The difference between marketing and spam is a question many Internet marketers face.   The difference has to be clear for both the marketer and the recipients of the information.

Spam is unsolicited information or other emails, junk mail and telemarketing that shows up in emails and annoys the recepients.  This seems to take away your choice to receive information about products and services without their permission.  Spam leaves a bad taste in your mouth because it produces unwanted clutter and confusion that floods your inboxes these days.

Marketing on the other side, can be fun, witty, informative and effective when done correctly. Business owners with good marketing show care for their audience by taking the time to consider their message and how it will reach others.  Marketing that reaches the consumer in an  emotional manner can be a very effective marketing tool.

Now, let’s get to Twitter. On Twitter there’s the option to decide who to  follow with your tweets.  This suggests to some people that it is that choice that gives others the right to “spam” you in your email.  This is not true.  Under all circumstance, spam is irresponsible and annoying and causes more people to unfollow than follow a tweet stream. 

Take time to consider your twitter message and how it will connect with your followers. 

  • Are you sharing a valuable service, product or resource?
  • Do you take the time to share on a personal level as well as sharing on a business level?
  • Have you established a relationship with your followers?
  • Is the information you are providing timely and appropriate?

If you can answer “Yes” to these questions then your message can effectively be considered marketing rather than spam.  Your followers will welcome your post rather than turn away from it. 

Share your tweet with others and in turn respond in kind to their messages and tweets. After all, marketing is all about the relationship and spam is about nothing more than the bottom line.

Download your free copy of Tactics to Tweet Effectively.