In a recent blog post by Twitter the writer shared the amazing statistic that “40% of Twitter users say they’ve made a purchase as a direct result of an influencer.” What that means is if you want to start seeing real results on Twitter, then connecting with Twitter influencers can be an effective strategy.
But the importance of finding influencers does not stop with making more sales. Here are five reasons to get serious about making an impression on the right people on Twitter.
1. Earn a Wider Reach
One of the things that make Twitter special is that your content can reach far beyond your followers. When you are retweeted, that content has the potential to reach their followers. If any of their followers retweet it, then it goes to their followers. And so on.
Let’s take a look at one example. A post that I wrote previously about creating a social media policy was shared by Michael Stelzner, owner of Social Media Examiner. It was then retweeted nine times by his followers. As he has over 134,000 followers, he is definitely an influencer. (If you want to learn about social media, he is a great person to follow).
[Tweet “Take the time to craft content that matters if you want to be shared.”]
2. Gain Credibility
The ripple effect power of retweets from Twitter influencers doesn’t stop there! You also get to borrow some of their credibility when they share your work. People who see that a Twitter influencer likes your work will automatically think you are also knowledgeable.
In addition to implicit endorsements, if you are effective in building relationships with influencers you may also receive an explicit endorsement from them – a tweet telling the world to pay attention to you and your work. The best way to get started is by giving first. Make sure you tell your own audience who you love to follow and why.
[Tweet “Freely share praise where it is due, and it is more likely to come back your way. “]
3. Get Input on Your Ideas
Social media influencers, by and large, have become influential for a reason. Often, they have tried something and succeeded. Sometimes when no one else has. This wisdom and experience can help you too – if you let it!
Don’t be afraid to ask for input, with a huge “if” that comes first. Reach out to Twitter influencers for their thoughts on your idea if:
- You have taken the time to build a relationship with them.
- You seek to add value to them first on a regular basis.
- You take the time to ask for input in a way that is respectful of the demands on their time.
- You do your research first so you are asking an appropriate question of the appropriate person.
[Tweet “Don’t be “that guy” that everyone learns to avoid because they only talk about themselves. “]
4. Find Amazing Content
Content creation can be hard. Which is yet another reason you should be paying close attention to the influencers on Twitter. People are following them because they have this content creation thing down. Remember when your mom told you imitation was the sincerest form of flattery when that kid at school wouldn’t stop copying you? Same principle applies here.
I use Twitter lists for various subjects that I can refer to when I am curating new content. Here’s an example of one I built called “Social Media Experts.”
(The Agorapulse blog recently published a review of a cool content curation tool called Nuzzel. Also worth trying out.)
5. Learn Best Practices
While you are looking for amazing content to share, also pay attention to how Twitter influencers are doing other things on Twitter. How do they respond to new followers and shares? How frequently are they sharing content? What types of content are they creating? How are they engaging their followers?
A good way to find influencers among your Twitter followers is by looking at the “Users” tab in Agorapulse. Agorapulse instantly tells you which of your engaged followers consistently gets a healthy amount of retweets.
These are people you’ll certainly want to learn more about (and to learn from).
What Results Have You Seen from Twitter Influencers?
What about you? Have you made finding Twitter influencers and building relationships with them a part of your regular social media strategy? What positive impact has it had in your business?
