Marketing on X (Twitter)—Real-Time Strategies for Real Results
Lovely Rose Enad - November 20, 2024
Ever felt like your social media efforts are more like shouting into the void than engaging with customers? You’re not alone. Many eCommerce business owners find connecting meaningfully difficult on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). In this post, we’ll explore practical strategies to enhance your presence on X, from crafting engaging content to leveraging advertising effectively. Let’s dive into actionable steps to make marketing on X (Twitter) more impactful.
Why Marketing on X Still Matters
X remains a hub for active discussions and breaking news. Despite a 20% drop in engagement rates and brands tweeting 15% less frequently, the platform still boasts a highly educated and affluent audience. About 49% of users earn more than $70,000 annually, and nearly 30% are college graduates. If your target customers fall into these demographics, marketing on X can still pack a punch.
That said, standing out requires adapting your content strategy to the platform’s evolving dynamics. It’s all about fostering meaningful interactions—not just broadcasting updates into the void.
What Works for Marketing on X (Twitter)
1. Engaging, Platform-Specific Content
The days of cross-posting generic content are long gone. Audiences on X crave posts that feel authentic and are designed specifically for the platform. Whether it’s a witty one-liner or an eye-catching image, your content should encourage retweets and replies.
Pro Tip: Use polls and Q&A threads. Interactive content drives higher engagement and keeps your brand top-of-mind for your followers. Twitter Spaces—a live audio feature—also opens up opportunities for real-time, interactive discussions.
2. Lean Into Timely Promotions
X thrives on immediacy. Use trending hashtags or cultural moments to position your products or services as relevant and relatable. For instance, an eCommerce store selling fitness gear could jump into conversations around #MondayMotivation with a discount code.
Pro Tip: Monitor trending hashtags and current events to align your promotions with ongoing conversations. This approach enhances your brand’s visibility and relevance, making your content more engaging and shareable. For example, if a significant sports event is trending, a timely promotion related to that event can capture the audience’s attention and drive engagement.
The Cost of Advertising on X
Advertising on X is a budget-friendly option for businesses testing the waters. With a cost per click ranging from $0.26 to $0.50, X’s ad prices are competitive, especially compared to LinkedIn. Promoted accounts cost around $1.01 to $2 per follow, making it a viable platform for growing your audience without blowing your budget.
However, keep in mind that ROI varies based on your campaign goals. X is excellent for brand awareness and engagement but less consistent for direct conversions compared to the top converting social media platforms of 2024 like TikTok and Pinterest.
Who’s on X: Demographics at a Glance
To fine-tune your B2B social media marketing strategy, understanding the demographics on X is crucial.
- Gender: 60.9% male users.
- Age: Most popular among users aged 25-34.
- Income: 49% of users earn $70,000+.
If these numbers align with your target audience, marketing on X should remain a cornerstone of your strategy.
Threads or Twitter? Which is Better?
While X excels in real-time engagement and concise messaging, Instagram Threads focuses on building tighter-knit communities. Threads allows brands to create extended narratives that complement visual storytelling. Threads might be worth exploring if your eCommerce business thrives on aesthetics and long-form engagement.
On the other hand, if fast-paced conversations and trending topics define your marketing goals, X continues to be the go-to platform. Each serves a distinct purpose—it’s all about aligning your strategy with the platform’s strengths.
X vs. Other Platforms: Where Does It Fit?
TikTok and Pinterest
While X is perfect for real-time updates, TikTok and Pinterest dominate in driving conversions. TikTok’s industry-wide conversion rate of 1% and Pinterest’s impressive 8% conversion rates in certain industries make them standout choices for direct sales campaigns.
Facebook and Instagram
If your target demographic prefers a mix of video and static content, Facebook and Instagram remain versatile options. Their larger user bases and advertising tools allow businesses to diversify content formats for maximum reach.
For B2B eCommerce owners, LinkedIn offers access to decision-makers and niche professional communities. It’s a slower burn than X but yields high-quality leads over time.
Trends Shaping Marketing on X (Twitter)
A solid B2B social media marketing strategy—like SEO, takes time to show results. Quick wins are rare, but consistent effort builds momentum. On X, trends like interactive content and data-driven decisions highlight the importance of staying adaptable while nurturing genuine connections with your audience. Let’s look at why patience and persistence are critical to making your X strategy work.
Interactive Content is Key
Polls, live Q&A sessions, and Spaces are helping brands drive deeper engagement. These tools foster a sense of connection, especially for businesses that want to appear approachable.
Data-Driven Decisions
Use analytics to tweak your strategy. Monitor metrics like engagement rates, impressions, and follower growth regularly. Staying agile ensures that you remain relevant amidst ever-changing platform dynamics.
Why Patience Pays Off
Think of your X strategy as a long-term investment. Engagement won’t skyrocket overnight, but consistent, targeted efforts will pay off in brand loyalty and audience growth.
When to Explore Alternatives
If engagement on X doesn’t align with your marketing goals, consider redirecting efforts to platforms like Instagram Threads or TikTok. While X shines in real-time interactions, some businesses find better ROI on platforms more suited to their content style or audience.
For instance, TikTok’s short-form videos are perfect for brands targeting younger demographics with creative content, while Instagram Threads fosters close-knit community engagement. Assessing where your audience spends their time and how they prefer to interact can guide you to the platform that best fits your marketing objectives.
Marketing on X—How Hard Can It Be?
Success on X isn’t about flooding timelines with promotional tweets—it’s about creating conversations that matter. A well-thought-out content strategy, budget-conscious advertising, and regular adaptation to trends can help your eCommerce business stay ahead in the fast-paced social media landscape.
Start small, measure your success, and always keep the conversation flowing—because that’s what X does best.
Lovely Rose Enad
Lovely Rose is a dynamic mother, wife, and content writer who brings her creative expertise to the world of ecommerce. With a background in writing for various businesses, she has a deep understanding of the industry and a knack for crafting engaging and informative content. When she's not working, you can find her pounding the pavement and staying active, always striving for a healthy balance between work and play.
