Facebook, your company’s blog, and Instagram aren’t the only places that you can efficiently market your company. You can do so in less than 140 characters, and for free, on Twitter. With multi-screen usage and marketing in real-time, it’s time to take a fresh look at what this innovative platform has to offer.

This micro-blogging platform is unique for several reasons. Firstly, it shares some of the characteristics of Facebook and LinkedIn, where you can share updated statuses with a click of the mouse. Secondly, you can share multiple contests, giveaways, or other marketing campaigns in real time, which enables users to connect with your brand and build user generated content, which is highly needed for a strong online presence. Here are four tips to get the most out of Twitter for your business.

Make it Exclusive

Everyone wants to feel important. Play into this need by offering Twixclusives, which is an offer exclusively available on Twitter. Everyone loves to save money, so give your Twitter audiences exclusive access to the latest savings and other goodies your company may be offering, including limited discounts, videos of a behind-the-scenes look at your biz, or Q&A sessions.

Tweet Regularly

The rule of thumb is to create five engaging tweets per day. This is a sign of an active and healthy account that will be sure to draw audiences in. When tweeting, remember that a picture is worth a thousand words. Most people tend to click on links in tweets if it includes a picture, so remember to use original photos that draw folks in.

Don’t be Afraid to Tweet Content

Your Twitter account can be a gateway to bigger and better things, such as the high quality content you post on your company’s blog. Try to share a new blog post at least three times a week. These posts can be about your services or goods, brand new products, or just highlighting your knowledge of the industry.

Giveaways and Contests

Keep the conversation going by offering Twitter contests, giveaways and prizes. Use a company-specific hashtag that is both recognizable and easy to share so that you can filter through the tweets to know who is participating. Use targeted audience promotions and give away prices that your followers will want or need.

Some other tips are to always follow people back, retweet statuses that are prevalent to your brand or company, and to engage audiences with polls, contests and question and answer sessions.

Using Twitter as a marketing campaign tool is both easy and very affordable. Keep it exclusive, tweet on the regular, use photos, and never underestimate the power of contests and giveaways. Happy tweeting!