Today we do a short and quick intro to Twitter.  Plus, there’s a promotional opportunity for those of you Twitter Veterans at the end.

But First: A little update!

We now have a blog associated with this newsletter.  We talked about it last week because an issue of archiving was going to become an issue.  It’s fairly simple and bare-bones and will evolve as needed.  This does give you a few more options as for staying up to date with the promotional opportunities and marketing advice for your photography business.

You can now sign up via RSS, or through our Twitter account.  Please feel free to visit the site and tell me what you think.  It’s at YourPhotoPromo.com

Twitter

The main idea behind your online marketing begins with networking.  This is simple insofar as branding, selling, and marketing are concerned.  Not everyone is on Twitter, but the most influential and vocal people are.  They are the ones that can help you increase your reach and brand if you’ve got the goods.

Twitter is one of the most misunderstood platforms for many people who just don’t “get it”.  The various terminology that comes with becoming a Twitter user doesn’t help.  People would lock us all up if we talked like that in real life.  Or would they?

How can Twitter benefit a photographer?

We go back to networking.  Having a network of photographers that you follow and that follow you back is going to be key to increasing your reach online.  It comes in many forms.  In click throughs to the links you share amongst those that directly follow you.  It comes in ReTweets when your social circle shares with their followers the links you initially shared with them. 

Your reach can be massive. 

It can increase your Authority as a photographer in the online space. 

Why it’s important to follow photographers

Other photographers on Twitter are sharing interesting content from around the net.  They are having conversations.  They are asking and answering questions.  They are building their networks.

If you have an issue with your equipment you might be able to tweet your problem and get an answer from someone who has had that same problem and has the solution for you.  You can get introductions to people that could greatly increase your chances of making your next sale or landing your next client.

Who you should follow depends on your marketing concerns. 

If you’re a wedding or portrait photographer I would suggest following photographers of course as well as people in your local area.  Most likely they’ll notice you followed them and they’ll follow you back.  Even if they don’t, it helps keep you in the loop for things that are going on in your market area.

If you’re a fine art photographer you might consider following art buyers and marketers.  This of course can be local and global. 

If you’re a stock photographer your probably wanting to follow other stock photographers and stock agencies to keep an eye on the pulse.

Follow people like you!

It doesn’t have to be all business.  Some will argue that it should, but I’m an advocate in letting your personal side show through.  I’ve always felt that people like to buy from people.  Not businesses.  That’s what I learned when I was working in sales.  Make yourself personal and interesting.

If you’re curious about finding photographers to follow I’d suggest starting at WeFollow and use search tags like photographer and photography to find some of the most influential Tweeple out there. 

What to tweet about.

Tweet what your working on.  Just finished an awesome shoot for a big name client?  As long as there isn’t an NDA tweet about it.  It shows your busy and in demand.  Tweet about a cool blog post you just read and include the link. 

Next week I’ll be sharing on my photo tips site a list of some of the best photographers on Twitter to follow and I’d like your help.  As always, there’s exposure to be had.

If you’re a Twitter Photographer expert you probably have a few favorite Twitter Photographers that you follow.  Suggest them to me.  Send me an email with three suggestions on photographers to follow on Twitter and I’ll link to your Twitter profile in the post.  Good for gaining followers.

Here’s what I need:

1. One to three photographers you think every photographer should follow.  You can send me the link directly to their twitter profile or simply their @name.  Doesn’t matter.
2. Tell me (or rather my readers) why they should follow them.  In keeping with the Twitter theme it should be kept to 140 characters or less. 
3. Don’t forget your twitter profile so that you can get credit.
4. Send it to damien[at]yourphototips[dot]com

Deadline: Wednesday 11/25/2009 Midnight CST

Bonus:

Anyone who chooses to participate in this promotional piece also gets a spot on our Suggested Twitter Photographers roll call we’ll be adding to the sidebar of our new blog YourPhotoPromo.com.

Don’t forget that if you have any questions I’m always available and happy to respond.  Suggestions are welcome as well.