Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition

Chapter 1: Using Twitter as a Marketing Tool

In This Chapter

• Understanding the benefits of Twitter for your brand
• Embracing brevity
• Avoiding a reputation as a spammer
• Checking out other brands using Twitter
• Making every word count

Twitter took the world by storm in 2007. At first, the social media and blogging communities mostly embraced Twitter, but soon brands began appreciating its value. Today, Twitter is mainstream.

At first glance, Twitter looks like a lot of people dropping links and talking about nothing important. But before you write this microblogging site off as a lot of noise, consider the benefits of Twitter and how you can use it as a valuable marketing tool — because, make no mistake, Twitter can totally make a brand.

In this chapter, we discuss the benefits of Twitter and how you can use it to raise brand awareness and drive traffic and sales.

For more information, check out Twitter For Dummies by Laura Fitton, Anum Hussain, and Brittany Leaning, or Twitter Marketing For Dummies by Kyle Lacy.

Deciding Whether Twitter Is Right for You

Even if you've never used Twitter (see Figure 1-1), you've probably heard about this online social networking service. The Twitter icon, with its famous blue bird, is everywhere, from cable news broadcasts to your local supermarket. Everyone wants you to follow them on Twitter.

Before you post the Twitter icon on your blog or website, ...