5 Components of a Powerful Business Tweet

The world of social media marketing has dozens of important sites that demand attention, but it is hard to dispute that Facebook and Twitter are (currently) the two most important. Facebook could have a book written about the different techniques and tools for marketing. By the time it’s published, it would be obsolete.

Twitter is a different story. It has remained relatively consistent from a techniques perspective. Tools emerge every week that assist, so the real changes come in the form of fine-tuning one’s method of delivery.

Let’s break down the Tweet above and the 5 finely-tuned components that make it successful. There are other aspects that have been covered over the years, but these 5 are excellent basics that can be implemented quickly.

The components are highlighted in the diagram above:

Compelling Statement or Question: Even if the topic is mundane, there are always ways to spice it up a bit to get attention. That doesn’t mean to become a “Twitter Sensationalist” with your messages, but everything you post on Twitter that isn’t a direct response to someone should be interesting and needs to stand out as a bold statement or an intriguing question.

Custom URL Shorteners: Some would say they are a waste of time, money, and energy to create a branded URL shortener. Those who say it probably don’t make their bed in the morning “because they’re just going to mess it up again later that night.” In the example above, TK Carsites uses the branded shortener “siteby.tk” which is both a message in itself and a clever use of their base name in the domain extension.
Hashtaggit, Baby!: The most underutilized effortless component of a business tweet is the hashtag. If you aren’t using them, you’re missing the power. It isn’t just for Twitter search and participation in conversations (which are the two “functional” reasons for using hashtags). It’s for the highlighting. Hashtags stand out. Unlike plain-text words, hashtags are treated like links by Twitter and the various Twitter clients. Even though few click on them, they can be used to make a statement, set a tone, or communicate a message separate from or in conjunction with the body of the Tweet itself.

Credits and Mentions: It is more than just polite to give credit where credit is due. It helps you as well. Bringing posts to the attention of people mentioned in it can help put you on their radar and potentially elicit retweets. Mentioning the source has the same effect. People who use social media like it when others talk to or about them in a positive light. Make sure they know when you’re doing it. Sidenote – Try to avoid crediting or retweeting from the beginning of the tweet unless it’s specifically directed at an individual account.

Custom Apps: Look at your Tweets, now back at TK’s. Do you see a subtle difference there? In most cases, Tweets are sent “via Seesmic” or “via Web” or “via Tweetdeck” – there are thousands of options. Why not use your own app? In this case, the “app” is named “via TK Carsites.” Clicking on the link takes people to the TK Carsites homepage. It’s subtle, but every little bit helps in Twitter marketing.