Please welcome a new contributor, Jonathan Bentz with ProspectMX
This is the first post about using Twitter – more to come!

 What Are You Doing?

If you are still trying to figure out why I led with this question, then you aren’t using Twitter. Twitter is a ‘Micro-Blogging’ website. Imagine having your own blogspace and having to speak your mind in ONLY 140 CHARACTERS. Tell people what you’re doing, and follow people that interest you. Likewise, other people can follow you and find out what you’re doing. 

I’ve been using Twitter since January. According to Compete.com, Twitter is now one of the top 400 sites on the web, with nearly 4 million visitors a month. In recent months, CNN & FOX News have been watching twitter streams for real time reaction to national news. In some cases, CNN has even received breaking news from Twitter. 

Should real estate agents be using Twitter? 1000’s currently are using it to communicate with each other, and prospective clients. Twitter-user PollyBriley, a Wisconsin real estate agent, offered two reasons when I asked my network:

“the learning and social aspects from other REALTORS®; I meet lots of local folks I might never have met otherwise.”

So you want to get started? Here’s how:

• Register at the site with a branded username (your city name with the word “realestate” might be a good choice)
• Take time to fill out your profile and create/upload a background

Things to remember when using Twitter:

• It’s ok to link to your blog, company site, or photo page in your Twitter profile.
• Speak your mind and be yourself. Continue conversations with other Twitter-users (aka tweeps).
• DO NOT use twitter to only promote a free CMA or continuously send links to your site.

Be aware that Twitter can become addicting, but it is also an awesome tool for communicating with your target market. There are people EVERYWHERE using Twitter in a variety of age ranges. If you can become one of the most vocal Twitter users in your area, you can build up credibility and familiarity with your market very quickly.

Like blogging, “Twittering” is an awesome tool for communicating with potential clients. Use it the right way without sounding like a salesman in your conversations, and prospecting can become much easier. 

For more tips on how to use Twitter, feel free to follow me and drop me a message. I can be found on Twitter @gmhv_bentz.

Jonathan Bentz is a link building expert and social media geek for ProspectMX, a Pennsylvania internet marketing company. Previously, Bentz worked in marketing at a luxury resort located in Western Pennsylvania and managed their website to a substantial increase in site visits and online bookings.  He has experience in e-mail marketing, organic search optimization, moderating message boards, and developing site content plans for a variety of web clients.