The Twitter phenomenon has taken the world by storm and is now used by more than 500 million users worldwide.

Created in 2006, Twitter now generates more than 340 million ‘tweets’ per day! That’s a big audience!

So, what exactly is Twitter and how can it help my business?

Twitter is an online social networking site whereby one can message instantly, and essentially, a means of ‘micro-blogging’.

As a social network, Twitter revolves around the principle of followers.

When you choose to follow another Twitter user, their tweets appear in reverse chronological order on your main Twitter page.

Each ‘tweet’ consists of only 140 characters, so if you use Twitter to market your business, the message has to be short and powerful.

Here are our top 5 reasons why Twitter can benefit your business:

1. Firstly, it’s FREE! Free to join and free to use.

2. Twitter is a constant stream of communication and as such, a means of drip-feeding news and information to your customers.

3. Not only can you communicate with existing customers, it’s a great way to spread news about your products and services to new places and a brand new audience, worldwide.

4. It’s a great way to connect with your customers personally, even though you are using it in a professional capacity.

5. Twitter is consistent and you can be a part of your customer’s lives without being intrusive.

  • Jo Spencer heads up the Lake District branch of GAP PR and Marketing Ltd with colleague Polly Winder.  Together, they help local businesses decide on the right marketing strategy for them – www.gapgb.com