” Unfollow – Stop seeing another’s tweets Twittosphere – Everyone on Twitter Link – Add a URL to your tweet Bit.ly – a way to shorten a URL for Twitter

5. @TheWordPro @username – a way to send a Public Message to individual user. Everyone will see it A way to respond openly or mention someone. Your followers will see it; @username’s followers will also see it.

7. DM – Direct Message One-on-one message to someone who is following you Not Public Like email – only shorter You can have direct messages go to your email. There is a DM Link on your Twitter Home Page.

9. #Hashtag A way for people to follow a certain topic E.g. #fireworks People add # (hashtags) to tweets to alert others interested in that subject Use www.search.twitter.com to find subjects, including hashtagsubjects

11. Applications There are hundreds. Here are a few…

24. Twitter Strategy Pique interest Direct people to your Website Link to your blog entries Link to Articles that show why folks need you. NOT a place to sell. …but you can post “specials” or coupons

25. Strategy: Get their attention!

27. Things to do on Twitter… Share what is going on in your community. (e.g. A parade, an expo, a Chamber Event.) Be helpful. Offer tips to help customers (e.g. Insurance agent: Car care tips.) Talk about non-business things Ask questions Conduct an opinion poll Comment on other’s tweets to build a community Retweet interesting things

28. More things… Monitor your name/brand/industry Monitor your competition Keep current on breaking news Learn from the “experts” in your field Become an “expert” in your field Direct attention to good things Show you are human (personal, but not too personal) Start a conversation…

29. Follow… Follow people and subjects that interest you Follow leaders in your field Follow your competitors Follow your customers Follow your Suppliers Follow influential people in your town/state/country Follow your mentors Follow interesting people. Follow people who make you laugh 

30. Be followed Unless your Ashton Kutcher or Oprah, people are not going to flock to your Twitter page. Say interesting/useful things Use good keywords and #hashtags Retweet things from high profile people Add links to your Twitter Account on your website, email, business card, marketing pieces – everywhere you can! Evangelize! Tell people about Twitter!

31. Follow me on Twitter… Twitter.com/thewordpro Read my blog: www.sandyketcham.blogspot.com Check out my website: www.thewordpro.com Link with me on LinkedIN: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyketcham

32. Thank you. Sandy Ketcham The Word Pro www.thewordpro.com (815) 556-8505 “Innovative Marketing for Small Business”