Simple TIPS for Getting Started on Twitter

Despite its massive success, Nielsen reports that a full 60% of users who sign up to use Twitter fail to return the following month.

Don't be shocked, it used to be worse. In the 12 months before the "Oprah effect," retention rates hovered around 30% of new users who returned the next month.

What causes the dramatic drop off? It's hard to get started on Twitter.

Everyday people ask for advice on how to use Twitter - and sometimes even why they should bother.

The Why is easy:

Twitter is a viable business information and interaction microblogging tool.

You can gain access to a tremendous amount of information on Twitter.

More and more companies will offer the Twitter option for Customer Service.

If that's not enough, some experts say there probably will come a time when a Twitter address is as common as email.

But it is hard to get started. Here are some tips that may help:

• Don't expect too much too soon. It takes time.


• Use the search tool to find topics of interest to you and people you write (Tweet) about them.


• Say something of interest ... join the conversation.


• Follow Mashable, who writes about Social Media and how to use it (his blog also is great).


• Find out if your friends, customers and vendors are on Twitter.


• Tell people you are on Twitter ... maybe add it to your signature line on email.


• Stick with it.

Don't worry about those people who are dropping off ... they'll be back.

Most import, Twitter can become just one more way to DELIGHT CUSTOMERS!