We’ve all heard about the many good things that social media sites like Twitter can do for business in promoting their products and/or services.
On the flip side, however, there are times when social media venues can actually be counter-productive to a company’s plans to market its wares.
It is important for businesses to remember that social media is not always a good idea in touting what they can offer to consumers. There are in fact some risks involved that can set a business back if it is not careful.
While the risks can be minimal, they can include things such as the loss of data and proprietary information, computer viruses, and continued negative dialogue with customers that could put the company in a bad light.
For companies that are using sites such as Twitter to promote their goods and services, it is important to determine from the get-go if this will be handled by one individual or department or if a number of employees will have access?
Oftentimes, a company will put things such as tweeting company information in the hands of the marketing or PR departments, but some will also allow others in the office to promote the company when deemed appropriate.
If the postings will involve a number of employees in the company, then be sure to educate them on what is and isn’t acceptable.
When it comes to actually tweeting information, it is important for the company to provide original content. In today’s day and age, much copy is unintentionally shared among companies, so be sure that your tweeted content is original.
Secondly, do you know which audience you’re targeting?
Too many companies make the mistake of just tweeting at random, not focusing in on a targeted audience. If you’re in the auto business, don’t waste your time tweeting to those in the restaurant business unless you’re looking to inform them about delivery vehicles for food services.
Finally, keep your ear to the ground and stay in tune with the public.
There is nothing more irritating to consumers than leaving you a message on a company blog, Twitter page or other site and not getting any feedback.
As noted earlier, while you do not want to engage in a long back-and-forth of negative comments with a customer, give them your ear and deal with any issues directly and quickly. Not doing so can be more damaging than confronting a problem head-on.
While there are many positives to using sites like Twitter in your daily business, know some of the negatives ahead of time so you’re not left tweeting in oblivion.
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Twitter: moneynipon
Twitter is a great site and companies need to use it wisely to get maximum profit from social media.I am using it to promote my site.
Twitter: hupseymedia
I think Facebook have more virus issues than Twitter. Responding to user questions is probably the most important for companies on Twitter in my opinion..
I used to think that Twitter was amazing and nothing bad would ever come of it but now? I don’t like it. I have to be so careful what I say on Twitter as I don’t want anyone important to see any of my controversial opinions!
Twitter: maddencorner
Twitter is a great resource, but your right a business does have to be careful and make sure that this is something they are just putting on auto pilot or just outsourcing. You have to keep complete control of your brand.
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Okay.. I have been over confident about these social site that I have never considered watching out for their potential negative effects also.. Entrepreneurs should moderate the risk when they decide to use social sites, and this requires wise usage of it..
jandelaria recently posted..Fact Sheet on Head Start & Georgia Pre-K
Twitter: money_whisper
Social sites are a powerful tool to promote your business if you know how to do it. There are some risks of course, but without risks you can’t become successful.
I think Twitter can be handled by just 1 or 2 persons from a company’s PR or marketing department. That would be enough manpower to send, track and reply to tweets. It will boil down to proper management of Twitter if we want to avoid problems.
Anne Reese recently posted..How to calculate your BMI
Twitter: bodynsoil
I do specific tweets that target a group of people that might be interested in my products and services, the majority of my tweets are to build relationships with my followers. There are times that I get lost and focus only on a core group of people, my twitter besties, but I know that isn’t conducive to using social media for business.
Great post, as always.
bodynsoil recently posted..Coming Soon: P90X MC2 (P90X2)
Twitter: data_nerd
I believe Social Media (Twitter) can be used effectively but you can’t get on Twitter and blast your message. You must engage, geo-target or product-target (customer segmentation) your audience, Don’t follow everyone and watch out for BOTS, they reduce your Klout. Avoid anyone that calls themselves a GURU or an EXPERT, I find that people who toot their own horns, do so alone….
Twitter: bodynsoil
Carla I totally agree on those that toot their own horns do so alone. Last year this young fellow got on Twitter and quickly started making outlandish statements. This poor fellow had an exceptional education and did make good points but his attitude was such a turn off that everyone unfollowed him.
bodynsoil recently posted..How To: Your Home Drip Water Irrigation System
The real danger in using twitter for business is the same feature that makes it so compelling – real time dissemination of information. Many corporates have been bitten by unintended info finding its way on to twitter.
Amanda Gordon recently posted..Automatic Vacuum Cleaners
Twitter: malikadeel44
HEELOW . I HAVE TO FACE ONE Problem in twitter, when i share some unlimited post in twitter . twitter band my account why this happen. what is the daily ranged of posting in twitter can some one explain me?