By Grace Lewis, Editorial Account Manager for Barbour Product Search

Most building product manufacturers will have heard of Twitter, but many (multi-nationals and SME’s alike) don’t have a presence and could be missing out on the business opportunities this social networking platform provides.

I’ve spoken to a few building product manufacturer ‘Tweeps’ to find out how Twitter has benefited their business – helping to promote their company, raise brand awareness and even generate leads.

1. Promote your company and products
Think of Twitter as another route to market. Many architects, contractors, interior designers and consultancies already use Twitter, so by posting about new press releases, case studies and other interesting content you can reach your customers and prospects easily.



With a limit of 140 characters for each tweet, messages are kept short and succinct, cutting out the waffle, enabling you to spread the message quickly and effectively.

PR agencies, journalists and editors also use Twitter to find fresh stories:



2. Increase brand awareness
Twitter is a great tool for ‘getting your name out there’ and increasing your company’s brand awareness. By informing your followers of the services and products you offer, and engaging with other users, you can establish your company as an expert within the Twitter community.



Sharing your company’s successes over Twitter helps your customers learn of the positive things you can offer.



And if your competitors are already using Twitter, and engaging with your potential customers, you may miss out on some great opportunities by not having a presence.

3. Build relationships and talk to your potential customers
Twitter allows you to communicate to your customers and potential customers on a personal level. Joining conversations and engaging with other users, either by replying to tweets or retweeting interesting content, are good ways of building new relationships and enhancing existing ones.



Newton Waterproofing Systems offers a good tip to help build loyal followers. Rather than relying on auto-notifications to thank people for following you, take the time to visit their website and offer relevant comments about pieces of content you find interesting or useful.

By starting a conversation with your followers straight away, you are more likely to be remembered if they need your services in the future.



4. Generate leads
By promoting your company and products, increasing your brand awareness and engaging with users, it is likely you will receive one or two leads along the way. In fact, all of the building manufacturers I spoke to had received at least one lead from Twitter.

You are also open to other Twitter users recommending your services – they can easily tag you in posts so you are notified and can follow up!



5. Increase traffic to your site
Adding a link to your tweets back to your website where appropriate is an easy way to increase traffic to your site – and hopefully returning visitors. It’s also great for your SEO.

6. Keep up-to-date with industry news
Twitter streams are full of blog posts, articles, news items and other interesting content from a wide range of people and companies within the construction industry. Follow key influencers in the marketplace to keep up to date with news and source useful articles.



Set up searches using programs such as Tweetdeck and Hootsuite to keep track of posts containing keywords that are important to you – you might gain insights that prove useful for moving your business forward.

And finally…
Twitter is rapidly becoming part of many manufacturers’ marketing strategies, and maybe one day, having a Twitter profile will become as fundamental as having a website or email address!

If you have a Premier Profile on Barbour Product Search, and a Twitter account (or any other social media) please let us know if we haven’t already created links and a twitter feed on your entry:



If you’re not already on Twitter, we hope to see you on the Twittersphere very soon – be sure to follow @barbournews for the latest product and industry news!

Further Information

For more information about Barbour Product Search, please contact us: editor@barbourproductsearch.info | 0151 353 3531 | @barbournews

SE Controls provides solutions for smoke ventilation, natural ventilation and window automation. View SE Controls' profile

Westbury offers bespoke garden rooms, conservatories and orangeries. View Westbury's profile

Newton Waterproofing Systems supplies structural waterproofing systems, water control and drainage products. View Newton Waterproofing Systems' profile

Glazing Vision manufactures Flushglaze rooflights, hinged rooflights and glazed roofs. View Glazing Vision's profile

Vincent Timber provides quality timber to the building and construction industry. View Vincent Timber's profile

Ahmarra designs and manufactures commercial and residential door solutions. View Ahmarra's profile