Do you want to use Twitter as an internet marketing tool?  If so, congratulations.  You are taking a step in the right direction.  Once people realize that Twitter is more than just a way to stay in contact with friends and family, they start to see success.  Depending on how you earn income, that success could include website or blog traffic and increased sales for products or services.

Twitter is a great way to market yourself and your business online.  With that said, many new members make costly mistakes.  These mistakes, five of which are outlined below, are ones you want to avoid making.

1 – Spam

Spam is defined as unsolicited bulk advertisements.  To prevent your Twitter messages from sounding spammy, limit the number you send.  For example, five Tweets a week that direct readers to your blog is not considered spam, but five hundred messages are.

As previously stated, spam is defined as unsolicited bulk advertisements.  It is okay to send updates to your followers asking them to view your website, blog, or see a product you are selling, but also rely on replies.  If someone asks a question that you can answer by directing traffic to your website or blog do so.  This is unsolicited, as an applicable question was asked.

2 – Outright Advertisements

Another easy way to avoid the spam factor is to make your Tweet messages not appear as advertisements.  Yes, your mail goal is to advertise your website, blog, product, or service, but take the roundabout approach.  Many use Twitter to communicate with friends and to network online.  Most users do not want to spend hours reading and sifting through advertisements.

For example, do you work as a freelance web designer?  If so, you should have a website.  Direct people to your website through a Tweet message, but don’t say “buy my service,” or “become a customer.”  Instead, ask for feedback.  See if others think your rates are fair or ask to have your samples reviewed.  This still gets people to your website and if they want your service, they will buy it.

3 – Too Many Messages

Pexels Stefan Coders

As previously stated, avoid sending too many messages on Twitter.  These messages, also known as updates and Tweets, will be sent to your followers.  You can send private messages, otherwise they will automatically be sent to each of your followers.  Unless your account is private, your messages will also be searchable.  

For private conversations between friends and family, keep your messages private.  In fact, create a separate Twitter account.  For business use, do not send multiple messages an hour.  This is can be considered spam, especially if your updates are outright advertisements.

4 – Late Night Twitters

A cell phone is not required to use Twitter, although many members do.  It is not uncommon for mobile phone users to receive alerts when they get a Twitter message.  For that reason, Twitter during normal business hours.  Remember your goal is to market and make a name for your business, not disrupt potential customers during sleep.

5 – Not Taking Full Advantage of Twitter

This is the biggest mistake an internet marketer can do.  First, if you have a Twitter account, make sure you are using it for business, not just personal use.  Not realizing Twitter’s potential as an internet marketing tool can cost you money.

Next, rely on Twitter’s tools.  You can find contacts by searching by email address, name, and location.  Perform a search on Search.Twitter.com.  Look for those who need a product or service you are selling.  For example, do you sell eco-friendly products online?  If so, reply and follow those with Tweets concerning the environment.  You can advertise your product or website through @replies.

In short, Twitter is a great way to market your website, blog, products, or services online.  With that said, use your best judgment.  Never send late night Tweets, search for contacts online, do not spam users, and cleverly disguise your advertisements as helpful updates and replies.