Twitter followers can mean business for law firms : Survey

72% of a business’ followers on Twitter are more likely to purchase from that business pursuant to a Market Probe survey released this week.

From Tim Perzyk (@tperzyk), Manager, Twitter Ads Research, who shared the results on Twitter’s blog:

• 72 percent of those who follow a business are more likely to make a purchase afterward from that business.
• 82 percent of followers are more likely to recommend your product or service to friends and family.
• 85 percent say they feel a closer connection to the business after they follow them.
• 86% are likely to visit a business they follow if a friend recommends them.
• 85% feel more connected to a business after following them.

Makes all the sense in the world. We buy from and do business with the people and businesses we trust.

By and large, people follow on Twitter those they find to be a trusted source or brand. In the case of consumer businesses, people may follow brands for specials or new products.

In the case of professional services, people and companies follow us because we are a trusted source of news, information, and commentary. Establishing this relationship of trust puts you a step away from getting hired, or at least considered, when the need arises.

The key for you in getting these followers on Twitter is not to betray this trust. Lawyers hawking their wares and sharing their contact info just chase people away. Sharing only news of yourself or blog posts of your own does much the same.

You need to share items of value to your audience to build up this level of trust – and the resulting business.