If you’re a small business owner who has been wondering how to make Twitter a more effective marketing tool, you want to know about Twitter Chats. Twitter Chats are online discussions that center around a central theme, which is designated by a hashtag. For example, #AdChat is a chat about advertising, while #AgChat is a chat about agricultural issues.

Many Twitter Chats are regularly scheduled, recurring events. There are numerous websites that list these chats, including Tweetreports and Twubs.

If you look at these sites, you’ll see that there are literally hundreds of Twitter Chats happening every day. Searching through this list, you will be able to identify chats that are focused on a topic that’s of interest to your target market. Those are the chats you’ll want to participate in. While the people who are participating in the chat may not be your customers – yet! – it’s a great way to introduce yourself. Chat participants who like what you have to say during the chats may become your Twitter follower, which is one step closer to becoming your customer.

Here’s what you need to know about Twitter Chats:

• Lurk and Learn.

  If you’ve never participated in a Twitter Chat, you may want to observe one or two before you jump in. Many Twitter Chats follow a similar format, where the chat organizer will post questions to start discussions. These questions may be numbered Q1, Q2, and so on. When you reply, begin your answer with A1, A2 or as appropriate. Make sure to use the chat’s hashtag in your responses – without it, chat participants won’t see your replies.

• Your Active Participation is Required.

  While tools like Hootsuite make it easy to create Tweets in advance to be posted at a later time, you’re not going to want to use them for Twitter Chats. The entire point of a Twitter Chat is active engagement and discussion. If someone replies to your Tweet, you’re going to want to be able to respond quickly and appropriately.

• Share, Don’t Sell.

  Twitter Chats are opportunities to chat, not to sell. Think of chats as an opportunity to share your knowledge, establish friendships, and educate customers about the field. It’s a laid-back sales approach, but when used consistently can generate strong, loyal customer relationships.

Terrified of Twitter?

Don’t be! The Technology Therapy Group is here to help you with all of your social media marketing needs. If you need Twitter training or you’re in the middle of a Facebook fiasco, we can help you get the situation back on track! Give us a call and find out more.