3 tips for using Twitter to promote your blog

Twitter—aka the new social media which has everyone “tweeting” professionally—is being used in many different ways and by lots of people. At its most basic, Twitter allows you to post short sentences alerting friends and family (i.e., followers) to what you’re doing.

But there are several social networking applications too. For example, some businesses use Twitter to announce new promotions and others use it as a survey tool to gauge customer response and demand.

Yet, for holistic health professionals (that is, small to medium-sized business owners, Twitter is becoming the fastest way to build a word of mouth following.

3 tips for using Twitter to promote your blog:

1. Ask a Question

It’s easy to tell people what you’re doing. But it won’t hold their interest for very long. So, instead of saying “Posted article about caring for your pets with homeopathy,” ask, “How has homeopathy helped your pet to feel better?” Questions encourage conversation, which allows more followers to contribute their experience.

2. Remark

The competition over blog comments can be fierce. But, if you post something that attracts a lot of comments, first comment back. Then, post a short line to Twitter inviting people to join the conversation.

3. Ask for What You Want

Once you know which of the social media referral sites (or voting sites) drives the most traffic to your blog, ask your followers to dish out a review (for example, StumbleUpon, Digg, Newsvine, etc.). Think of it as cross promotion. Every blog needs a little push now and then.

Based on Chris Brogan’s article “How I Use Twitter to Promote My Blog” on Problogger: http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/03/25/how-i-use-twitter-to-promote-my-blog/

Now That I'm Counseling - Holistic Counselor

Since my graduation from ACHS I have increased my client base at a steady pace over the past three years. I have opted for private practice, so my first clients were the toughest. I gave myself away in the beginning. I offered my services in mini seminar format to local groups, churches and businesses for little or no cost. I did work as a volunteer at local shelters for battered women. I had to do much leg work initially, but the results worked. Eventually I had a client who recommended me to another person, and so on and so on, and that is how my practice grew.

I have also used the Internet as a tool in growing my practice and getting my name "out there", so to speak. I have a blog on which I write daily, http://holistic-counselor.blogspot.com/. I also write posts for other blogs and forums. My blog automatically posts to my Facebook page, as well as on my LinkedIn Forum. I use My Space and Twitter to invite followers to read my posts. I invite people to view my blog, suggest topics they would like covered, and comment on my posts. The results have been excellent. Virtually all my clients read my blog daily, and I have received emails from other followers asking for postings on topics they would like covered.

For those of you reading these blogs, the leg work may be substantial in the beginning, but pays off in the end. Don't skip the Internet. It can work for you as well.

Good luck in your endeavors!!