While reading an internet business report this week, I ran across two articles that give excellent advice about using Twitter.

Here are a few great take-a-ways:

“Guerilla Tweetfare” by Dan Nickers

Once you’ve set up your Twitter account, use Twitter’s search tool (http://search.twitter.com) and search for people who are discussing your particular niche or product.

Then, join the discussion and provide useful information and value. Dan suggests being funny, not spammy. He says, ”When you reply with value, the person will most likely follow you, reply to you and thank you.”

When someone replies to you on Twitter, all of their followers become aware of the conversation and may see you as a good person to follow as well.

Dan sums up his article with this, “The obvious goal here is to create buzz. The more value, humor and legitimate feedback you provide, the more followers and attention you will receive.”

“Sweeten Up Your Social Networking” by Carrie Wilkerson

She shares Dan’s perspective and suggests…

• Guard your character. Twitter is a very large fishbowl. People are listening and watching at all times.
• Be conversational. Interact with people, show interest in them and see how you can be of value in their space.
• Be consistent and engaged. If you only go on Twitter when you’re bored, have a promotion, have a blog post or are seeking input, everyone will see right through you.

Carrie ends with…”When your audience knows you, likes you, and trusts you, they will want to know more about who you are, who you know, and what you have to offer.”

I believe Dan and Carrie did an excellent job of really drilling down to the core of how to best use Twitter as a marketing tool.

I admit I haven’t kept up with Twitter much in a few months. Effectively using social networking requires a commitment to spending some time on a regular basis socializing with the members. Remember, it’s all about the people and the community.

Happy Tweeting!