Twitter handles and avatars help identify users, so choose a clear handle like @TheSAMLabs. To engage followers, tweet content they will find interesting or want to share, ask questions to start conversations, and retweet others to build relationships. Maintain a variety in your tweets, including questions, links, images and videos. Initially follow others in your industry and be patient as you build your follower base. Direct messages allow private conversations while public @mentions include others in discussions. Hashtags help others find tweets on similar topics.

1. Twitter for your Business

2. What are Twitter handles and avatars? A Twitter handle is basically your username. It’s how your Twitter community will encounter you, so make sure it’s clear and easily remembered (@TheSAMLabs rather than @SAMktngLabs) Your avatar is the photograph that goes along with your handle. Brand? (You or Your Business?)

3. What should I tweet?Know what your followers want There is no one-size-fits-all tactic to support these strategies, but here’s how I answer the question “what do I tweet about?” Get something worth replying to and having a conversation over. Get something worth retweeting to their own followers. People like to have a good time and be part of a group. If your tweets meet these “Twitter needs” your followers will grow.

4. What should I tweet? Give your followers what they want Share links to cool stuff your followers will like. You’ll know if you’re on the mark because you’ll get positive feedback in the form of replies, retweets, and direct messages. Engage your followers directly: ask questions, make a statement - do something to start a conversation. Send direct messages just to say hello or to thank someone who retweeted a tweet of yours.

5. What should I tweet? Give your followers what they want Retweet others when they post tweets you like and want to share. The more you help others, the more they help you, so retweet liberally (but not exclusively). Use multimedia tools, such as Utterli, or TwitPic to bring some variety to your tweets. People love to look at pictures, and short audio clips and videos are not a prohibitive time investment.

6. What should I tweet? Variety is the key Aim for a good mix of stand-alone tweets, replies, and direct messages. Link to a variety of things (including your own) both on-topic (if you have one) and off-topic. Twitter is a great place where you don’t have to be “on message”. You can relax and be a bit more personable. Too much of any one thing will drive people away, so keep a balance to your mix of tweets.

7. Who do I follow? How do I get Followers? Initially follow a few people who seem invested in your same area of expertise In terms of who follows you, you don’t have much control over that aspect of Twitter. The most you can do is make sure you’re sharing content that is relevant, while also reaching out to people you’d like in your community. Be patient.

8. What Are @Mentions? @Mentions are when another tweeter mentions you in a tweet, or you mention another tweeter in your tweet. You do this by including someone’s handle in your tweet think of this as a kind of “cc” or shout-out When you mention someone—you’re specifically including him or her in the conversation

9. What is a direct message? A direct message is basically Twitter-format e-mail (or instant messaging, if you’re quick!). It is a completely private message between you and the other person. You send a DM by writing “D” (NOT “DM”) before the handle (without the @), like this: “D TheSAMLabs One DM rule to live by: double-check that you’re actually DMing before you send your response! Important note: You may only DM people who are following you.

10. Should I @ or DM? It all boils down to privacy. If what you’re saying is appropriate for the public sphere and can benefit (or amuse) other people, feel free to use a mention. However, if the conversation is extensive or should be private, use a DM. DMs are often avenues for requesting further information in order to continue interactions via traditional e-mail or phone

13. Number sign or Hashtag? The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. People use the hashtag symbol # before relevant keywords Clicking on a hashtagged word in any message shows you all other Tweets in that category. Clicking on a hashtagged word in any message shows you all other Tweets in that category.

14. Best Practices Share - Share photos and behind the scenes info about your business. Listen -Regularly monitor the comments about your company, brand, and products. Ask - Ask questions of your followers. Respond - Respond to compliments and feedback in real time Reward - Tweet updates about special offers, discounts and time-sensitive deals.