Twitter Benefits?

[Waxman]

My local Chamber O Commerce has a new director.

She sent out an email about chamber members promoting their business with Twitter.

Is this a good idea for carwashes and detail shops, in your opinion?

How has it worked for you presonally?

What types of things do you use it to promote, specifically?

Thanks!

 

[Bubbles Galore]

There are so many articles on this. I use my twitter account as a way to connect with current and future customers. I never do the direct sell approach as that people see that as spam. Twitter is about connecting with people in your area. I use it to drive traffic to my blog or start discussions on our facebook page. Every now and again I will toss out a special, but I don't over promote because that is not what it's about in my opinion. Mostly I'm just asking questions and promoting other local businesses and events that are happening in my area.

Here is my twitter account. It's a long term investment that needs to be babied a bit. You can't just run in there and expect 10 new clients a week, I can guarantee you that it won't work. I thoroughly endorse it, but with the previously mentioned caveats. If you sign up, let me know so that I can follow you for sure.

 

[RykoPro]

I would at least have a facebook page for your wash. Its free advertising.

 

[Waxman]

Yes, I should've mentioned that we do have a facebook account for the carwash.

The twitter idea would be in addition to facebook.

Looking into it still; thanks for the feedback.

 

[jprb]

I started a facebook page a few days ago. I suggested it to my friends, and it already has 113 "likes" on it. Several of them are not on my friend list, so it has already spread beyond my own friends! In a week or two, I'm going to try some specials, or give-a-ways, and see how it goes!

JPRB

 

[RykoPro]

Free advertising and it can be fun too! Good luck.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

Yesterday kicked off our city festival. For the parade we handed out coupons that contained the following deals:

-free dog was token for signing up to receive our newsletter.
-free car wash tokens for "liking" us on Facebook.
-$25 off any detailing service for following us on Twitter.

I have already received 25 more subscriptions for our newsletter and we increased in fans to up around 350 from 320 on Facebook. This type of marketing/interaction is the future of business, strike while its hot.

Just my .02

 

[pitzerwm]

I would suggest that you track the age of your customer on Facebook. I'm thinking that it is a 12-25 age group, it would be interesting to see if that is true.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

Primary demographic is 25-38. Just checked.

 

[pitzerwm]

That surprises me. Check your own numbers.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

Those are my numbers from my insights page on facebook.

 

[jprb]

100% of my fans (122 so far) are 25-44, with 75% female. They are mostly my actual friends that I have suggested the page to, so this may change if I advertise it at the washes.

JPRB

 

[RykoPro]

There are MANY people over 50 on Face Book! I have lots of older friends on there. About a year ago they were saying women in there 60's were going there in droves! My friends Dad, Dave Davies (lead guitarist of the Kinks) was on there the next week. 40-60 year old women are his primary demographic. Watch out though FB, is VERY addictive if you have interesting friends! I have met many wonderful people from all over the world through Face Book. Not a fan of Twitter but it seems to be fairly popular, I would use it if I were promoting a business since its free.