So, how are things for you on Twitter?
No, I don’t mean how many followers you have or if you’re having a lot of fun sharing your latest vacation photos.
I mean, is your Twitter account bringing you business? Is it giving you sales, leads or new customers?
If not, chances are you’re doing one of the following things:
Using an Un-Optimized Profile First, take a look at your profile. Have you optimized it enough with the right keywords and an engaging but brief bio that gives new followers reasons to follow you and check out your website?
Do you update your profile regularly to reflect new launches or ventures?Does your profile have links to your opt-in form so that you can capture leads? Did you know you can have TWO links in your bio? Are you using them wisely?
Does your Twitter background reflect your brand’s offerings?
These are simple but effective ways to generate leads and interest as well as reach a target audience on Twitter.
Using an Ambiguous Photo I don’t know about you, but I sure like to ‘see’ who I’m tweeting with. A blurry, out-of-focus photo or worse, no photo at all is a surefire way of losing out on followers.
People like to know the person behind the Twitter account. So, make sure you have a clear logo or photo that helps new followers to relate with you instantly.
Tweeting Out Inconsistently or Randomly When was the last time you tweeted? Does your Twitter account show a flurry of activity before a launch and then, go quiet for months at a stretch?
As a business owner wanting to boost sales and business, you need a strong social media strategy in place. And that means tweeting on a regular and consistent basis with a focus on your online marketing goals.
You don’t have to tweet about business everyday, but you need to be out there talking to people, sharing your expertise, participating in discussions and creating the visibility your brand needs.
Your followers need to see you in their feeds and have you in mind when they’re looking for the product or service you offer.
Not Engaging with Followers Do you acknowledge tweets and mentions? Do you thank people for retweeting you? Do you answer customer questions promptly? What about feedback and unhappy customers? Do you address their concerns immediately?
Simple courtesies like these go a long way in boosting your overall business presence. Customers like a responsive, engaged business and not one who just wants a social media presence for the sake of it.
Not Using the Twitter Search Function The Twitter search function is actually quite a cool tool to use to find people talking about your business or looking for a product like yours.
Let’s say, you have a freelance writing business. Access the Twitter search box in the top right hand corner and type in “writers needed”, “blogger needed”, “looking for contributors” or similar terms and you’ll have a slew of tweets that could lead to job opportunities.
So, now that you know why your Twitter account is not bringing you business, what are you going to do about it?
About the Author: Owner of Social Media Direct, Prerna Malik helps businesses leverage social media into sales. Grab her FREE Social Media Starter Toolkit to kickstart your smallbiz social media presence today!
Don’t forget to Pre-order my new ebook How to Become a Social Media Ninja which will be released Oct. 15th. I’m providing 101 Tips to dominate your competition online. Go to 
I love the post! I’m a young African American woman and for the past 2 years I have fully committed myself to becoming financially free. I’ve given myself a 6 year goal to be able to grow a stable business and resign from my 9-5 with the county!
I’m a domestic violence survivor and I’m now happily married with two beautiful children.
I look forward to more great small biz advice posts in the future!
Thanks Melinda and Prerna!
Be blessed!
Hello Prerna,
I always enjoy reading your advice. I learn something new from you every single time. It is so important to use Twitter to the fullest and do so effectively.
Thanks for your expertise.
To Your Success,
Stacie Walker
Great post, Prerna! Twitter is one of the most useful social media nowadays, it’s very easy to use and very helpful so it’s just important to know how to use it properly and effectively for every business’ success.
Thanks for sharing this info. Cheers!
I now realize that I wasn’t using twitter in its fullest capacity. I will definitely follow the advice above.
Thank you for all the great information that you make available! It is very inspiring to people like myself. I am determined to be an entrepreneur and write my own checks and own a business that gives back to communities. I am working on branding myself now and my business! I have plans of opening my own spa and starting a nail polish line.
I will deff keep up with your blogs and will be purchasing your book!
Thank you!!!!