While Twitter is a great tool for social media marketing, it doesn’t come without its disadvantages. The social media networks make it very possible for people to have a dig at your company or make a complaint.

So how should you deal with this type of negative tweeting? Here we bring you a guide to dealing with the less favourable tweepers.
Don’t get angry: It’s very easy to get immediately hot-headed and annoyed over someone’s complaint, especially if it hasn’t been your fault. But be careful not to jump in with a frustrated tweet. Remember that Twitter posts can be read by everyone.

Be attentive: It’s important to show you care so make a prompt reply, but one that is thought out. If someone is complaining about a product or service then explain it to them. If they have a genuine complaint then ensure you dealwith it in a mannerly way and make the best amends possible.

Is 140 characters enough? Twitter posts can often seem short and pointed. This is not the best format for an explanation or an apology. Why not reply instead by email or by phone?

Some things are best left: Every business will have its anti-fans. This is just part of life and you can’t please everyone all of the time. If the tweet is unreasonable or impossible, but it’s not a direct complaint about your business or your service, then you could just leave it. There is a difference between a true complaint and someone who has simply decided to diss your company.

If you would like to know more about social media packages and web design, then speak to WebCreationUK, you can also follow us on Twitter.

We have blogged a lot recently about how to get started with your on-line marketing strategy and here we bring you two more important tips:

On-line networking/directory websites

Having your profile/account/portfolio on any of the free networking sites, such as Twitter, Facebook or Linkedin will help to get your name out into the social networking arena.

Twitter is one of the best places for building connections and relationships with brands and other people, even some people who are considered really important in your field. You just wouldn’t get the same opportunity to connect with such people in the off-line world.

It’s also worth attending Meetups, Tweetups and Conferences, where you actually meet In Real Life (IRL).

Post in forums

Spend some time posting on forums on websites that are relevant to your field. This will help to build relations and trust that may bring you new clients or customers.

One thing to note, however, is that Facebook still has seven to eight times more visitors than Twitter so perhaps that’s where you should start.

Still, Twitter is growing fast so there is value in getting not the tweeting groove. Just make sure you stick with the rules:

•    Make sure there’s a hook – a reason to listen to you
•    Offer a benefit – why people should act
•    Be clear, concise and to the point
•    Keep below 140 characters (120-130 characters is best)
•    Use a shortened URL
•    Include a request for a re-Tweet (Plz RT)

Go on, join the social media marketing trend – and then tell us how you get on. Or don’t. (Maybe you’ll want to keep your social media marketing techniques to yourself!)