Twitter is different to Facebook in many ways. The concept of Twitter is far simpler and more limited in its functionality. Here is our guide to using it in your business.

When you first start using twitter, it appears quite confusing and it isnt obvious what you are supposed to do! Your first step, after you have signed up at www.twitter.com is to complete your profile in order to tell people about yourself. You need to do this so that people know who they are 'following' when they 'follow' up on Twitter.

Secondly you need to find som people who you want to 'follow'. Search for people who you know or famous people who you have an interest in following. You can always invite people you know to Twitter using the invite by email feature. Following people is important as it makes them aware you are on Twitter and very often they will reciprocate and follow you.

Finally you need to make your first Tweet! You have 140 charactors to make a brief statement about yourself, what you are up to or what you are thinking about. Or something you think will stimulate discussion. If you are not sure what to put, read other tweets and you will soon get the idea. Remember you can put links in to articles and pages on your own Website and other blogs etc.

Twitter is made more powerful and effective when used with other third party applications that enable you to use it on Facebook or mobile phones etc. The most popular application available is Tweetdeck - www.tweetdeck.com. This software helps you organise the people you are following and view their tweets.

We recommend you get familiar with the basics before you start trying to market your business on Twitter. You need to keep it subtle, tweet often and with useful information. Then, occassionaly slip in promotions or gentle prompts to visit your Website. Remember, dont abuse Twitter by blatently pushing your wares. Nobody likes to be spammed with constant company promotions.

We feel that for the average small business, Facebook offers more opportunities to market on-line. However, don't dismiss it without trying it first! Go on, join the social networking internet trend and make your first Tweet!