Before your next "tweet" Twitter users!!! Beware: this first post is very long...

[Braggin' Rights]

These are all simply suggestions/opinions expressed in this post! Ok? :)I believe, & have read articles (numerous) about networking/promoting on Twitter. I do so myself. But I think alot of artisans are in jeopardy of establishing a bad name for their shop(s), & selves. I'd hate to see that happen!

Twitter is a wonderful tool for marketing your website, sales, etc.- don't get me wrong! But Twitter is about networking. Networking means connecting with people, getting to know them, sharing things of interest, and subtly dropping in your advertising- not 50 or so times/day, I'm thinking about 2-4.

Followers do not like to be shouted at: "Hey I got this for sale", and, "who wants to buy my...", "Visit my shop now!", or any other suggestion of : me,me,me.
People like when you share things that interest you. Did someone that you follow send you a link that was really interesting? Retweet it! Comment! This makes you, the person that posted it, & perhaps those who enjoy the article also; just a touch more connected.
I am only posting this because I do care about the success of others, & I hate to see a store with a good name go downhill fast needlessly, just because they unknowingly used a "new to them" media source incorrectly.

I used to pop in, broadcast what I had to offer, pop out, come back in awhile- do it again, and so on... I did that. However, after doing research, through links sent to me by those whom I follow, I learned (& put myself in other's shoes- which is really easy if you are following someone who is "broadcasting"), that what I was doing was ineffective, annoying, & nobody wants to follow someone w/strictly their agendas to talk about.

I changed the way that I interact with people on Twitter, gained some new followers, have received a tremendous amount of useful information, & (although I realize that Google Analytics is not up and running on our site here at MIM yet), checked my analytics o my site- & found that my change of tone, my simply "checking in" randomly throughout the day, & lack of “broadcasting“ & selfish behavior- had created in 23.8% of the "click-throughs" to my site were directly from Twitter! That's alot of people coming through, consdering I only mention my site link, or a “direct” to a particular item via link; only 2, at the most 4 times per/day. The rest is just letting them get to feel comfortable about you as a person- which allows them to know if you are the type of person in which they would like to do business with. Most people do not like the "direct salesman" approach- they find it "spammy".

I really recommend downloading Tweet Deck, it’ll save you time! You can minimize it & keep on going about your biz. It updates you on the top right of your monitor, and fades out as things are happening while you're busy. It also separates your direct messages, replies, and timeline- & you can "favorite" posts to read later. It's helped me w/time management immensely! To download: http://tweetdeck.com

A few links of interest regarding this matter:
http://livefromnj.com/2009/03/02/twitter-etiquette-five-dos-and-donts/
http://natewhitehill.com/top-5-ways-not-to-use-twitter/
http://blog.homegain.com/blogging-and-social-networking/how-not-to-...
http://www.meryl.net/2009/01/7-traits-of-bad-twitter-follows/

Here is a thought:
Which do you think would be more effective: standing outside your door yelling out, "come look at this, I have this, it's all about me...", or simply connecting with people in the community- True Networking! It's about the connection.I'm sorry this post is so long. I truly also hope that nobody takes offense- that it not my intentions. I just want us all to keep the good name that we’ve worked so hard for!
~Tracy

[Made for Me by Oaklie]

A "Teaser" is something to catch a potential buyers eye to make them WANT to visit your shop! :D

PassionForBeads said:

May I ask what is "Teaser"?

[Made for Me by Oaklie]

Time management truly is key in networking and creating Roxy.... some days I feel like there just isn't enough time in the day... but most go ok.. I try to reserve at least 1 hour for networking, etc. and then divide the rest of my time between creating, cleaning and all that other "Happy Wife Stuff".... I also concentrate on just a few pages to network on a regular basis and then 1x per week on the others!

Roxy said:

Great advice!! Thank you for taking the time to write it. I have had to take a step back for a little while and chill. Too much on my plate right now. I am still "out there", just not quite as much, trying to get more organized and do some more time management. Sorry to go on about this.
Thank you bunches!

[Valerie]

Wow. I am so glad I read this! I think I have been abusing my Twitter broadcasts, too. I am going to start being a little more social and a little less pushy! I am going to watch my followers and see what pops up! I will let you know if your tips increase my followers! Thanks for fantastic advice.

A great resource some may not know about is twitter mom's. It is a branch of twitter, but for busy women, mom's , professional women, crafter's, etc. Lots of great tips and a fantastic place to market and share. That should be added to your bookmarks if you don't have it. They also give you a tool bar that lets you add information as you come across it. So, easily post links that you find interesting and can share...

Thanks again

[Valerie]

Hi. Can you give an example of a teaser? Do you just pop in a key phrase, picture? topic? I need all the marketing help I can get. I am starting to go under, and I have taken a huge gamble in my home business. Thanks



Made for Me by Oaklie said:

A "Teaser" is something to catch a potential buyers eye to make them WANT to visit your shop! :D

PassionForBeads said:

May I ask what is "Teaser"?

[Marilyn Davenport]

This is great! Braggin Rights. I've been guilty of this before.

[kizzdesigns]

This is a great post Tracy and some very useful comments and discussion. Takin it all in and learning!
Crystal

[JewelJunkiez]

This is really good info. I was once a screamer for twitter advertising but now I comment on others and have found myself with more followers! Everyone should take this advice

[Desla's Creation]

this is such a great blog...I must admit I was one of the people broadcast blasting away and then no one will hear from me for awhile and then Im back blasting away.. but i learned thats not cool cause i lost a few followers... thank u for the reminder.. peace