Social Media Marketing: Twitter Tips in 140 Characters or Less

When used effectively, Twitter is a great social media marketing tool that can help you connect with customers in a much more personal way than you can on an ecommerce website. On Twitter, your messages -- or tweets -- are limited in character space, so be creative with your words and tweet about things that your customers value to get the most out of social media marketing.

If you want to be successful, you can't make every tweet you send a marketing message.  The best social media marketing advice is to always offer a good mix of knowledge, fun and promotion to encourage your customers to interact with your business on Twitter.

Best Twitter Tips to Promote Your Ecommerce Business

The following ecommerce Twitter tips -- in 140 characters or less -- will help you build a presence that customers will want to connect with.

1. Learn Before You Tweet

There's a lot of information available for Twitter novices, so take the time to learn about the social platform before you start tweeting.

2. Personalize Your Profile

Customize your profile to reflect your unique personality. Display relevant and interesting information and always add your website address.

3. Draw Attention to Yourself

Use an eye-catching picture as your Twitter photo. A standard logo is good, but try customizing a snappy version for social media use.

4. Make it Personal

Lighten the heavy business tone to connect with customers in a more personal way. Ask for opinions and offer fun tips or witty advice.

5. Share a Good Story

People love a good story so share great Web content. A pet clothing retailer could tweet about amazing pet stories or cute photos.

6. Track It

Use Bit.ly to shorten Web content links and track which ones are retweeted or followed. This helps you figure out what followers like best.

7. Make a Follower Feel Special

Offer special links and Twitter deals just for fans. Link from your website to encourage customers to follow you and stay connected.

8. Refrain from Total Automation

Twitter is not a network of robots so don't rely on automation all the time. Limit your use of social sync tools and auto-follow programs.

9. Be Standard Across Social Platforms

Customers will seek you out on other social sites so use the same profile picture and present the same personality across social media. 

10. Use Tools to Track Reach and Exposure

Know you have good exposure, learn what tweets people like and know which tweets result in conversion to your website. Try these tools.

Social Media Marketing Made Easy

Are you looking to get a better handle on integrating social media marketing into your ecommerce marketing plan? Try these best tips and guides for small business ecommerce owners:

• Have Fun with Facebook Marketing Campaigns
• 7 Tips to Manage Customer Service on Facebook
• 5 Social Media Tools to Track Ecommerce Marketing Efforts

Based in Nova Scotia, Canada, Vangie Beal has spent the last decade contributing featured articles and reviews to more than 20 technology-focused publications, including Webopedia and Ecommerce-Guide. You can tweet with her online @AuroraGG.