Twitter is a very powerful tool for businesses when used correctly and effectively. It helps in generating leads, strengthening the brand image, and in building strong connections with prospective clients. Followers are the cream of the brand for both demand and supply of information. If there are no followers, benefits of Twitter are futile. Moreover, quality of followers takes over quantity any day!

Having an active following on Twitter isn’t enough! Social engagement is as important as prestige! Twitter followers hold real value for businesses; in fact, 36% of marketers say they have gained a customer by using Twitter.

Twitter strategies can be broadly classified into these categories:

• Tweeting enticing & engaging content
• Following back those who follow
• Tweeting content in high visibility range
• Promoting the account

 These 10 tips will help brands gain quality and quantity followers with maximum engagement, without having to pay a single penny from their pockets!

1. Follow More People- The more the number of people, the more is engagement and brand trustworthiness. Brands should follow and follow back relevant handles.
2. Social Media Tools- Using social media management tools like HootSuite and SproutSocial will not only schedule tweets but will also boost regular posting of content, which will help in increasing followers.
3. Optimize Twitter Bio- Relevancy and genuineness pertaining to the nature of business will garner followers. A professional and complete bio will represent brands richly.
4. Links in Tweets- Using the website or blog links engage customers to retweet more than non-linked tweets.
5. Relevant Keywords- Usage of relevant keywords in bios and content will help in higher ranking and visibility in search results.
6. Relevant Hashtags-Research shows that tweets with hashtags get at least 2x more engagement and helps in attracting new followers who are searching for those keywords.
7. Email Invites- Sending email invites to join Twitter to known people in the business network will also help to increase follower count.
8. Include Images- Images in tweets is visually appealing to followers than boring text-only tweets! Research shows an image-laden tweet gets more engagement than any other.
9. Weekend Benefit- Content tweeted over the weekend gets better reach and engagement, in turn generating followers.
10. Respond Publicly- Responding to questions, queries in comments publicly instead of direct messages helps in strengthening the brand image and value.
11. Mention Relevant Users- This is helpful to catch attention, prompting other handles to follow or even retweet content to its followers.
12. Promote Twitter on all Business Materials- Promotion of Twitter on the website, business cards, brochures, signage, etc., will not only create awareness but also lead to conversions.