We’ve already looked at how to use Facebook, and some of its unique qualities, to tell the story of your brand. But we know that some of you are more Tweeters than Bookers, so we thought we’d help you out with an article on how to use your preferred platform, Twitter, to do a bit of storytelling. You might think that with only 140 characters available, you can’t say much on Twitter – a very, very short story, you might think, but that’s not the case. Those 140 characters can be put to very effective uses, when you tell the right story, the right way.
Twitter doesn’t allow you to get into the nitty-gritty of your company’s past, or to delve too deeply into company mission statements or policies. It’s too immediate, too terse for that. But it does open up possibilities for other kind of storytelling that you may not have thought of. Let’s look at some of those.
- Play by play, through your day – Let your audience in on your day-to-day operations. Spend a day with an intern, or a sales exec, or one of your innovative engineers. Or all three on different days. Traveling to a conference or trade show? Take your followers along. Become known or the company that offers “back stage” passes for behind-the-scenes looks at what goes into making your products, or serving your customers. Twitter is perfect for these kind of in-the-moment updates. And because of the shortness of the posts, your featured employee won’t feel burdened with the task.
- Up close and personal – Allow your customers to really know YOU. Don’t keep your Twitter account completely professional. Lose the stuffy business tone and loosen up a bit. Talk about family, hobbies, interests – stuff that engages you and your time outside of working hours. Don’t go too far and share too much information, but don’t be all biz, all the time. This is especially effective if you run a one-man shop, or are known for your creative leadership. So, share that great experience you had with your wife at that new bistro last weekend. Vent a bit about your team’s heartbreaking loss in the “big game” last night. Post a pic of your latest DIY garden project. Let them know that there’s a real “you” behind the company. The better you can make your Twitter audience feel they know you, the more likely they are to remember you and your company when they need your services.
- Let them have their say – Utilize your Twitter account to allow customers and clients to interact with you. Got a question about our newest product? Tweet it and we’ll get back to you. Have a suggestion about packaging or a new sales outlet? Let us know – we’ll really appreciate it. Make it a priority to converse WITH your audience. Your Twitter account will become a lively and active place, and your customers will come to see you as the business guy who cares about them and wants to talk with them, not just AT them.
- Get the word out – One way, as we’ve discussed, to create your brand’s story is to become compassionately involved in one or more charitable organizations or social issues. You can further this by using your Twitter account to post links to resources, articles, events, etc. related to your chosen cause or issue. Links to photos and articles showing you and yours in action are a good idea as well. Sponsor an event? Announce it on Twitter, show it through Instagram photos, Tweet updates while it’s going on. Find some great info on juvenile diabetes? Share it with Tiny URLs. Keep your audience involved with what you’re involved in. You’ll become known as the company who cares.
Twitter may not seem like an ideal place for storytelling, but it can be, if you use it properly. What are you waiting for? Tune up and start Tweeting!
For more information about Del Monte Agency, visit their website: www.delmonteagency.com or call (612)276-3417. Also make sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter (#adblender), Google+, LinkedIn, and Pinterest! Thanks for following!
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