New Web Site Tells How To Make Money With Twitter

Posted on August 1, 2009. Filed under: Social Media, Twitter | Tags: best practices Twitter, ecommerce, emarketing, make money with Twitter, Twitter, Twitter 101 |

Twitter may be a free service, but that doesn’t mean there’s no money to be had there. It’s fast becoming a favored channel of many marketers who are connecting with customers and ringing the register through tweets.

Now Twitter wants to spread the word on how you too can capitalize on the power of its platform, with the launch of a new mini-site specifically designed to answer the question, “So what does Twitter do for businesses?”

Titled Twitter 101, the new site is a useful how-to primer.

There are currently six sections, the first of which responds to the most basic query: “What is Twitter?” This is really a pitch to underscore that using the service can indeed add value to your business venture.

“Getting Started” helps you learn the secrets for making good posts—hint: don’t be dry or boring, a conversational tone is best—and suggests ways to reach out to customers. For example, a retailer can post exclusive Twitter-only coupons, announce specials at certain brick-and-mortar locations, or link to the company blog.

A “Learn the lingo” page demystifies special terms and syntax of the Twitosphere. If you are confused by what is meant by @username, DM, following, tweet, RT, trending topics, tweetup, shortened URL and hashtag(#), be sure to check this part out. And even if you are hip to Twitterese, give it a once over—there’s good ideas on how to use these different features.

“Best Practices,” tells how to best behave on the platform. There are pointers for building relationships and measuring the value of Twitter, which is admittedly tricky business. Suggested tactics include using unique codes to track the number of people responding to a special deal. Another recommendation wisely advises you to pay attention to how many tweeters have a bone to pick with your business, then monitor if you’re able to turn the negative chatter around.

The meatiest part of the matter is found in the “Case Studies” section, highlighting 10 companies that have harnessed the power of the platform. Examples range from large brands (Pepsi, Dell) to boutique enterprises (Teusner Wines). Read all 10 studies and you’ll surely have a good handle on ways to succeed with Twitter.

Finally, a resource section has links to books and articles for obtaining even more information.

All in all, the site is a handy guide for getting up to speed on the business proposition presented by Twitter.

– Deni Kasrel

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