Although the respondents identified themselves as regular tweeters, the majority said that their use of Twitter had “probably not” had any effect on their business.
However, 17% thought it might have had an impact and 20% believed that “without a doubt” their output in tweets had increased cash flow to their business.
Andrew Montlake, director of communications at Coreco said that novice Twitter users might be expecting too much.
“Use of social media is not a short term solution – it is a long term gain. It is about trying to engage your customers and engage your audience over a period of time.”
Andy Wilson, director of Andy Wilson financial services was invited onto local radio after he began using Twitter nine months ago. He said that social media was about raising profile among your customers.
“I use Twitter to raise my profile. I don’t use it to sell. It is you – being an ordinary person at times but also an expert at times.”
To help engage with his clientele, Wilson has added a link to Twitter on his website. “People can click on that and they can see that I know what I am talking about.”
When Stuart Gregory, director of Lentune Mortgage Consultancy responded to a tweet by a journalist, it led to a mention in a newspaper and then two appearances on Five Live. Clients also began to contact him via Twitter.
He said that social media has become an important platform to engage with clients as lenders become more stringent over criteria.
“People were shocked when they went to see their lender and got turned down for a mortgage so are saying ‘who could help us?’
“Clients are beginning to question whether they should keep going from bank to bank in the high street or turn to a specialist.”
DOs and DON’Ts of Twitter – tips from the specialists
DO:
– Mix up your tweets so they are entertaining as well as informative
– Look out for social media experts at events and ask them for advice
– Follow journalists and respond to their requests for quotes
DON’T
– Try hard-selling on social media – it doesn’t work
– Expect instant results
– Discuss particular products or confidential information
