Here’s a recap of our fave tweets from this week’s informative and insightful chat. We’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to comment below and share your two cents on these questions.
Please welcome our guest @alphabetsuccess. Topic: How to Leverage Your Audience on Twitter. #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/jNV1VaRJaQ
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
We invited our friends from Hootsuite to come on the chat and kick it off by answering one pressing question about Twitter marketing.
Ask @hootsuite: What Twitter Statistics Do We Need to Know to Help Us Market Better? #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/px8qQzwks9
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
1|5 First off, Twitter has 317 MILLION monthly active users. 67 million of them are American. @MadalynSklar #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/i3knBNJ3YG
— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) December 8, 2016
2|5 Outside of the US, the top 3 countries for Twitter users are: Brazil, Japan, and Mexico @madalynsklar #TwitterSmarter
— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) December 8, 2016
3|5 With 317 million active users, your brand has an opportunity to connect with a LARGE community. @madalynsklar #TwitterSmarter
— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) December 8, 2016
4|5 We’ve also found that 84% of Twitter users search for deals, reviews, and gift ideas on the site. @madalynsklar #TwitterSmarter
— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) December 8, 2016
5|5 What we’re saying is… Use Twitter and promote your brand because there is an audience looking for you! @madalynsklar #TwitterSmarter
— Hootsuite (@hootsuite) December 8, 2016
Q1: What is the best way to brand my business in 140 character spurts? #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/MNvrl1RQG0
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A1. Everything you put onto Twitter is part of your brand. It collectively defines your brand. #TwitterSmarter
— Tim Fargo (@alphabetsuccess) December 8, 2016
A1: Offer value and maintain brand promise in every tweet #twittersmarter
— Kathryn Gorges (@kagorges) December 8, 2016
A1 use Twitter to listen and learn their interests / needs, then tweet out content they value #twittersmarter
— Toby Metcalf (@Toby_Metcalf) December 8, 2016
A1. Best way to #brand your biz in 140 char's: build messaging off of a brand, and #personalbrand framework & be consistent. #TwitterSmarter
— Steve Morozumi (@SFenthusiast) December 8, 2016
A1 – Listen, Engage, Help, Broadcast/Promote. In this order. For #TwitterSuccess. #twittersmarter
— Sue Duris (@SueDuris) December 8, 2016
A1 Your biz = your story. Divide your message into many 140 ch(s) + visuals & design that consistently tell ur story #twittersmarter
— Zala Bricelj (@ZalkaB) December 8, 2016
A1. You can put a specific message that solves problems in 140 characters #TwitterSmarter
— Cheval John (@chevd80) December 8, 2016
A1: Brand your business in your own way. Stand out. Engage with others. RT, like and reply. Rinse and repeat! #twittersmarter
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A1: Know the vibe of your tribe & inspire a movement around shared values, engage, be human. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/IsuGvD3TKO
— Stacey DePolo (@sdepolo) December 8, 2016
Q2: Should I be selective as to who I follow on Twitter? #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/ZKUZpw0s24
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A2. Selectively following is a high effort, low return activity. Under time constraints there are better places to focus. #TwitterSmarter
— Tim Fargo (@alphabetsuccess) December 8, 2016
A2 Who can you learn from? Who can help you? Who is a Thought Leader in your industry? Follow them #twittersmarter
— Toby Metcalf (@Toby_Metcalf) December 8, 2016
A2: You should follow accounts that provide value and share content you're genuinely interested in. #TwitterSmarter
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) December 8, 2016
A2: Yes, the QUALITY of who you follow on twitter is much more important than the quantity. Seek positivists. #TwitterSmarter
— Jeremy Murphy (@jeremypmurphy) December 8, 2016
A2 Are they relevant? Could I ever gain value from them? Do I have something of value to them? Only follow if "yes" on all 3 #twittersmarter
— Michael McDonough (@MMcDonough56) December 8, 2016
A2: I follow people who I feel provide value to me. Be sure to have a great bio that compels others to follow you. #twittersmarter
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A2 Right followers can help #brand. However part of my brand is to encourage peeps 2 be on @twitter I follow more generously #TwitterSmarter
— Steve Morozumi (@SFenthusiast) December 8, 2016
A2: I use Twitter as a resource, so I want to chk in quickly and see info that's of interest to me, so yes, be selective. #TwitterSmarter
— Kim Fox (@KimFoxWOSU) December 8, 2016
Q3: What is the best way to get your audience to comment, like and retweet your tweets? #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/EbISTHWMsa
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A3. Give your audience content worthy of sharing, and selectively consider asking them to comment or RT it. #TwitterSmarter
— Tim Fargo (@alphabetsuccess) December 8, 2016
@MadalynSklar A3: Say something worth responding to. #twittersmarter
— Tim @ Stoneham Press (@StonehamPress) December 8, 2016
@MadalynSklar A3: For retweets, provide content that makes them look smart when retweeting. Everyone wants to look smart! #twittersmarter
— Richard Hostler (@CNXN_Hostler) December 8, 2016
A3 Discuss Current Events. Nearly 80% of retweeted content is about news (Re: Hubspot) #twittersmarter
— Kathy Kopacz MS (@kkopacz1) December 8, 2016
A3: Give more than you take to the community you tweet about #twittersmarter
— Isaac Irvine (@theisaac) December 8, 2016
A3 Tweet the information that your audience craves and the problems they need to solve. #twittersmarter
— Kathy Kopacz MS (@kkopacz1) December 8, 2016
A3: Be engaging with your audience. Ask a question. Post a poll. Get creative. Experiment. Find what works. Rinse & repeat. #twittersmarter
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A3. Best way to get audience to comment like & retweet: Build a relationship w/ them via #content they like & conversation. #TwitterSmarter
— Steve Morozumi (@SFenthusiast) December 8, 2016
A3: Be relevant & keep it tight. Makes retweeting easier. Also, be sure to like/retweet others' content. Walk the walk. #twittersmarter
— Angela M Barcelona (@AngelaMaBa) December 8, 2016
A3 Ask them their honest opinion – let them know that their input is valuable to your product, service, organization, etc #twittersmarter
— Jeff Dagley (@jdags) December 8, 2016
Q4: What types of content should I share to my Twitter community? #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/94A5wXeD0t
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A4. A mix of useful and entertaining is generally good, but you if you listen, your audience will tell you what they want. #TwitterSmarter
— Tim Fargo (@alphabetsuccess) December 8, 2016
A4 I like to do 85% professional content and 15% personal content. Personal shows people you're still human and real. #twittersmarter
— Lotus Yon ??? (@lotus_yon) December 8, 2016
A4 It starts with "listening." See what they are tweeting about and what they are engaging with. That will help guide you #twittersmarter
— PolePositionMkg (@PolePositionMkg) December 8, 2016
A4: People know me as a resource for social media and especially Twitter information. I share this every day. Be valuable. #twittersmarter
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A4 Try creating content that showcases your services rather than a hard sell – it's a creative way to show your knowledge #twittersmarter
— IDG Advertising (@idgadvertising) December 8, 2016
A4: Creative, inspirational, positive: fun, funny, and fruitful. Share stories based on experience. #TwitterSmarter @MadalynSklar
— Jeremy Murphy (@jeremypmurphy) December 8, 2016
A4 Be valuable. Position yourself/company as a resource to aid your audience. #twittersmarter
— Kathy Kopacz MS (@kkopacz1) December 8, 2016
A4: Get to know your audience and share the content that resonates with them. What would help them or interest them? #TwitterSmarter
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) December 8, 2016
A4 Provide relevant content related to shared topic area, but that also has different perspectives, don't just copy #twittersmarter
— Jeff Dagley (@jdags) December 8, 2016
A4: Leverage your influence organically by making it easy for your followers to insert themselves into your brand story. #twittersmarter
— Randy Thio (@ideabloke) December 8, 2016
Q5: How often should I promote my business on Twitter? 20%, 30%, 50%? #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/tbcc53qq3t
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A5. Anything above 20% promotion is problematic, unless it’s packaged as truly helpful content. Give to get. Always. #TwitterSmarter
— Tim Fargo (@alphabetsuccess) December 8, 2016
A5: Direct promotion 20%; but every tweet should be reinforcement of value you bring & difference you can make #twittersmarter
— Kathryn Gorges (@kagorges) December 8, 2016
A5: I try to do a 60/40 split where I share other people's content 60% of time and mine 40%. Find what works for you. #twittersmarter
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A5. I say 30% promotion, 70% personal engagement.. Build relationships first, Sell second.. #twittersmarter
— Markus (@Madavis1210) December 8, 2016
A5: As @garyvee said: jab, jab, jab, right hook. You need to give value before you come in with the pitch. #TwitterSmarter
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) December 8, 2016
A5 If you're new 2 promoting on @twitter try 20% promotional content 80% shared, then tweak it 'til you find your sweet spot #TwitterSmarter
— Steve Morozumi (@SFenthusiast) December 8, 2016
A5: I don't promote my business at all online. I prefer the non-intrusive method using strength of content (conversation). #twittersmarter
— Randy Thio (@ideabloke) December 8, 2016
A5 The more you talk about yourself, the less followers and engagement you'll get #twittersmarter
— Michael Altiero (@MichaelAltiero) December 8, 2016
Q6: Is it smart to brand my own hashtag and use it regularly in my community? #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/oryGunySQ5
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A6. A hashtag is a cross reference tool. If you want new people to find you, it's faster to surf an existing hashtag. #TwitterSmarter
— Tim Fargo (@alphabetsuccess) December 8, 2016
A6: Having your own hashtag is a great way to link your content + foster community when you invite your audience to use it. #TwitterSmarter
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) December 8, 2016
A6: Branding a hashtag is a great way for your followers to be able to easily 'earmark' your content. #twittersmarter
— Randy Thio (@ideabloke) December 8, 2016
A6 Great idea to brand your own # – it is equally smart to use industry-specific hashtags #twittersmarter
— Toby Metcalf (@Toby_Metcalf) December 8, 2016
A6: Certainly a consistent hashtag if you're doing chats is critical to being found and creating community #twittersmarter
— Kathryn Gorges (@kagorges) December 8, 2016
A6: I have successfully branded #TwitterSmarter for past 3 years. It was first used for my online courses then a podcast and this chat.
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A6 Yes it is smart to #brand your own hashtag. If you provide product/service attached to hash tag: trademark it as well! #TwitterSmarter
— Steve Morozumi (@SFenthusiast) December 8, 2016
A6 – Yes. We do it for a nonprofit that runs a Twitter Chat. It has worked wonders to increase audience to brand AND chat. #twittersmarter
— Sue Duris (@SueDuris) December 8, 2016
Q7: Should I run a business and a personal Twitter account or focus on one? #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/V4Wr96soET
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A7 It depends on how much you want to intertwine personal & business. But past a point it may create communication issues. #TwitterSmarter
— Tim Fargo (@alphabetsuccess) December 8, 2016
A7: If you're the face of your brand, you can use one account. Just keep the content mostly related to your brand. #TwitterSmarter
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) December 8, 2016
A7: I used to run 4 Twitter accounts then slowly brought it down to two. Today I run my one @MadalynSklar account. #twittersmarter
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A7 That depends on your goals. I have my own and @M4_Comm for our company. #twittersmarter
— Sue Duris (@SueDuris) December 8, 2016
A7: Stick with one. After all, your personal side should be part of your professional brand. Why have 2 different personas? #twittersmarter
— Randy Thio (@ideabloke) December 8, 2016
A7 I like having a personal account as well – that way I have more freedom and don't just have to be on brand message #twittersmarter
— Martina (@tiniscapin) December 8, 2016
A7. Audiences prefer a person over a #brand to communicate with: Have 1 #personalbrand on @twitter if you're a 1 person biz. #TwitterSmarter
— Steve Morozumi (@SFenthusiast) December 8, 2016
A7 I run 1 for both, personal & biz. I = my biz. My values, story, voice and what makes my brand, my brand is the same #twittersmarter
— Zala Bricelj (@ZalkaB) December 8, 2016
A7 Small businesses (esp solopreneurs) don't need 2 accts – YOU are your brand, and YOU are your company! 🙂 #twittersmarter
— ?Natalie Palombi ? (@NataliePalombi) December 8, 2016
A7: I went from 4 down to 1, built on #brandAdvocacy, #tribes & voting with our ? for a better world #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/kEZ87Xye9w
— Stacey DePolo (@sdepolo) December 8, 2016
Q8: What is your best piece of advice to leverage your audience on Twitter? #TwitterSmarter pic.twitter.com/zR6GoMqPct
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A8. If your audience finds you helpful, it will be profitable. In that order. Always. #TwitterSmarter
— Tim Fargo (@alphabetsuccess) December 8, 2016
A8: Engage with your audience regularly and provide value with the posts you share. #TwitterSmarter
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) December 8, 2016
@MadalynSklar A8: With the best will in the world, reach isn't 100%, Don't be afraid to repeat yourself or advertise. #twittersmarter
— Tim @ Stoneham Press (@StonehamPress) December 8, 2016
A8 Eventually, need to get them to take some action. Provide valuable content they will want to subscribe to #twittersmarter
— PolePositionMkg (@PolePositionMkg) December 8, 2016
A8: Keep engaging in real time – don't schedule everything – have real conversations with real people #twittersmarter
— Kathryn Gorges (@kagorges) December 8, 2016
A8: Stay active on Twitter; nothing worse than seeing someone that seldom tweets, what kind of influence are they building?! #TwitterSmarter
— ?JMatt (@JMattMke) December 8, 2016
A8 – Be authentic (your true self), consistent and audience-obsessed!! #twittersmarter
— Sue Duris (@SueDuris) December 8, 2016
A8: Be a source of education, relevance and trust. Strive to have them check your #Twitter feed at least 1x/day #twittersmarter
— Michael McDonough (@MMcDonough56) December 8, 2016
A8 Be like a "mother & a friend" in one – be fun, educational, motivational. Someone who also looks after their audience. #TwitterSmarter
— HeySuccess (@HeySuccess) December 8, 2016
A8: Best advice: Be of service to your community. It's all about them. Be real. Be transparent. Engage every day. #twittersmarter
— Madalyn Sklar ? (@MadalynSklar) December 8, 2016
A8. Be real
– Create relationships
– Add value
#twittersmarter— Amalia Gómez (@amalein) December 8, 2016
For more tips, advice and resources to help you master Twitter and grow your business be sure to follow me at @MadalynSklar. I’m also available for one-on-one and group coaching and consulting. Get details here.
Be sure to join us every Thursday on Twitter at 1pm ET at hashtag #TwitterSmarter.