Twitter+ The Local Business

Why Should A Local Business Use Twitter?

Your Customers Are On TwitterTwitter is the second most popular social network in the US.

Your Competitors Are On Twitter78% of small business owners report using Twitter, and 67% of Twitter users report following a business or brand.

Twitter Users Are MobileHalf of all Twitter users access the network through a mobile device.

And Twitter is Growing Rapidly Active users in the USA increased by 94% in 2012, faster than any other social network.

How Can You Keep A Great Twitter Account

For Your Local Business?

Create Messages Meant To Be SharedContent on Twitter can spread rapidly. The best tweets are short, but interesting enough to pass on to others.

Tweets can contain up to 140 characters, but staying around 120 allows room for links and user mentions.

Users who RT (retweet) your message in full will help your content spread.

Reward Your FollowersAccess to specials or discounts gives your customers a reason to stay connected with you online.

Treat your followers on Twitter to specials and inside info just for them.

Tweet a “secret password” or ask customers to mention Twitter when they come in for a special offer.

Tweet Frequently

Keeping your updates fresh gives people a reason to follow and stay connected.

Users tune in Twitter at different times during the day, so you can share updates several times each day without overdoing it.

If your account goes too long without updates, it may appear inactive and users may unfollow you.

Share A Look Behind The ScenesKeep things interesting by posting photos of daily happenings around your business.

Images are an effective way to increase visibility in your customers’ Twitter feed and connect your online presence back to your real-world business.

Candid shots often make the best impression, snapshots from your phone’s camera work great.

Connect With Your CommunityFollow the Twitter accounts of other businesses in your neighborhood or local community organizations.

Use RTs ("retweet" sharing) to cross-promote with your Twitter business neighbors and tap in to each other’s social networks.

Show Some Love For Your CityTwitter users seeking local happenings are searching for their city name.

Including names of local places in your tweets helps your content reach potential local customers who are looking for businesses like yours.

Think In Real TimeTwitter is a social network that’s all about what’s happening right now.

Mention weather, holidays, local events (conventions, in-store, sporting, etc.) and of course, your daily customer specials.

Timely calls to action can move customers offline and into your business.

Engage The Press

Most local news outlets and 84% journalists have their own accounts on Twitter. Following news accounts in your area or industry keeps you better informed and provides new content to share.

Following and interacting with these accounts also allows you let them know what’s newsworthy about your business and help you tap into their audience.

Respond To MentionsSet alerts or watch for mentions of your Twitter account to know when your business is being talked to… or about.

Let your customers know you are paying attention by answering their questions, responding to their concerns, and thanking them for praise.

Ask Questions And ListenFind out more about your Twitter followers and potential customers in your local community.

Inviting feedback gives your fans a sense of ownership and inspires conversation about your business on Twitter.

You can also find local users to engage or follow by searching nearby for relevant terms to your business.

Find InspirationFind out how businesses like yours and businesses near yours are reaching customers on Twitter.

Perch is a free mobile app designed for small business owners.

Use it to find, view and create a Watchlist of other business social media in your area.

Get Perch NowVisit perchapp.com.