Even though there are countless ways that you can use Twitter to build your small business, there are also some obvious activities that you want to avoid at all costs.
Not only will engaging in these activities hurt your business, they can even cause Twitter to suspend your account.
So, avoid these 3 Twitter No-No’s:
1) No spamming. Spamming consists of sending out the same message over and over again (especially if you are sending out your message to the same people over and over again.)
One common practice in Twitter is to send out an automatic Direct Message (DM) to all of your new followers.
I strongly suggest that you avoid this practice. The reason is fairly simple. Many of your followers consider the use of automated DM’s “spam.” Furthermore, people in the Twitter community are allowed to report you for spamming. If enough do, then Twitter can suspend your account instantly. And, once you’re suspended, it’s virtually impossible to get reinstated.
If you do want to welcome new followers, then welcome them personally in a tweet post.
2) No hard-selling. It won’t take long before you notice how many people use a “hard-sell” approach on Twitter. Instead of interacting with their followers and adding value, they blatantly sell themselves and their businesses. Obviously, this approach will only backfire. Your followers will quickly unfollow you, and you’ll build negative buzz about your business. Remember, it’s always about relationships first, sales second. So, leave the hard-selling approach to the used-car salespeople.
3) No “hands-off” approach. Twitter is a social community and if you want to succeed through this tool, you need to be – social. You won’t do well if you automate all your posts and refuse to interact with your followers. If one of your followers asks you a question, answer them. If you notice that someone is facing a problem that you can solve, offer the solution. I suggest that at least three times each day you make a real effort to get social with your Twitter followers. Mingle with your followers and help them realize that there is a real person behind your business.
If you refuse to spam or sell yourself and instead make an effort to relate and interact with your followers, you’ll soon find Twitter a powerful tool that can move your small business forward.
About Jessica Swanson
