Video How to Use Twitter for Business

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Twitter is a perfect fit for consumers and businesses alike. With this powerful, easy-to-use communications platform, you can quickly share information, gather intelligence, and build real-time and long-term relationships with customers and partners. Follow these tips to start seeing real value.

Step 1: Create an account
Create a company profile. Go to twitter.com and click "Sign up now." Then, type your company name in the "Full name" and "Username" boxes, and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account.

Step 2: Personalize your profile
Personalize the profile to give your company a face. In Settings, upload a picture and add the names of people who will be tweeting on the account. Because space is limited to one line in the bio section, many companies put additional information in the background image under the Design tab.

Step 3: Build relationships
Start building relationships. Write Twitter updates, called "tweets," about breaking business news, post links to sites or articles your followers might be interested in, repost other tweets you like, and make followers feel like insiders with behind-the-scenes looks at your company.

Tip
Using a casual tone brings you closer to customers.

Step 4: Listen
Discover what people are saying about your product or service. In the search box, type the name of your company, brand, or products, and look for instances where it's mentioned. Leverage what you learn to enhance your strategy and improve your products and services. Remember that everyone's opinion is valid.

Tip
Monitor @messages, or public messages directed at you, on the right side of your Twitter home page.

Step 5: Respond
Connect with your customers. If someone sings your praises, jump in to say thanks, and offer helpful hints. If someone has an issue with your product or service, take time to address their concerns. Every interaction with a customer can become a positive experience.

Step 6: Tailor Twitter to your company
Give your customers real value, by posting exclusive coupons and information about sales and special events. Twitter helps you figure out what your customers want – and how to give it to them.

Step 7: Pay attention
Take note of what works for you, and what doesn't. Evaluate customer feedback, interaction with your followers, and engagement levels. As you come up with new ways to effectively use Twitter, you'll notice a bump in customer satisfaction – and the bottom line.

Did You Know?
Dell Outlet, a division of the computer manufacturing giant, has generated more than $3 million in revenue leads as a result of its Twitter posts.