Build Your List with Twitter

When you think of Twitter, you may not think about list building. You probably think about instant messaging on steroids, building relationships via 140 character "tweets" that connect you to your followers and allow them to get to know you and your business.

And, Twitter can be used as a tool to build your email list as well.

Just like offering an "ethical bribe" to your web/blog visitors if they sign up for your ezine, you can offer Twitter followers a free report or e-course as a thank-you gift for following you. What's the difference? Following you on Twitter is much the same as subscribing to get your ezine.

The reason to get followers on to your list is so you can develop an even deeper relationship with and help move them to engage with you deep by becoming a client or customer.

So, how to you put this in place?

Here's how I've done it.  I just set this up so I don't have numbers to report yet, so we'll see how it goes.

First, you need to set up an account on Tweetlater.com. This great application allows you to set up what is essentially an autoresponder for Twitter and send an immediate welcome message to new followers. 

NOTE: you can set up the welcome message to be delivered as a public message or a direct (private) message.  Set it up as a direct message.

What are you going to give away? I decided to offer a report that we normally only sell, so it's not available anywhere else for free.  It's a 44 page, detailed, edited transcript about how to use a blog to write and market a book. We, The Blog Squad , were interviewed by our mentor Tom Antion. The value is $37.

Whether you're selling or giving something away, you need a system to collect email addresses and deliver the product.  We use KickStartCart. I set up:

• A series of autoresponders to thank the person for requesting the report plus 3 follow up messages with more useful info and ways they can learn more about The Blog Squad
• A $0 product that delivers the report digitally. It's secure so only the person who makes the request can download the report

I also created a simple web page where the new follower is directed to get info about the complimentary report and a second web page they are directed to after they submit their contact info, thanking them for getting the report and giving them an unannounced extra bonus!

Next, I logged into my Tweetlater account and set up my welcome message. You only get 120 characters so you must be creative, especially since you have to include the URL for the web page that they go to sign up for your report.

Thank the person for following and give them the info to get the report.

One more important step.

You must update your Twitter profile to let prospective followers know you have a gift for them!

Click on Settings and update your One Line Bio to reflect your offer. Again, you have to be creative. You only have 160 characters!

Want to see how it all flows? Follow me on Twitter and get your copy of The Blog Squad's report on how to use a blog to write and market your book (or info product, or speech, or e-course, it works for any type of information product you are creating!).

I'd love to hear how you use Twitter to build your list. Click on the Comment link to share your success stories.

Comments

[JoLynn Braley]

Wow Denise, that is really an awesome idea, one that I haven't seen anyone else doing. Thank you, You Rock!!

[Mari Smith]

Great strategy, Denise!!! Way to go.

I've seen a few IMers use this approach - some are hesitant to include an opt-in box, but why not, eh!? :) The right peeps will click through.

Cheers,
Mari
@marismith

[Grant Griffiths]

What a great idea and thanks for sharing. I am going to put this to the test ASAP.

[Denise aka The Blog Squad]

I want to be very clear. I did not make this tactic up. I believe @Rick_Butts is using using Twitter to deliver a bonus and probably some other folks too.

However, I like the idea and thinks there's some power to it.

@marismith makes a good point about the opt-in box, but my feeling is that if you want the info, you can give me your email address. It's a way of dis-qualifying people as much as inviting them to be on your list. You can always unsub when you want to.

[Iyabo Asani]

I use twitter like this: After I have followed someone for some time. If I like what they say, I then check out their website in their profile. I visit about 3 to 5 new people like this two or three days a week as time permits. Then, if I like what they have to say, I leave a positive comment for them.

I recently wrote a blog entry on authentic internet marketing. So if they are authentic, i.e. like you guys the blog squad, where I can come and read something like this and get good valuable information out of it, then I make mention of the entry on my blog.

We all love blog comments. So that is how I take my relationship with them beyond Twitter. And I also try and connect with them on facebook.

Thanks for this post. It is wise and informative.

Iyabo Asani.
www.Blog.AuthenticChangeAgent.com

[Antonia Teixeira]

Thanks for the great information. I've been wondering how, since I started on Twitter, to migrate folks who are interested onto my list. What a great way to introduce the "ethical bribe" to quote Alex Mandossian.

[Lisa Braithwaite]

Love this idea, Denise, and I'm going to try it out!

[John Trosko]

Denise, I've known you and Patsi for years, and your tips are as fresh now as they were back then! Such great information!

[Laura Christianson]

Cool idea, Denise. I'm gonna try it... as soon as I get that free report written!

Laura Christianson
co-founder, HeBlogsSheBlogs.com

[Lucky Balaraman]

Outstanding ideas that I have immediately started putting into practice.

Your "welcome message offering free report" idea is invaluable. Thanks for sharing!