How To Use Twitter For Referrals and Leads

Twitter is not designed for individual communication. It has its own messaging system, but it’s not commonly used, and tweets can only be 140 characters. Twitter is, however, designed for finding like-minded people through their hashtag search system. That means that you can easily find people who are interested in your products.

The first thing you need to decide is who you’re looking for – clients, partnerships, or both?

Partnerships

What you may not know is that Twitter does have an advanced search function that will allow you to search for people in your area only – just look for the “filter” option on the top left-hand side of the screen. Search for hashtags like #medicare, #healthcare, and #healthinsurance, or just type in keywords like “doctor’s office” and see what kind of profiles populate. You may find a doctor or pharmacy in your area.

The next step is to connect digitally with those people. Instead of automatically calling or emailing, try tweeting at them. It’s a good way to build a more casual relationship before you ask them for something. Alternatively, run searches on Google for hospitals, pharmacies, and doctor’s offices, then search on Twitter to see if they have a profile.

Clients

You’re bound to find thousands of people tweeting their complaints about doctors and waiting rooms. Take advantage of that – favorite those tweets or follow those people. It may send them to your profile, where they’ll see that you can help them. Which brings me to our next point…

Your Profile 

Twitter is not as professional as LinkedIn, and not as customizable as Facebook, but you still have some important creative decisions to make. For starters, your profile picture. You’ll want something professional, but not stiff. As in, maybe don’t be holding a beer in your profile picture, but it doesn’t have to be a professional headshot, either. It can be taken with a cell phone, as long as it’s clear and shows your friendly face.

Next, your bio. The first thing anyone should see when they visit your profile is what you can do for them. That’s what will make them stick around. Start with your career – consider a bio like this: “Insurance agent. Working hard to find the best possible plan for you and your family. Call now for an appointment.” Be as specific as possible without surpassing the character limit. What type of insurance do you sell? Make sure you include an email address or a phone number.

Your header photo matters as well. Leaving it with the default will not hurt you, but a more professional banner will help. Canva is one example of a free photo designer that you can use. Create a banner with your name and title, create a logo, or find another professional looking image that will fit in the header section of your Twitter profile.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to finding leads and gaining referrals through Twitter.