INTRODUCTION
Twitter can be an important tool to connecting with the right people. According to Twitter, one-third of users who follow a business on the social media platform have retweeted a brand’s tweet, which can go far in spreading your messages.
Here are four specific tips to use Twitter for outreach.
USE RELEVANT HASHTAGS
Hashtags are used to indicate keywords or topics. When you click on a hashtag, Twitter automatically searches for other Tweets with the hashtag. This makes it easy for people to follow topics and events. Some examples include following a conference hashtag (#HIMSS20), industry trends (#sustainability) or raising awareness (#nationalbookmonth).
Using TweetDeck, a social media dashboard application for management of Twitter accounts, tracking hashtags are possible in separate columns. Be conscious of using only relevant hashtags. We recommend using no more than three in each tweet. The more you use, the less likely people are to interact with your brand because it looks spammy.
EXPERIENCE WITH TWEETCHATS
Tweetchat is a live Twitter event, usually moderated and focused around a general topic. The chat uses a specific hashtag that allows it to be followed on Twitter and happens at a specific time, often repeating weekly or bi-weekly. Participating in tweetchats can grow your social media following, increase your brand awareness and demonstrate subject matter expertise.
One way to find relevant tweetchats is to use the Twitter advance search feature. In the “words” section, insert various keywords or filter the content on the basis of different parameters that are available in the advanced search tool (e.g. “these hashtags”).
USE LISTS FOR ORGANIZATION
You can make public and private lists of other users you find interesting. Public lists mean other people can subscribe to your lists, while private lists are only viewable by yourself. They can help you organize the people you follow. For example, you could make lists of influencers, reporters and important customers.
To create a list in TweetDeck, click on the plus icon to select “Add Column” then click on “Lists.” Then click the “Create List” button and select the account you would like to create the list for. Name the list (e.g. competitors), add a description (e.g. These are our company’s biggest competitors) and choose privacy.
HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS ON TWITTER
Think of the reply feature not as a literal reply but as “talking” to someone else on Twitter. You can talk to anyone on Twitter using this feature, but remember that your message will be public for all to see.
On the other hand, direct messaging (DM) in Twitter means starting a non-public conversation or creating a group conversation with anyone who follows your account. DMs can be used to build bonds with your target audience and break down the traditional boundaries between business and customers (e.g. customer service). The catch is that the person with whom you’re communicating must be following you to receive your DMs.