I’m sure you’re no stranger to the old “your business should be on Twitter” lecture. Everyone has a Facebook or Twitter page now, and they expect companies to have one, too. In truth, to really see success as a business in this digital day and age, you need to connect with your customers on a personal level; Twitter helps you do that.

But how do you make it effective? What are customers looking for when they “follow” you? Let’s take a look at a few ways to effectively use Twitter as a marketing tool for your business:

Always Provide Value

Every Tweet you post should provide valuable information for your followers. Whether it’s important industry news, a new company product or service you’re launching, or a behind-the-scenes photo of your staff, your customers should get something out of it. It should be something they need to know or will enjoy as a fan of your company.

Also keep in mind that the content of your Tweets should be something shareable, something your users will want to pass on to their friends. In the Twitter world, the more re-Tweets you get, the more people who see your company name and logo. Who knows, maybe you’ll go viral?

Be Conversational and Welcoming

Though you’re using Twitter as a marketing tool, don’t be too pushy with your promotions and marketing messages on your account. You’re bound to turn off your followers. Instead, use a more conversational tone and approach your followers as equals when posting content. Ask them questions, start discussions and engage them. The great thing about Twitter is that it personalizes a company; no longer is it some big, cold corporation. It has a face, a voice and a personality. Twitter breaks down the typical wall between a company and its customers; embrace that.

Give It Love and Attention

Twitter takes time. You can’t just put up a page and it expect to take off; it takes work, effort and planning to truly make it a success. When starting off on Twitter, you should plan to spend at least an hour a day on it: post a few updates, respond to any @replies or messages you get, and maybe send out a few fun or interesting re-Tweets. Don’t let your account fall by the wayside!

Watch your Timing

While posting regularly is important, when you post is important, too. Believe it or not, there are certain times that are better than others for posting Twitter content. For example, studies show that Tweets sent out Monday through Thursday in between 1 and 3 p.m., just after lunch, see the most clicks and re-Tweets. On the other end, updates sent out after 8 p.m. any day, or after 3 p.m. on Fridays, see a steep drop in clicks and re-Tweets.

Offer Exclusive Content

The best way to gain new followers on your Twitter account is to offer exclusive deals or content. Start a weekly Twitter contest or begin posting monthly deals for your followers. This will encourage new fans to join and will ensure you keep the old ones happy.

About the Author

Eric Stauffer is an online marketing expert and small business advocate, his firm helps small businesses by reviewing companies like PayPal Here and Square Up. For more information please visit http://www.cardpaymentoptions.com.