Over on iMediaConnection, Rodney Rumford has a good article for anyone looking to start using Twitter as a marketing tool and not just a social distraction. The 7 Marketing Mistakes To Avoid On Twitter include “Using it as a push marketing channel,” in which Rumford gets to the core of how marketers need to approach Twitter:

When you have people follow you, they follow for a reason. They have effectively “opted in” to hear what you are publishing and sharing. Focus on adding value and giving them what they want. Use this channel as a way to communicate industry news and trends — insights that are valuable to your target audience. Interaction is the key to building influence on Twitter. Share openly and don’t only talk about your services. Find a way to mix it up and be interesting and human in your interactions.

Takeaway for marketers: Twitter isn’t the Holy Grail of marketing that all the buzz might lead you to believe. It’s one of many, many online marketing and communications tools. If you’re going to use it, though, use it wisely.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 9th, 2009 at 8:20 am and is filed under Internet Stuff, Marketing Stuff, Marketing Takeaways, Social Media.