Twitter is a communication platform that allows users to write and read short messages called tweets. It helps businesses connect with customers by allowing them to quickly share information, gather feedback, and build relationships. To build a following, businesses should tweet valuable content several times a day, engage with other users, and provide a description in their profile. Some businesses have seen increased sales from their presence on Twitter.

1. One “Tweet” can reach millions of people!

2. What is Twitter? Twitter lets you write and read messages of up to 140 characters , or the very length of this sentence, including all punctuation and spaces.The messages (also known as tweets) are public, and you decide which accounts you want to receive messages from.When you combine messages that are quick to write, easy to read, public, controlled by the recipient and exchangeable anywhere, you’ve got a powerful, real-time way to communicate. And real-time communication is turning out to be ground-breaking for users and businesses alike. A few Twitter facts (updated September 14, 2010):175 million registered users.

3. 95M tweets are written per day.

4. 300 employeesEveryday, millions of people use Twitter to create, discover and share ideas with others. Now, people are turning to Twitter as an effective way to reach out to businesses, too. From local stores to big brands, people are finding great value in the connections they make with businesses on Twitter. BusinessIndividual User Twitter is a communication platform that helps businesses stay connected to their customers. As a business, you can use it to: Quickly share information with people interested in your company,

5. Gather real-time market intelligence and feedback

6. Build relationships with customers, partners and other people who care about your company. As an individual user, you can use twitter to:Share your experiences, both good and not so good

7. Provide feedback on recent events or launches

8. Discuss product ideas

9. Learn about exclusive deals or offers

10. Get customer serviceWhy use Twitter? Twitter connects you to your customers right now, in a way that was never before possible. One of Twitter’s key benefit is that it gives you the chance to communicate casually with customers on their terms, creating friendly relationships along the way. Twitter lets you build relationships with customers, partners and other people important to your business. Twitter shrinks the emotional distance between your company and your customers. Businesses of all kinds, including small businesses, increasingly find that listening and engaging on Twitter leads to happier customers, passionate advocates, key product improvements and more sales. Would you like a way to connect and network with others in your industry or others who share your views?Would you like a way to get instant access to what’s being said, this minute, about your organization, people, products, or brand?Would you like a steady stream of ideas, content, links, resources, and tips focused on your area of expertise or interest?Would you like to promote your products and services directly to a target audience?

11. Follow industry leaders who post links to important resources and influence conversations

12. Post questions for quick answers, Twitter is GREAT for getting opinions, and answer questions to establish your credibility