Why does my Small Business or Non-Profit NEED to be on Twitter?

1. Why Does Your Small Business
NEED to be on Twitter and
What Does it Involve?

2. Contact Information
Hania S. Whitfield
Owner / Principal
WHITFIELD CONSULTING - Social Business Marketing Media
hania.whitfield@gmail.com
Facebook.com/WhitfieldConsulting
@bizcommunicator
http://www.linkedin.com/in/haniawhitfield
Pinterest.com/haniasw
www.haniawhitfield.com
“A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is – it is
what consumers tell each other it is.”
- Scott Cook, Founder of Intuit

3. How many of you think Twitter is silly?

4. Perception
 “Cool - coffee w my #BFF
at #Starbucks and OMG,
I’m following
#JustinBieber !”

5. Reality

6. Really… What’s the point?
 Public, Real time
problem solving and
customer retention
 Opportunity to build
good will and personal
relationships
 Instant Advertising to
your interested
followers and target
audience

7. “But, We’re Already on Facebook…”
 Twitter connects you to more fans outside of your
Facebook sphere of influence
 Not all “Tweeps” are on Facebook
 Gender demographics are a more equal split than
Facebook if you need to target more men. Facebook is
predominantly used by women.

8. How do I approach Twitter?
Think of Twitter as a
neighborhood block
party!
 You don’t know most of
the people there.
 You gravitate toward
those with similar
interests
 You learn a little, share a
little
 You chat business on a
light level

9. How do I drive engagement?
 Post customer testimonials
 Post in-store pictures of activity
 Post new product pictures – preferably showing potential
usage
 Post how-tos and tips
 Spend “table-time” with followers.

10. Twitter is “Word of Mouth on Steroids”
 Word of mouth is the oldest and has
always been the most effective means
of advertising, but can take time…
 Twitter has taken the speed of word
of mouth to extreme levels!
 Twitter amplifies your other social
media platforms

11. Use the tools Constant Contact provides -
Social Share Links

12. AND…

13. Zzzooooooooommmm…
 Today people want speed in
their communications and
messaging.
 SmartPhone Technology (like a
mini-laptop) has provided that
speed and encourages even
faster means of receiving all
types of information.
 Consumers can post a request
for feedback on products or
services and answers come
flying in - not possible with
Traditional Marketing.

14. Your Handle, @________, is part of your
branding…
 Best: Name of your business (if
available)
 If not, the handle should
instantly say who you are or
what you do.
 8-10 characters average are
recommended (15 are
allowed)

15. Place Social Media links front & center!
 Website
 Email
signature
 Print media

17. Advanced Uses
 Hunt for prospects
 Expand your network
 Check on your
competition
 Jump in on trending
topics

18. Use Twitter Home Page Information to help
you…
Your 1st Step: “ABOUT!”
Download
Free:
“A Guide to
Get Started”

19. Make it easy to gain followers
 Don’t make people work
to share your content –
a Tweet button offers
convenience for on the
spot sharing
 Twitter provides
convenient user-friendly
widgets to increase your
exposure
 Twitter provides free
downloadable logos and
icons for a professional
look for all your online
presence.

20. “I just don’t have the time!”
 It’s not all about creating content
 Repurpose content from your other
online sources
 While planning basic content is
important for ongoing results,
spontaneity is contagious!
 If you’re not “in the mood,” that’s
the best time to respond to others’
posts and start a conversation.
Engagement increases your visibility,
too!
 Secret weapon! Attend a Tweetchat
regularly – great exposure for your
expertise and a great way to pick up
new followers!
www.Tweetchat.com
http://twebevent.com/

21. DOs on outsourcing
 Do hire people interested in or studying marketing. Social Media IS
a marketing program.
 Do learn which platforms are the most effective for YOUR business.
 Do consider hiring interns
 Do expect them to create what is sustainable - that you or a new
hire can continue to do.
 Do expect they keep up with best practices and case studies in
social media. And make sure you're learning, too!
 Do make guidelines on content. No bashing the competition, foul
language, political/religious opinions.
 Do change passwords when they leave!

22. DON’Ts on outsourcing
 Don't expect hires to work without guidance. Knowing more about
social media doesn’t translate to knowing your business. You still
have to provide supervision and training about your business.
 Don't limit imaginations. With social media, it's all about trying
something new. So let hires experiment; don't micromanage, but do
ask to see results.
 Don't think this is something any kid can do. Using social media to
build your business isn't the same as sharing pictures of a Saturday
night bash with your buddies.
 Don't hire without checking their spelling and grammar abilities.
Remember, they will represent YOU and your business.

23. Social Media Quickstarter
http://www.socialquickstarter.com/
Start Here
for some
quick help!

24. Why is Twitter Successful?
“People don’t buy what you do, they
buy why you do it.” Simon Sinek, author
Start with Why

25. Contact Information
Hania S. Whitfield
Owner / Principal
WHITFIELD CONSULTING - Social Business Marketing Media
hania.whitfield@gmail.com
Facebook.com/WhitfieldConsulting
@bizcommunicator
http://www.linkedin.com/in/haniawhitfield
Pinterest.com/haniasw
www.haniawhitfield.com
“A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is – it is
what consumers tell each other it is.”
- Scott Cook, Founder of Intuit