When you’re thinking of social media, one of the many sites that might come to mind is Twitter. It’s been around since 2006 and is known for its short and succinct messages sent to a worldwide audience. It functions a little differently than other social media sites you may have used before, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a try and seeing how it can help your business!

If you’ve been considering using Twitter to generate leads for your business, now is the time. Here are a few frequently asked questions you should know and how you can get started with a successful twitter account.Social media is one way to find more jobs, but have you considered a lead generation service? You could start receiving leads near you sooner than you think. Sign up with CraftJack today and connect with homeowners in your area.

What Is Twitter?

You’ve certainly heard the name before, but maybe you haven’t had a chance to explore it and how you can utilize the social media platform. Twitter is a simple way to send a short message to followers and viewers. While the message length was once 140 characters, that has recently changed to now include longer messages of 280 characters.

Twitter is used to help people connect with the use of hashtags. These hashtags can help you find and connect with people who are posting about a similar topic. For example, if you were tweeting about the Superbowl, you may want to use #Superbowl to have your tweet filed and seen by users who are talking about it. Hashtags help people to connect easily.

When you’re tweeting at someone, you’ll want to make sure you use the @ symbol before their username, so they are tagged in that tweet and can respond back. For example, if you wanted to tweet at us, you’d simply have to use @CraftJackInc within your tweet. And, since we have dedicated account managers, you can be certain we’ll respond to your tweet soon!

What Can I Use It For?

There are about 330 million monthly active users on Twitter worldwide, according to Hootsuite. These users are sharing thoughts and information, as well as starting conversations with businesses just like yours. Twitter can be used for many things, as long as it stays within the 280 character count limit. You can use Twitter to post photos of your work, updates on a big project, or links to your website. It’s also a great tool for customer service. If someone were to find and tweet at you, you can easily respond back and start a conversation.

When it comes to networking, the platform can help you get in contact with not only people needing home improvement help, but other experts in your field as well. It’s a great opportunity to see what other contractors across the nation are doing. You may be able to learn new techniques or methods for your own business!

How Often Should I Tweet?

Like any other social media site, you should be posting regularly if you’re going to be successful. On Twitter, that may mean posting more than you’re used to if you’ve been using sites like Facebook or Instagram. The more tweets the better, but they must be scattered throughout the day so you’re not to be considered spam. Around seven to 15 posts a day could be a sweet spot for you, according to Hubspot. This can also include retweets and tweeting at other people as well. Using a social media scheduler such as Hootsuite or Sprout Social can help to plan your tweets so they post automatically and you don’t have to worry.

What Should I Tweet About?

The next question people usually ask is what they should be tweeting. For your business, you’ll want to consider what you’re doing on other social media platforms and use those techniques here too. You’ll also want to retweet relevant content that you find interesting for your followers to read. This will help to enhance your brand with your customers. You should also tweet a link to your website often so customers can connect with you and learn more about your work. This is a tactic that will certainly help to generate leads.

Here are a few things that contractors can use their Twitter account for:

• Establish yourself as an expert in your field: By sharing industry related news, stories, and tips you cement yourself as the expert on the subject in peoples’ minds.
• Share discounts and promotions: Give your followers special deals for their loyalty.
• Develop your brand’s image: Social media gives you the special power to control your brand’s image. Are you an ordinary pool contractor, or one that specializes in luxury designs? You get to showcase exactly what you want your audience to see.
• Keep an eye on your competition: Follow what other contractors in your area are doing on their Twitter for the inside scoop.

If you need ideas for your business’s account, try looking up other contractors across various industries. Their pages may spark some inspiration!

How Do I Choose My Username?

Choosing your username is very important, as it will represent your company as you post on Twitter. It’s a good idea to stick with your company name. After you’ve chosen your username, you’ll also want to write a descriptive bio of your services, choose a profile image and link to your website. Your customers are looking for these items when they find your Twitter profile. Make sure you stay true to your brand.

How Do I Talk To Customers?

Of course, you’ve come to Twitter to easily connect with customers and homeowners that may need your services in the area. One way you can do so is by searching relevant hashtags and responding to a user’s question or comment about a home improvement project they’re working on. Participate in conversations for relevant hashtags for your business.

Twitter also gives you and others the option to direct message (often called DM or PM for private message). Here, customers may come to you directly for questions.

If you’re at a trade show, tweet about what’s happening using the conference’s hashtag. You’re sure to stand out and get noticed by prospective customers using these tactics!

Conclusion

If you’ve never used it before, Twitter can seem confusing. But, it’s easier than you think to get started and connect with homeowners near you. Spend some time researching to discover if starting a Twitter account is the right move for your contractor business.

Are you ready to start your twitter account? Be sure to connect with CraftJack on Twitter and let us know how you’re using social media for your business.