Twitter is the world’s second most popular social network and is a great online marketing platform. In order for you to make the most of Twitter as a marketing opportunity you will need a profile that helps to present you or your organisation in the best possible light. This article will help you to create a Twitter profile that will encourage people to want to engage with you.
You can easily implement all of the changes below by going to the Settings option (denoted by a cog icon) and choosing “edit profile” just below your name when using Twitter on the desktop.
1. Use a Relevant Name
First off do not confuse your name with your Twitter handle. Your name on Twitter is the name that people will see most prominently when you post a Tweet, your Twitter handle is the text after the “@” sign (e.g. @tpw_design). You can either use your own name or your company name here. You need to decide if you want to have a more personal touch by using a person’s name or if you want to post as your company or organisation. There are pros and cons with both.
If you use a real person as your Twitter identity then your followers will feel that they are communicating with an individual rather than a faceless organisation, but if you post using your company’s name then you gain an opportunity to increase your brand awareness. The name that you use can also impact on the “voice” that you use in your online communication. If you are using a real person’s name then your tweets should be in the first person e.g. “I thought you’d like to know about this month’s special offers…” while if you are using your company’s name then post in the third person e.g. “We have some great special offers for you this month…”
2. Use an Appropriate Profile Image
First impressions last so while that picture of you from your summer vacation in which you are in shorts holding a drink up might evoke happy memories for you when you see it what does it say to those that have not met you? If your Twitter name is your real name use an image that makes you look professional. If you are using your company name then use the company logo. Your Twitter profile image is relatively small, a mere 80x80px so try to avoid group shots as they do not display very clearly.
3. Write a Meaningful Bio
Users who visit your profile will read your bio and this is a golden opportunity to make people want to follow you. You have 160 characters in which to sell yourself, make the most of them. Tell people about what you do and more importantly what you can do for THEM.
4. Use Hashtags in Your Bio
The benefit of using hashtags in your Twitter bio is that they will help you be more “findable” when users search Twitter for the goods and services that you offer. Do not make every word in your bio a hashtag but make sure that keywords have hashtags in front of them.
5. Include Your Location
Let people know where you are. This can influence whether they want to do business with you. If you have multiple locations then say so e.g. “Branches throughout the UK”. You have 30 characters to tell users where they can find you.
6. Include Your Website
Twitter has been kind enough to include a field for you to add your website, so take advantage of it. The web address that you add here will link through to the site. This allows people to find out more about you on your website and is also an additional link that will help with your search engine optimisation efforts.
7. Use a Header image
Twitter uses header images, just like Facebook, and this is an opportunity for you to reflect your values. Do bear in mind that information such as your bio, location and website, as well as your profile image will be in front of your header image. The text from your bio etc will be in white so try to use an image that contrasts with this so that these details are easily readable.
Another consideration is that different devices display your profile in different ways. On the desktop all of your profile information is displayed in one place but on many mobile devices you will find that your profile pic, name and Twitter handle are displayed on one screen and then you have to swipe to access your bio, location etc. It can, therefore be useful to add some text to your header image that explains what you do. Just use keywords.
You should also bear in mind that all your profile data is centre aligned so don’t use a header image that has the most important feature obscured by other information. Twitter header images should be no smaller than 520x260px. Twitter recommends using images that are 1200x600px. There is also a file size limit of 5mb.
By following these simple tips you will be well on your way to creating a Twitter profile that will stand out from the rest of the social media crowd and represent you and your company in the most positive light.