The Following is a Guest Post from Gerald Weber:
It seems like a day doesn’t go by without another blog being published about reasons to use Twitter to promote your business, how to use Twitter, and mistakes to avoid when using Twitter. But with so much talk about Twitter, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around about this social networking tool.
Today, I want to clear up some of the most common Twitter myths. I hope that doing this will help you better understand Twitter and how it can benefit your business.
Myth #1: There’s a right way to use Twitter
Everybody is always telling you how to use Twitter. Heck, I admit it; I’ve even written some blog posts offering tips for using Twitter correctly. But the truth is there’s no one right way to use Twitter. What works for one person may not work for someone else. Some audiences may prefer a certain Tweeting style, while others interact on Twitter in a different way.
You’ll see some people who say that Twitter shouldn’t be used for updates…that no one cares about what you’re doing or what you’re thinking right now. But the truth is there are plenty of people who use Twitter like this, and there are plenty of people who would be interested in knowing what you’re doing or thinking. In these cases, this could add a personality to your company.
By all means, follow some common sense when using Twitter, and incorporate some of the best tips you come across. But at the same time, find your own way on Twitter. Figure out what works for you and your target audience.
Myth #2: Followers=Influence
Too many Twitter users are obsessed with how many followers they have. They’re constantly looking for ways to get more followers, because they think that with more followers comes more power.
The truth is having a lot of followers doesn’t mean you’re influential. If your followers aren’t interacting with you, ReTweeting your content, or paying attention to what you say, what’s the point? It’s better to focus on building a list of targeted, engaged followers than just trying to get a lot of people to follow you back.
Myth #3: Twitter is a waste of time
Over the past couple of years, I’ve encountered dozens of people who think Twitter is a total waste of time. They say social media marketing doesn’t work and can’t be measured. Usually, these are people who sign up for Twitter, Tweet for a week, don’t see any results, and give up on it, writing Twitter off as a passing fad.
The truth is Twitter isn’t a waste of time…at least not for everyone. Twitter isn’t about getting some magical results overnight. It’s about building a relationship with your audience over time. To be successful, you need to be committed to Twitter for the long term.
Myth #4: Twitter is for everyone
Not every company needs to focus their marketing efforts on Twitter. Why? Their customers might not be on Twitter. The average Twitter user is in his or her early 30s, so if your target audience is significantly older or younger, it might be pointless to try to build a Twitter presence.
Before you spend time signing up on Twitter and growing your presence, figure out if it actually serves a purpose for your business. Ask your target audience if they’re on Twitter, and if they aren’t, don’t waste your time using it.
What do you think about these myths? Do you agree or disagree? What are some other Twitter myths you’ve heard?
Gerald Weber is a blogger, social media enthusiast and founder of a Houston SEO firm.
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I totally see a lot of people having myths 2,3 and 4 . They are not aware of the facts and lose patience easily.
Influence not equal to followers. Never!
Great post Gerald
When we think about millions of people who are using Twitter, we are talking about millions of minds .. means… millions of personal ways of use!
They say… Dress what people like, and Tweet about what you like
I would agree with all of it, except I think Twitter, like Facebook & Youtube is too big to ignore even if you don’t think your customers are on it. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to keep your brand in front of people via Twitter. And if your customers aren’t there, maybe some of their influencers are.
Hey, this is great info! I tweeted it! Twitter has helped me tremendously as a blogger, and I do spend inordinate amounts of time there. Your comments about craving followers are especially good: some of my best followers are tweeps with few followers themselves. Thanks for the great words.
One of the myths highlighted above that I very much agree with is “There is a right way to use Twitter.” Most people tend to tell others how to use it, how to retweet and what not. Just remember, no matter what platform you are using, what works for someone else may not work for you. Depending on your niche, your goal, etc. your strategy might have to complete differ from how someone else is using it. My 2 cents.
@Guatam,
I think this is especially true when people talk about using Twitter for selling and or they talk about Twitter and conversions. If people go into it thinking about conversions then they are very likely to be disappointed.
@Hesham,
Exactly. Like I mentioned I’ve admittedly written suggestions about some Twitter “best practices” in the past but the main point of #1 is that different people may have their own unique style or approach that works best for them in the Twittersphere.
@Brad,
Of course I’m a very HUGE proponent of using Twitter. I have run into a few cases occasionally where Twitter isn’t the best fit for a persons business goals, but this is only occasionally the case. It definitely depends on the type of business, their goals, as well as the amount of available resources they have to devote to social media.
@mollyc,
I also spend a significant amount of time on Twitter. I used to believe that followers equal influence, but I am much wiser now
I really think it boils down to you get out of it, what you put into it. (just like anything really) Being genuine and adding value to the community trumps follower count any day.
@Ritu,
And there are enough posts floating around about the “correct way” to use Twitter.
Ger – I think these are great points, succinct, and well written. Though I personally think everyone can find some reason to be on Twitter, even if it is to get the most current information, I agree it may not be the best way to promote everyone’s business. The point that I most agree with is that there is no one way to use Twitter, and I think that is the beauty of it. I like that different people have different Twitter “personalities” and am always curious to see the different ways in which people use it. The point about numbers = influence is true too. I know a number of cases of people that game spam bots to pump up their numbers. You never can be sure, but I don’t think spam bots are very interested in contest! LOL.
Keep up the good work!
xx
Per
Twitter is not for everyone. So very true.
For people in any sort of tech industry I think that Twitter is amazing – if you have the time to use it properly. 100% of my business is through referrals made through Twitter friends. On top of that, I have won 3 things including an iPod and an iPad. Not too shabby for a waste of time.
Perri,
I agree with you that even if Twitter doesn’t apply to everyone’s business most people should still be able to find some enjoyment in Twitter, but then again I’m a Twitter fanatic so my opinion is obviously biased.
Thanks for commenting on the post. Very nice to see you again.
I ise Twitter and it os one of my top sources for traffic. I don’t have much followers and I am comfortable with that, I don’t wanna force people to follow me, let them follow freely
I’m just responding to comments, it’s just my opinion without neccessarily an agenda. Who cares? Somebody cares? Some comments are provocative, and so you want to type in two cents. It’s an interesting interactive distraction. Better than TV or video games. Like one big giant brain and all the little neuro synapsis firing off? Anyway it’s realitively harmless and kinda interesting. Made interesting by the human factor. Folks connecting with Folks.
I have a number of Twitter accounts, each with a different goal.
My personal Twitter account is for my professional development. I follow 15 people that I consider to be leaders in my industry – I really don’t care who follows me. I believe this approach to be valuable in almost any industry so in this sense I’m not sure I agree with point 4.
I have also used Twitter as a promotional tool and find it useful for promoting blog posts, engaging in communities, etc. Now this does depend on your customers and number of followers can be seen by management / clients as an indication of success. As online marketeers, we feel level of engagement is the most important but it’s not tangible to many managers /clients who are attracted by the accountable nature of online and fail to see returns for the man hours social media can take.
This brings me back to my first point – if Twitter is used in genuine discussion; you will captivate your audience, create a loyal following and be able to justify the man hours you invest in it.
Twitter is definitely not for everyone, but most should be able to find a good way to utilize it. Some people may think it’s not for them simply because they are following the wrong people or just using it the wrong way (ie. too much self promotion, not enough interaction). It helps to find others who have similar goals and see how they successfully use Twitter. And it’s definitely not a waste of time if you find the best way to use it for yourself, even if it less for talking and more for listening! It’s amazing the things you can learn about in real time simply by following the right people!
I think the second one is the biggest myth some people still believe. A large number of followers means absolutely nothing if you’re not interacting with them.
Love #4 – It’s so true, Twitter is NOT for everyone. There are some businesses that it just does not make sense for them to use.
This is one of the best posts ever read about the functionality of Twitter and how it can be utilized. But I totally agree, to each his own. I literally was just having a conversation w/ a friend over the wknd, who is not on Twitter and trying to explain to her what Twitter is was soooo difficult. I even told her I can’t explain, can’t describe. And I think the reason is b/c everyone utilizes it differently. It depends on what your networking or social marketing needs are.
Very nice post! Now, here for my opinion. Right way to use twitter? Use it the way you want to. I use it to promote myself, share my interests, and talk to people who are interested in talking. My goal is not to just get followers. Quality is better than quantity. Yes, followers are good but I want people who want to communicate with me. There will always be people who say twitter, facebook, stumbleupon and etc are a waste of time but they are all useful. Promoting yourself and your interests. Twitter can be for everyone but try to figure out the purpose of your twitter account before hand. I love twitter. Always have. Just simple and clean.
Followers does not mean influence. I have had many long conversations at conferences where I actually get into crazy arguments about this. Many seem to believe its the numbers game, but it really isn’t.
Wow, this is, by far, the best Twitter article I’ve Read (and actuall READ from beginning to end…if you know what I mean..).
You are so dead on.
I know why too. Because the things you say about Twitter are not something you learned in a book or seminar. You learned by being in the trenches of Twitter. I know you’ve taught me a lot about Twitter
“Twitter isn’t for everyone” – never a truer word spoken. The amount of people I’ve spoken to who don’t sell outside their own street, can’t work an iPhone and think that 1999 is the future who call me up and say “I want to be on Twitter!” amazes me.
I agree that having lots of followers doesn’t translate into influence, but you have to start somewhere. If you don’t have followers, there is no chance you will be heard. If you have many, you have a decent chance as long as you provide interesting content. Influence is about staying the course and consistently providing content that’s perceived as valuable. It’s not as easy in Twitter to limit your audience to your target market as it might be in other social networks, but you can help that along by searching for people with common interests and following them.
Thanks Gerald for your nice information about the myth of twitter.
I have been using the Twitter from last six months. As one of the your myths saying like “Figure out what works for you and your target audience”, it was okay.. but I couldn’t target it when I started my twits. So I changed my user names, my twit types again and again, built different Ids. After one/two months I had found some great tips as yours. Then I am twitting in a good way now(its my thought).
But as I had know till today that follower are very effective for my profile.. but here you said some others!! I am little confused!
Can I have source on “The average Twitter user is in his or her early 30s”?
I`d be interested on the average twitter user stats as well. Based on trending topics Justin Biebler an lots of the other #whatihate etc… I’d assume it was taken over by teens? Perhaps I am incorrect but that was always m y assumption.