Twitter is being talked about all over the world. In fact, the application has now been around for some time and each day new uses are found for this blog like tool. As a marketer, I’ve been wondering about the uses of Twitter and how it might be used to help my business.

It wasn’t all that long until I opened up my own account on Twitter. This was mainly due to curiosity and the fact that Twitter like discussions are happening throughout the internet. I quickly found out that Twitter operates like many other social media sites and web tool in that it is a communication vehicle that helps you communicate to your niche in real time.

One of the key aspects of Twitter that is so vital to me is the ability to stay on top of information in my industry. With so many information sources out there, its impossible to consume it all. By following certain individuals in positions of influence within the industry I can quickly find out whats worth my time and what isn’t. More importantly, I can access information that’s been referred from others I trust versus simply trying to locate it on my own.

In addition to following people and the industry information they’re sharing, you can also find others who bring value to your day. Whether its connecting with someone who is funny or provides you with daily thought, your list of people to follow is completely in your control. This gives you a great deal of flexibility and also allows you to filter information that you want to receive.

Once you’ve gotten comfortable with Twitter, its time to start building a following. Just you follow others, others may want to follow you. The best place to begin is by adding quality posts on a regular basis. What are you reading that may be of interest to others? What web sites are you visiting on a regular basis? Share those things that provide value to others and you will quickly create a large list of followers. Once you have a list, you can begin to utilize your list of followers much like you would a direct marketing house list.

After building a solid list that is comprised of followers that value what you have to say and offer by way of free information, consider how you can encourage them to move through your purchase process. One tip is to offer free information that they can register for or download from your site. Be sure to use an auto responder to help move them through to the purchase of a product or service you or your company has to offer. This is one of many ways to benefit from Twitter.

Think of Twitter as direct marketing on steroids. You are building a following and your goal is to provide value first and sell letter. By creating a list of followers, you are in essence building a house list of those who are interested in what you have to say. This is essential for those who want to succeed online.