I'm sure you have created a Twitter page for your business, and you may be using an auto-tweet solution for social media management so you don't have to manually update your Twitter feed all the time. Some businesses use automatic tweets so they don't have to think about their free Twitter marketing, but that strategy kind of defeats the purpose.
Free Twitter marketing is only effective when you post quality content that your followers can interact with, share and retweet. An automated tweet solution is a tool, but you still need to create a comprehensive Twitter marketing strategy. We're going to review the basics of how to create automatic tweets that will engage your Twitter followers and make your free Twitter marketing efforts more effective.
You can still use your automated tweet solution, you just need to put a bit more energy into each one of the tweets that you schedule. Each tweet should engage, educate or entertain.
Use Hashtags in Your Twitter Feed
Using hashtags is a great way to show that you are engaged in conversations on Twitter, and not just promoting your business all the time. Including a hashtag in a tweet makes that tweet searchable, so Twitter users can find your tweet if they are searching for that specific topic. For example, if you are a retail store promoting a new line of locally made products, try including the hashtag #BuyLocal so users who are searching for local goods can find your business when they search.
Tweet Useful Free Inbound Marketing Content
Inbound marketing content is basically resources that you create that are meant to educate your audience, rather than directly sell or advertise to them. Providing free inbound marketing content shows your followers that you are an authority in your industry and creates a sense of trust. If this company teaches me all this useful information, they must know what they're doing and they must be putting out quality products and services. So tweet links to your inbound marketing resources. You can tweet links to blog posts, whitepapers, webinars, videos, FAQs, infographics or any other educational content that you have created.
Throw in a Real Tweet Every Now and Then
In order to appear up to date and truly engaged with your followers, you need to listen to what they are discussing on Twitter. Set aside the time to do some reading. What are the topics that are currently trending on Twitter? Join the conversation and create a few manual tweets that show that you're actually reading things on Twitter, not just auto-tweeting everything from a robot. Also, retweet relevant tweets from other businesses or people in your industry.
Tweet Contests and Coupons
Contests, coupons, and other special promotions are very popular on Twitter and they get retweeted more often than other tweets. Retweet for a chance to win! It's a simple and effective way to get your tweet shared with a much wider audience, and it is a free way to get more people to interact with your business on Twitter.
Schedule Frequent Tweets in Your Free Twitter Marketing Strategy
If you only take the time to schedule one tweet a day, your feed is going to look like it's not active. At the beginning of the week (or month), set aside a chunk of time and create a bunch of tweets that will go out over time. A minimum of ten tweets per day is good for a business Twitter account. You can repeat certain tweets as well if it will benefit your Twitter marketing strategy.
