I know that many of you feel like you just got the hang of Facebook and LinkedIn, but have trepidations about Twitter.  So, really, why should you go there?  Because Twitter is huge, and it’s getting bigger every day. 

Recent statistics show that Twitter gains 135,000 new users every day.  Every day there are 58 million tweets and 2.1 billion searches on Twitter.  So how can you make Twitter work for you?

My first tip will hopefully make you feel better about mastering Twitter, because you don’t necessarily have to blaze new territory.  The most effective tweets are those that provide a unique take on something that is already trending on Twitter.  You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. 

Twitter trends appear in the left column of the Home, Discover and Search pages of Twitter.  You can customize Trends for your geographical area by clicking Customize in your Trends box.

Secondly, you need to optimize your Twitter profile.  Use a photo and remember that Twitter followers tend to follow a person, not a company. 

Third, sync your Twitter account with your Facebook and Gmail accounts to find the Twitter accounts of people you know.  Then follow them.  This will usually get them to follow you back and to share your content.

Fourth, use lots of photos and video.  These get more attention on Twitter.

Fifth, focus on quality, not quantity.  You want people who are interested in you and your legal services so you can use Twitter as another means of forging a more meaningful relationship.

Sixth, engage with the people who share your content by sending them a direct message, adding them to your follower list and retweeting some of their tweets. 

And lastly, keep tabs on your Twitter stats so you can see how your marketing strategies are working.  The stats will tell you how many people engaged with your tweets, how many clicked on the link, and more useful information.