Trending on Twitter can feel like hitting the proverbial lottery. One minute you’re scrolling through tweets about your favorite show, and the next you find yourself in a rabbit hole of memes about a random yacht party. But while the internet’s sense of humor is unpredictable, there’s nothing funny about missing a chance to ride the coattails of a trending topic. If you’ve ever wondered what is viral marketing and how brands tap into these explosive moments, trending on Twitter is often the answer. To help you make the most of these opportunities, we’ve compiled a guide on how to trend on Twitter quickly. This will help you understand the ropes of Twitter trends and give you actionable tips for getting your content in front of a larger audience.
Table Of Contents
- Benefits of Twitter Marketing
- How to Trend on Twitter Quickly in 12 Simple Steps
- 10 Content Ideas to Trend on Twitter
- 10 Businesses Using Twitter for Marketing
- Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo
Benefits of Twitter Marketing
Twitter is often dismissed as a platform for random thoughts and celebrity gossip. But this social media network has evolved into a powerful marketing tool. Here are 10 reasons to use Twitter for your business.
1. Direct Messaging Creates Genuine Connections
Twitter’s direct messaging feature is similar to other social media platforms. However, there’s one significant difference: To send a direct message, both users must follow each other (unless one account has its settings adjusted to allow open messaging).
This requirement may seem like a barrier for marketers trying to reach influencers or industry leaders, but it enhances the value of direct messages (DMs). Because both parties have opted to follow each other, direct messages feel more personal and authentic. This can lead to more meaningful conversations that build trust and rapport rather than generic outreach that feels spammy.
2. Tags Encourage Engagement
On Twitter, the @ symbol is crucial for notifying other users about a tweet. When a brand tags an influencer or customer in a post, it’s almost guaranteed to reach that person’s eyes and potentially their followers, too. Tags also provide easy attribution for sharing quotes, articles or other content.
3. Posting Multiple Times Per Day Is Expected, Not Annoying
Unlike Instagram, where overposting can alienate followers, Twitter is different. Research shows that brands can and should tweet up to 15 times daily without annoying their audience. Why? Because Twitter is still broadly chronological, a tweet’s lifespan is short. Regular posting helps keep your brand at the top of your mind in a crowded feed. This also allows marketers to experiment with various content that engages followers differently, from polls to images to video.
4. Twitter Best Showcases Your Brand Voice
With a more robust posting schedule, Twitter is a network where a brand can develop its voice and public personality. Tweets can have an authoritative voice or even a sassy tone depending on the industry. Fast food companies have revolutionized branding with Twitter in an especially notable (and comedic) way, from the rap battle between Wendy’s and Wingstop to the clapbacks from Taco Bell.
Even forgotten brands like MoonPie have been resurrected via Twitter; now MoonPie has a strong following of 279,000 that look forward to its self-deprecating humor daily. Your consistent brand voice is also archived for prospective customers using Twitter to research how you interact with your followers. Twitter’s open format leaves nothing to the imagination, and some have experienced the fallout when old, problematic tweets resurface at inopportune times.
5. Anyone Can Go Viral
One of the best parts of Twitter is its capability to spread a message like wildfire. Anyone who uses the platform regularly sees multiple tweets per day reach viral status because they’re funny, relatable, or newsworthy. Those tweets can come from anyone, no matter how few followers they have. Brands can similarly go viral with a tweet, which immediately increases reach, traffic, and conversions. All it takes is a well-timed post that resonates. The sky—or, should we say, the 280-character count is the limit.
6. Influencers Can Boost Your Campaigns
In 2019, there’s no doubting the power of the influencer, a modern-day social media celebrity. Marketers have found that influencer campaigns yield an average return of around $7.65 for every $1 spent. However, Instagram is oversaturated with individuals pushing products, making influencer campaigns much fresher on other social networking sites.
Twitter, in particular, has massive potential for marketers. That’s because there’s a 2x increase in purchase intent when consumers see tweets from brands and influencers. Also, 49% of Twitter users responded that they rely on recommendations from influencers, and 40% have purchased solely based on an influencer's tweet. The numbers don’t lie; they show an opportunity marketers can’t find in many other places.
7. Your Profile Will Drive Traffic to Your Site
Social media profiles are the new homepage. [Tweet this] As mentioned earlier, Twitter is the place to develop and showcase a brand voice, so users will often visit a brand’s Twitter profile to get a better feel for the brand. About half the time, that visit will inspire further research because 47% of the people who visit a Twitter profile also visit the website linked to that profile. Marketers should remember that brand voice should be consistent and seamless across channels, so a playful Twitter account shouldn’t lead to a landing page with overly serious language. Otherwise, consumers will end up confused and leave the page without converting.
8. Follower Insights Help You Develop Your Follower Persona
Twitter users are given native analytics within the platform, and they’re some of the best across social media sites. In particular, the Audiences tab helps marketers paint a picture of their average follower. Audiences have four categories: Demographics, Lifestyle, Consumer Behavior, and Mobile Footprint. The data delivers insight into your followers and their interests and how they interact with brands, which is helpful to know before launching a campaign. With your follower persona in mind, you can aim directly for Twitter users who match the kind of people following you already.
9. Advertising Spend Is Low & Effective
Advertising on Twitter costs as little as one dollar per day, but its real strength is optimization. Twitter Ads guides marketers of all experience levels through the campaign creation by suggesting parameters to maximize impact. Then, if the setting is selected, the platform will pace spending based on results to ensure marketers aren’t spending unnecessarily. As you gain experience, you can also experiment with A/B testing, using different campaign types or other settings. It’s customizable and incredibly user-friendly. The best part? Independent research shows that Twitter marketing campaigns can deliver 40% higher return on investment when compared to other media channels.
10. Community Management Is Possible With Branded Hashtags
Hashtags are still the king of social media discovery tools, especially when marketers use branded hashtags. Created by brands to give consumers a way to share their experiences on social channels, branded hashtags comprise 70% of the total hashtag landscape. Marketers can use these niche spaces to follow their brand communities online easily. Whether it’s to participate in a Twitter conversation or to find user-generated content for future tweets, there’s tremendous potential.
How to Trend on Twitter Quickly in 12 Simple Steps
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2. Optimize Timing and Target Audience
To maximize engagement on Twitter, it’s crucial to understand when your audience is online. Weekends and evenings may be ideal for casual posts, while weekdays work better for professional content. Researching trending hashtags will improve your tweet’s visibility, as will tapping into current events and popular topics with your own unique take.
3. Analyze Successful Viral Posts
Studying previous viral tweets can reveal valuable insights into what content resonates with users. Did a particular post gain traction due to its humor, relatability, or unique perspective? Understanding the elements contributing to a tweet’s success can inform your strategy for creating shareable content.
4. Stay Ahead of Trending Topics
Joining conversations around trending topics can boost your tweet’s visibility and engagement. However, acting quickly and thoughtfully is essential, as viral trends can be fleeting. Use relevant hashtags to categorize your content, and ensure your contribution to the discussion is original and insightful.
5. Foster User Interaction and Collaboration
Engagement is key on Twitter. Actively respond to comments on your posts, ask questions, and participate in broader discussions to connect with your audience. Tagging influencers or relevant accounts can broaden your reach, while Twitter threads serve as a platform for deeper storytelling and ongoing engagement.
6. Be Authentic and Original
Strive to create unique content that reflects your voice and perspective, rather than imitating others. While it can be tempting to replicate successful posts, doing so risks diluting your brand and frustrating audiences. Focus on authenticity to foster deeper connections and increase your chances of going viral.
7. Use Visual Content to Increase Engagement
Tweets that include images, GIFs, or videos receive higher engagement than text-only posts. Eye-catching visuals can help your content stand out in crowded feeds, and there are numerous free online tools for creating high-quality graphics tailored to Twitter.
8. Continue Engaging in Reply Sections
To maximize your tweet’s visibility, it’s crucial to generate ongoing conversations in the reply section. The platform’s algorithm favors posts with high engagement, so respond to comments on your tweets promptly and thoughtfully. This will encourage further interaction and help your post reach a wider audience.
9. Host Polls and Contests to Drive Engagement
People love competition, and contests or polls can generate excitement and connection among your audience. Choose questions or themes that resonate with your followers, and offer enticing prizes to encourage participation. These initiatives will promote engagement and foster conversations around your brand.
10. Create High-Quality, Engaging Threads
Twitter threads are an effective way to share longer-form content or in-depth insights while bypassing the platform’s character limit. To capture attention, craft compelling openings that entice users to continue reading. Use visuals, bullet points, or emojis to break up text and maintain interest throughout.
11. Ride the Wave of Reply Interactions
Virality can sometimes stem from unexpected interactions, such as engaging in reply threads to popular tweets. Avoid generic comments and instead contribute unique perspectives, humor, or thoughtful insights. These interactions can increase the visibility of your profile and content.
12. Embrace User-Generated Content
Encourage your audience to create and share content related to your brand using designated hashtags. This fosters community and provides you with authentic materials to showcase. To facilitate participation, offer clear guidelines on engaging, and create catchy hashtags that are easy to remember and use.
Related Reading
- What Is Considered Viral on Twitter
- How Many Likes Is Viral
- How Many Views Is Viral on Twitter
- Importance of Viral Marketing
- What Does Going Viral Mean
- Content Marketing Storytelling
- Core Components of Modern Marketing
- Storytelling Marketing Examples
10 Content Ideas to Trend on Twitter
1. Infographics: Visual Data That Pops
Infographics excel at making complex information digestible and visually appealing. They combine graphics and data, making them shareable on social media. To create a viral infographic, focus on a relevant topic, back it with data, and ensure easy sharing.
2. Run a Giveaway: Contests That Boost Engagement
Giveaways generate excitement and encourage sharing. To go viral, keep the entry simple, make it fun, and promote it widely on social media. Use hashtags for discoverability and encourage participants to tag friends for extended reach.
3. Puzzles: Engage Followers with Fun Challenges
Puzzles spark interest and sharing. Tailor them to your audience, whether pop culture references for millennials or history for baby boomers. Add a contest element for interaction, asking followers to submit answers for a chance to win.
4. Memes: Humor That Connects
Memes are cultural commentary that resonates with audiences. They are highly shareable and can boost brand awareness. To create viral memes, use bold fonts and images to make them funny, relevant, and visually appealing.
5. Listicles: Shareable, Easy-to-Read Content
Listicles are articles structured as lists, making them scannable and shareable. Choose relevant topics, add visuals, and incorporate humor to enhance virality. Catchy headlines also attract clicks and shares.
6. Motivational Content: Inspire and Engage
Motivational posts, such as quotes or stories, resonate with audiences and prompt shares. To create viral motivation, tie it to current events or trends for added relevance.
7. Host a Challenge: Encourage Participation and Sharing
Social media challenges can go viral if they are unique and engaging. Create clear rules, monitor progress, and promote sharing. Announce winners to encourage future participation.
8. How-to Tutorials: Teach and Inspire Sharing
Tutorials provide practical value and are highly shareable. To enhance the learning experience, use engaging visuals and straightforward steps. Promoting your tutorial across platforms maximizes its reach.
9. Quizzes: Interactive Fun That Sparks Sharing
Quizzes are entertaining and easy to share, making them ideal for going viral. Use engaging questions that resonate with your audience, and promote widely across platforms for maximum reach.
10. Do a Poll: Simple Engagement with Big Reach
Polls prompt interaction and sharing, making them ideal for going viral. Use engaging questions or “This or That” formats to encourage participation. Promote widely for maximum reach.
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10 Businesses Using Twitter for Marketing
Starbucks: Mastering the Art of Engagement
Starbucks stands out for its ability to connect with customers by tapping into current events, whether lighthearted or controversial. For example, the 2015 debate over the brand’s red holiday cups sparked a social media frenzy. Starbucks responded by showcasing the cups in various forms and updating its Twitter header image accordingly.
The brand consistently uses various media types, including photos, videos, and GIFs, to engage followers and incorporates hashtags in every tweet to maximize reach. In addition, Starbucks actively retweets and interacts with followers, fostering a strong sense of community.
2. PlayStation: A Dynamic Approach to Twitter
With nearly 9 million followers, PlayStation maintains a dynamic Twitter presence by posting links, videos, and text updates. The brand actively engages with fans through retweets and has effectively utilized pinned tweets for promotions, enhancing visibility and engagement.
3. Samsung Mobile US: Consistency Is Key
Samsung’s Twitter strategy involves sharing a wide variety of content, including retweets and well-curated hashtags (typically one or two per tweet). Their consistent and diverse content approach keeps followers engaged and informed.
4. Whole Foods: Educating the Audience
Whole Foods focuses on educating rather than just selling. They share recipes and cooking tips, providing valuable content that resonates with their health-conscious audience. This strategy positions them as a helpful resource, strengthening customer relationships.
5. Sony: Cross-Promotion Boosts Visibility
Sony leverages cross-promotion by retweeting content from its various divisions, such as music, movies, and electronics. This strategy increases exposure and showcases the brand’s diverse offerings, enhancing its overall Twitter footprint.
6. Michael Kors: High-Quality Imagery Reflects Brand Identity
Michael Kors effectively uses Twitter to reflect its brand’s sophistication. Posting a wide array of high-quality images captures attention and encourages retweets, reinforcing their brand identity and appeal.
7. McDonald’s: Promoting Campaigns and Engaging Fans
McDonald’s utilizes Twitter to promote various campaigns, such as all-day breakfast, by updating their cover photo and creating specific hashtags. However, their posting frequency is relatively low, with only a few weekly tweets indicating room for increased engagement.
8. Calvin Klein: Celebrity Endorsements and Brand Visibility
Calvin Klein’s Twitter strategy includes promotional posts and celebrity endorsements. While their tweets are less frequent, they effectively highlight celebrities wearing their products, enhancing brand visibility.
9. Etsy: Celebrating Creativity with Humor and Community Engagement
Etsy showcases a diverse range of products on Twitter, appealing to a broad audience. They are adept at retweeting followers and infusing humor into their posts, making their content relatable and engaging.
10. Nintendo of America: Engaging Content and Community Connection
Nintendo maintains a vibrant Twitter presence by posting various content, including images, GIFs, and videos. While direct engagement is limited, they indicate attentiveness in their bio and frequently retweet, demonstrating responsiveness to their community.
Related Reading
- Viral Marketing Examples
- Viral Marketing in Digital Marketing
- Viral Social Media Posts
- Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content
- Types of Viral Marketing
- How to Go Viral on X
- How to Get More Reach on Twitter
- How to Viral Post on Instagram
- Benefits of Twitter for Business
- Pros of Using Twitter for Marketing
- How to Promote Instagram Page
- Instagram Marketing Strategies
Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo
Crayo AI is the fastest way to create short videos. Create unlimited short videos at once. Crayo even auto-generates captions, effects, background, and music for you. Take advantage of an opportunity of a lifetime and make easy money with the Tiktok creator fund program. Go from ideas to short videos in seconds:
- Write an outline/prompt,
- Customize the style (select a background video, voice narrator, and music from Crayo’s free templates),
- Finish and export! Go viral, make money, and make clips in seconds with Crayo.
Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today — just click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to get started. No account required! Go from prompt to viral short videos in minutes with Crayo.