Whether you like it or not, major companies are now using Twitter as a branding tool and to communicate with their customer base. Some of them don’t have a clue, and only Tweet their sales links, or promotions that serve only them. Others though, really ‘get’ it, and are using their Twitter profiles to really build a reputation for themselves and truly connect with their clients and customers.

Some of the best examples of major brands that use Twitter in a savvy manner are Starbucks and Dell. If you take a look at their updates, you will see that they truly interact with their followers. Answering questions, retweeting, ASKING questions, and just really engaging with their followers are all excellent ways to make them feel connected.

This is the very same thing you should be doing with your business when striving to brand yourself. Ask questions. Answer questions. Give feedback, offer insight, interact. Don’t just post random marketing messages, and links to your products. Don’t fill up the time line with a ton of links and nothing of value. And don’t forget to support your followers and their own endeavors by retweeting those things you find of interest, or valuable, or that you believe in.

Your followers will appreciate you for taking the time to help them promote their own stuff, or for mentioning them or something inspiring they said to your own follower base. It makes them feel good, and they will then return the favor for you. Think of the relationship between you and your followers similar to that of a family. What you give and put in, you get back ten fold.

Twitter is such an amazing way to build a name for yourself in your business or industry, when used properly. Take the time to study successful Tweeps who are using it in inspiring ways, and model your own efforts after them. You will soon be amazed at the results and response you get! Happy Tweeting!