Six Twitter-ific Tips for your Bakery

Twitter this, Tweet that - you’ve heard the chatter. How could you not? Over the past year, Twitter has exploded into a cultural phenomenon. You've probably heard how other businesses have found success riding the Twitter wave, but you’re still wondering if it’s right for you.

Whether you own a bakery, bagel shop, or pizzeria, the first thing to remember is that Twitter is just a tool, and it will only ever be as effective as you make it. Here are some key tips that will help you leverage the potential of Twitter in order to successfully promote your business.

1. Be Selective About Who You Follow, And Who Follows You.
   Despite what Ashton Kutcher might lead you to believe, the Twitter-er with the most followers doesn't always win. Following everyone you see in hopes that they will follow you back is a waste of your time and energy. Remember, your followers are your target audience; the people you will be speaking directly to. Quality is the key here, not quantity.
2. Avoid Meaningless Tweets.
   If you’re doing something interesting or meaningful to your business, by all means let people know about it. Followers will quickly lose interest, however, if you tweet about walking the dog three times a day.
3. Don’t Just Promote… Engage!
   Twitter is so much more than a digital billboard or direct mail system. It is one of the most powerful open communication tools we have available to us today - and it’s FREE! Yes, promoting your product is important, but engaging your customer in conversation will make you so much more memorable to them. Ask questions, respond to others, start conversations. They don’t call it ‘social media’ for nothing!
4. A Tweetpic Is Worth A Thousand Words.
   Being in the food industry has a distinct advantage - everyone needs to eat! Posting images of your product can literally make your customers hungry for more!
5. Monitor Your Brand.
   Twitter search is a very powerful - and often underutilized - tool for reputation management. Use it to monitor your company name and brand to find out what your customers are saying about you. If someone has a problem, be proactive and address it quickly. Show your followers that customer service matters to you.
6. Promote You’re Tweet-ness
   You can't just expect to set up a Twitter account and have people find you. Tell your customers about it. Put up a sign in your store inviting them to follow you. Add a 'Follow Us' link to your website. Include your Twitter handle on your business cards, mailers and in your email signature. Spread the word that you are now a member of the Twitter-verse and, over time, your audience will grow.