Twitter Internet Marketing in 7 Easy Steps

Although many internet users use Twitter as a social networking tool, it can also be used as an internet marketing tool. Regardless of what you want

Image by Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten via Flickr

to market, whether it be a website, a blog, a product, or a service, you can do so with Twitter and in 7 easy steps.

1 – Create a Free Twitter Account

To create your account, visit Twitter.com. Click on the link to join and fill out the requested information. This information will include your email address, a username, and a password. This process is very simple.

At this point in time, you can also customize your profile. Although optional, there are benefits to doing so. In your bio section, state your profession, such as freelance writer, web designer, or online retailer. Include a professional picture of yourself, as pictures always help to generate interest.

2 – Search for Friends on Twitter

After registering for a free account, you can find friends on the website. To do so, you have three main options. These options include importing your contacts from your email account, searching for members based on their email address, or by performing a search with name or location.

When you add friends, you will become followers of their messages and updates. Many times, they will return the favor to you. If a user has a private account, a friend request will be sent.

3 – Use Online Message Boards for More Contacts

To use Twitter to market a website, blog, product or service, target more than just friends and family. In fact, strangers will be your best option. Do you belong to any online message boards or other communities? If so, mention that you joined Twitter and ask to exchange information. This is an easy way to not only get people to follow your messages and updates, but individuals who share similar interests.

4 – Perform a Twitter Search to Find More Contacts

As previously stated, the best way to market a blog, website, service, or product is to extend your reach. You can target those who you do not personally know with a Twitter search. You can do so at Search.Twitter.com. Look for those talking about or asking questions on the subjects that interest you.

5 – Send Updates

Once you have developed a following on Twitter, you can start to send updates. Most users will highlight what they are doing or are about to do. For example, a Tweet may say “heading to the airport.” When marketing a website or a blog, send a quick message about a recent post or update. Offer a quick summary and provide a link.

6 – Respond to Updates You Receive

As stated above, many will send out updates on their daily activities. Others will ask questions. You may be provided with a few good opportunities. Is someone asking for tips on how to market a website or a blog? If you have a post on your website or blog about this very subject, send a @reply to your friend and link them to your blog. Not only do you give them an answer to their question, but you also gain website traffic.

7 – Answer Questions Through Twitter Search

The more contacts you have on your Twitter account, the more applicable questions you will come across; however, you can also perform a Twitter search. Your search phrase should be something that is line with your website or blog topic or a product or service you are selling. For example, is someone looking to buy a computer? Do you sell computers on your website, either directly or through an affiliate program? If so, send an @reply and direct them to your website.

As you can see, it is very easy to turn Twitter into an internet marketing tool. Once you register for a free account and start making contacts, you will find multiple opportunities to promote a service, product, website, or blog.