@TheReader: In less than 140 characters you could change your business into a dynamic, client-oriented enterprise. Want to know how?
The Twitterverse is always expanding. And, just like the real universe, it too will one day begin rapidly contracting until it collapses into itself. But until then, you’ve got to jump on the Twandwagon and get your business ahead.
Why, you may ask? The experts have the answer: “Twitter is a marketing and communication tool that allows businesses to get closer to their customers and other stakeholders,” says Flow’s resident Twexpert, Zintle Mtyeku. “But the main emphasis is on the clients.”
It seems that Twitter has given companies a direct line to their customers, resulting in comprehensive communication. “It’s very quick,” Zintle explains. “It gives people the information they want, with a more immediate response compared with other forms of communication.”
Zintle – who is involved with Flow School, teaching Flow’s clients to tweet with maximum efficiency – says you won’t have to wait for market research to fill you in because your customers are always in touch. “It helps plenty with customer retention and satisfaction. People voice their issues and their delights – and you know about them quicker.”
Ingrid Sinclair tweets on behalf of some of Cape Town’s biggest tourist attractions. This Flowstar agrees that achieving excellent customer relations is what motivates companies to use Twitter. “Twitter is the new, all-important go-to platform for customer relations,” she says.
But how do you go about using Twitter for your business, or as it is called, “Twiznissing”?
Ingrid has some useful advice: “On a primary level, your business should make its presence known, and then follow through by responding to all questions in good time, if not immediately. Users simply expect this these days, and they will make a big fuss if you are either unresponsive or absent from this platform.
“Secondly, this is a great space for engaging with fans and making new ones: share anecdotes and pictures, ask questions of those who talk about you, and build the brand personality with short messages.
“Lastly, this is where you break your news, whether it’s new prices or amazing discounts. And watch the word spread!”
It seems that using Twitter is not only useful – it’s practically mandatory for your business. Zintle echoes these sentiments exactly: “If you’re not on Twitter, you’re missing the opportunity to speak to the people who matter most and affect/influence your business,” she says.
Some of Flow’s numerous clients on Twitter include:
- The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory (@NelsonMandela)
- Etana Insurance (@EtanaInsurance)
- The Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium)
- Maropeng (@harrythehominid)
- SAB World of Beer (@SABWoB)
- South African Tourism (@GoToSouthAfrica)
- Cape Town Tourism (@CapeTownTourism)
- The Gauteng Tourism Authority (@visitgauteng)
- And don’t forget Flow Communications! (@FlowComms)