Let’s get personal. Remember those days of touring colleges and it seemed like the catchphrase for every single one was “When you are a student here, you are not just a number. Your professors will know your name and build a personal relationship with you.” I took that into account when choosing a school. Now I take that into account while managing Twitter accounts for businesses. How the tables have turned. Thanks for the advice, college!
Building a one-on-one relationship with your audience means making your followers feel important and seen. We all long for that feeling at some point or another. This instills trust which in turn, instills loyalty to your business, allowing it to grow and be a reputable place of service.
Where Do I Start?
So, it’s time to make the first move. Slide into their DMs. This just might be the start of something great. You now have 280 characters to reel them in. (Thanks for the upgrade, Twitter. 140 just was not enough)! Don’t forget to throw in a GIF, video, or emoji to start off the conversation!
Head on over to the account you wish to DM. Click the envelope “Message” button and you’re ready to start typing your first move.
Why Send a DM?
Think of it as sending a text message to a friend or family member. You might be in a group text together but sometimes what you have to say only applies to one person. So, you send a text to just them. It’s the same concept when it comes to Twitter DMs.
When to Send a DM?
Thank a new follower for following your page. When you invite someone to your home, you welcome them in! Twitter is a virtual house party – don’t be a lame host and not offer them a drink or tour. If you have a large number of new followers coming in, set up a default welcome message.
Respond to a customer service issue or request. Most DMs a business receives will have to do with customer service. Whether it is a complaint or compliment, make sure to have a system in place to respond to each one appropriately. If a customer tags your business in a tweet concerning customer service, acknowledge that tweet by asking the customer to send you a DM. This allows other customers to see you are addressing the concern instead of ignoring it.
Generate Leads. Were you mentioned in a tweet or saw a tweet that related to your brand or service? Take advantage of it! Slide into their DMs and recommend a product or service you offer. You just started building a relationship that otherwise would have never happened. Make sure to relate to them by focusing on their specific needs and wants – not yours. Your efforts to create a relationship will sell itself.
Twitter DMs are the ultimate tool to build relationships and encourage engagement. However, the effort you put into it is what you’ll get out of it. Utilize this free source to the best of its ability and your business will reap the benefits. What are you waiting for? Establish your presence and slide into those DMs!
