Twitter can be an incredible communication and marketing tool, but it can also be very overwhelming. Many brokers sheepishly admit that they are awful at Twitter and confused about how to use the site.
Katie Lance, CEO and owner of Katie Lance Consulting, says that with more than 218 million users, Twitter is one of the best ways to grow your business and client base. She recently discussed the ways to maximize Twitter to build your business, referrals and network in Homes.com’s Secrets of Top Selling Agents webinar, “#Awful @Twitter, Please Help!”
When first starting on Twitter, it’s important to have a great photo and Lance recommends using the same photo across all social media platforms to add a recognizable factor. You’ll also need a Twitter handle, and it’s best if you can get your name or at least something close to it.
Next, you’ll want to fill out your bio, putting in the specific area you work, your specialty and personal information that lists some of your interests.
Those new to Twitter may get confused by the lingo, as words like “DM” “Re-tweet” and “Hashtag” will pop up daily, but these aren’t too difficult to understand or master.
A “DM” is a direct message, and lets one communicate with another in private, just like on any social media site.
According to Lance, the hashtag is the most misunderstood part of Twitter. In it’s simplest meaning, it’s a search term. When you are searching content, anyone talking about the subject will pop up if you have the proper hashtag. For example, if you want to find all Twitter conversations revolving around the term “moving,” simply apply a number sign in front of the word (#moving) and you will get a complete list of “tweeps” (slang for Twitter users) that are moving. But keep in mind it may also pull up content related to moving used in another context. For example, to view conversations relating to this webinar, type in #secretswebinars to soak up all the Twitter tips from Katie.
The re-tweet is when you see a tweet you like and simply repeat (or re-tweet) it out yourself.