by Anne Stone

Created on: June 15, 2010   Last Updated: June 16, 2010

Having already used Twitter for fun I found using it for business a different experience. I started up my own shop business with a website and accompanying blog. Then I decided to rejoin Twitter under my business name.

The first task is to find people to follow you who will be interested in what you have to say. There are many 'tools' that promise you followers which is OK if you want a huge following of all kinds, but if you want dedicated followers who are more likely to be interested in what you are doing, and will be more interesting to you to, then it's best to do the legwork yourself.

This is not such a daunting task as it first sounds. One good way is to find a company using Twitter that is related to what you are doing, i.e. if you are selling clothes then search for a clothing company. You will find big companies and brands tweeting so take your pick. Then you go through their followers list and see who is most likely to be interested in your business. Say your clothes are for children, it's easy to spot parents on Twitter. Just follow them and more often than not they will follow back. If they don't then they are not interested in you so no loss really. Those that do follow back are proving that they are already interested in what you have to offer.

Another way to find followers is search relevant hash-tags. People will put a hash-tag in front of relevant words. i.e if you sell green products then search #green living and see who is tweeting. You'll find hash-tags for loads of ideas. Then of course you follow and they will follow back if interested.

Once you have some followers it's time to start building relationships and letting them know what you have to offer. Keep your website or blog (or both) up to date with frequent posts and tweet your link every time you have something new to offer. Tweet frequently of your special offers or competitions. Tweet about articles you have written. Keep it all interesting to those following you.

Don't forget the personal touch. Twitter users don't like constant advertising so add a few personal tweets to your account, let people get to know you a little better.

Retweet. If someone you follow says something of interest, or has a special offer or new update, then retweet it to your followers. You'll find that they will probably return the favour and retweet you and this is a great way finding new interested followers.

Reply to your followers. If someone asks a question or wants some feedback, then answer them. Building relationships with like minded people is invaluable in business.

Within two days of starting to use Twitter for business I managed to get my website featured on two other tweeter's websites. Just by building up a rapport with them. Of course getting links on others websites is fantastic free advertising and also increases your search engine ranking.

As well as getting your business out there it's also possible to pick up an abundance of advice and tips from other tweeters. The Twitter community is great for business and something definitely worth trying.

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