How to Find New Customers on Twitter - Answer Questions
Above Image by Valerie Everett
If you are not joining in on the conversation you are missing out on tons of Business. I’m not just saying this as a possibliltiy….. I am saying this as total FACT!!
Whether you like it or not….. people, your potential customers, are talking. They might be asking questions online even. And, if you aren’t answering their questions…. you can count on someone else answering their question.
How to Find New Customers on Twitter by Answering Questions
Imagine this…..
Someone on Twitter says, "HELP!! My printer won’t work. I’ve tried everything… can anyone help me?!"
If your business is in the Printer niche maybe you could help. Tweeting an answer not only can get you a sale, but maybe something even better…. a life long customer that trusts and respects you.
So, you need to respond to this Twitter cry for help. Simply, @ this person and say something to the effect of, "I work with printers all day…. How can I help you and make your life easier?"
She will no doubtingly respond back to you and with the correct answer you will have earned the respect and trust from a potential customer. And you have also just experienced your first Customer Service Twitter Conversation.
And, had YOU not helped this potential customer…. some other printer person most doubtingly would have.
Even if she doesn’t purchase anything right away from you I can almost guarantee she will follow you back on Twitter because you were a huge help. This is almost has good as an immediate sale. How? You have her ears for anything you tweet on Twitter. Plus, you have already earned her trust and respect. Now you most certainly have her attention.
Well, you are probably thinking, "Well, that is great and I will start doing that!! But, how do I use Twitter Search to know if someone on Twitter is talking about my area of expertise?"
Great question!!
How to find Questions Being Asked on Twitter
- You should go to Twitter Search and enter the word or words that you would like to know when people are talking about them. In regards to the above example it was the word Printer.
- Once you enter the word Printer and Press Enter all the recent conversations mentioning the word Printer are there.
- Reply to the ones with questions you can answer. And, even if they are not asking a question maybe you can hold a conversation with them. Create some relationships.
- You can even subscribe to this feed on Twitter Search. You can easily stay up to date on your topic by check your feeds how ever often you would like.
***Note - Replying to Tweople about questions about your area of interest should not be mistaken for a chance for you to pitch to them. Do not force a bunch a links on them unless it is absolutely necessary to help them. A big Sales Pitch is NOT what this is about here. What I am trying to show you how to do is answer questions honestly and sincerely via Twitter. Gain the person’s trust and respect. Make a relationship. If a sale comes from it…. great. Even if you don’t get one… if you are honest and sincere you will probably at the very least have a new follower.
4 Responses to “How to Find New Customers on Twitter - Answer Questions”
By Tanner Christensen on Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
So true!
Business shouldn’t be looking at Twitter as an opportunity to regurgitate their company newsline… Twitter is perfect for joining in conversations and helping potential customers out. But the moment you - or your business - starts blasting people with offers or deals, you’re going to miss the real value of the network.
Help others, show them that you’re interesting, and they’ll become interested guaranteed.
By Shana Albert on Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
@Tanner - Thank you so much for the comment. Yep, that’s exactly what I’m saying. Thanks for joining in on…. its always wonderful to read your comments.
By Alan Bleiweiss on Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
Shana, I can confirm that this works. I’ve gotten new clients just by engaging in the conversation and providing life-value. I learned this technique from LinkedIn where I got several new clients doing the same thing, though in the past several months, I’ve shifted most of my energy to Twitter.
By Dana Lookadoo on Dec 18, 2009 | Reply
Excellent insight, Shana! I especially like your tip about subscribing to a specific feed on Twitter Search to ensure one listens and answers a question.
As a user, I often go to Twitter for answer before going to Google. I’m one of many, for sure!
Glad you’re back to writing here again!