Three Ways to Get More Twitter Followers

So you've jumped on the Twitter bandwagon and you know the difference between a Tweet and a #hashtag. Now you just need followers. Here are three ways to ensure that you get faithful followers who are interested in what you have to say:

1) Post regular updates to Twitter, but not too many. Some suggest that two to four updates per day is sufficient. To me, it depends on your purpose for tweeting. If you are a news organization, for example, regular updates are expected. If you are updating your status while on vacation, one or two a day should do it.

2) Interact with other Twitter users. Twitter is popular because it connects people to each other. It isn't just about what we as individuals have to say; it is also about contributing to other conversations and replying to popular threads or trending topics. It also means participating in Follow Friday (#FF) and Music Monday (#musicmonday).

3) Offer useful content. If you are constantly selling your products or services via Twitter, people will get tired of your updates unless you offer something else useful...like advice, links to interesting articles., etc. Post links to helpful articles, breaking news and pithy quotes in addition to your own updates.

By using these three techniques, your number of Twitter followers will grow and you'll not only receive interesting updates from interested followers but you'll grow your own online community. Happy Tweeting!

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz

Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn

Appreciate Your Customers

Every customer wants to be appreciated, so make sure you thank yours regularly. Thank them verbally each time they visit your store, whether or not they make a purchase, and treat your frequent buyers with extra TLC. Here are a few ideas to show your customers how much you appreciate their business:

- Holiday or birthday cards
- A frequent buyer or customer appreciation program
- Monthly specials or coupons
- Special events like an anniversary or customer appreciation party
- A monthly email newsletter that gives them unique promotions, coupons, etc.
- Reward them for referring potential customers to you

By embracing your customers, you will make them feel special and appreciated so they are more likely to shop with you again soon. Good luck!


Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn

Consistent Contact: The Beauty of Email Marketing

To grow your business, you need a steady flow of new clients and prospects. To achieve that you need to get in front of potential customers an average of seven times before you become "top of mind." This can be achieved through consistent contact...either through advertising, a website, blogging, press releases, or a combination of methods to reach out to potential customers.

One of my favorites is email marketing which is easy and affordable to do. Start by creating an email list of potential customers by collecting names and addresses on your website or blog, setting an email sign-up sheet out on your store counter or collecting email addresses on drawing or sign-up slips. Next, choose an email service like YourMailingListProvider.com or ConstantContact.com, and set-up a regular email marketing campaign to reach out to prospects and existing customers.

Not sure what to write about or how often? Review my blog for ideas or contact me for a complimentary consultation. I'd be happy to help.

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn

Five Tips to Make the Most of Your Business Cards

Business cards are an affordable way to keep your business "top of mind" when meeting new people. Here are some ways to make sure your business card stands out from the rest:

1) Have it professionally designed. An attractive, well-designed business card speaks volumes about you and your business. So does a cheaply-made online template version.

2) Your card's look should be consistent with your other print materials. As an extension of your brand, or your business's personality, your business card should include your logo, your colors and any other common elements that visually depict what your company is about.

3) Spend the extra money to have a glossy coating put on the card. Some companies offer this at no extra charge, but even if it costs you a few extra bucks, the smooth finish is worth it. It adds a professional touch you won't find on everyone's card.

4) Use the back of the card. When I redid my cards earlier this year, I added a list of my services to the back of the card. That way when I meet someone knew, he or she doesn't have to remember what I do. They can refer to the back of the card for some of my more popular services.

5) Give everyone two copies of your card, one to keep and one to share with a friend or colleague.

Use these five tips when creating your next business card to ensure that your card is one that gets saved!

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn

Albert Einstein on Imagination

“Imagination is more powerful than knowledge.”

~ Albert Einstein

Newsletter Basics: How to Create an Effective Newsletter

So you've finally decided to give email marketing a try, and you've chosen a service like Constant Contact or Your Mailing List Provider to send out mo nthly newsletters. Where will you begin? What will you write about? What elements should an effective newsletter have? Here are some ways to create an effective newsletter.

1. First, decide if you want to send one topic or more each month. It depends on your audience and how much time you want to devote to your newsletter each month. For a one-topic newsletter, I recommend talking about a particular product or service that you'd like to highlight. For example, you could announce a new product line that you are carrying, a new service that you're offering or an upcoming event you are participating in.

For multiple topics, I have an ideas folder that I tuck notes into as they come to me. Maybe I've run across a great new website that I like or I have a snippet of info. or a cool quote I want to share. It goes into the folder which I review for ideas when I'm developing my next newsletter.

2. The goal of each newsletter should be to increase your customers' awareness of your business. Each time they hear or see your name, the more likely they are to remember your business the next time they need what you offer. To keep your name "top of mind," make sure you: a) Include your business name in the From: portion of the email; b) use a compelling headline to draw readers in (July 2009 Specials: 20% off any spa service this month only); and c) offer them something (a discount, a coupon, free information) so they agree it is worth their time to read each newsletter.

3. Write the newsletter in a conversational tone so that it flows smoothly and it is easy to read. I like to open mine with a brief paragraph about something topical whether it is a note about the weather, the economy, or a news item that has affected us all. This helps my readers relate to me.

4. Include topics of interest to your readers. The newsletter is for them, so include topics they care about. For example, if you own an accessories shop, you could include an item about how to choose the right purse for a casual outfit or 10 ways to tie a scarf. If you are financial planner, you might include a list of useful websites where they can track their investments or monitor retirement savings.

5. Make it as interactive as possible. Engage your readers by asking them to submit topic ideas, Q&A items, a list of their favorite products and services, or testimonials. This lets your readers know what others are thinking and it helps to involve them in the process. The newsletter is not about you as much as it is about them, so create a forum for them to provide feedback.

With these tips in mind, you can create an email newsletter that readers will look forward to seeing in their inbox each month. Give it a try - I think you'll pleased with the results!

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

Follow me on Twitter: VirtuallyYourz
Find me on Facebook, Biznik and LinkedIn