Twitter and how you can use it for business purposes is quite possibly the hottest topic in the search engine optimization and online marketing fields these days (of course, you can follow us at @MaranSolutions).

At first glance, Twitter seems pointless and even silly - and there is lots of silliness on Twitter (even the name is fairly whimsical).  However, the potential that it holds for interaction with your customers and potential customers is huge.  Here are the top five reasons your business should get on Twitter and start tweeting:

1.  Engagement - You or your selected spokesperson can communicate directly and in real time with your customers and potential customers.  You can also connect with people in your field or related fields who have websites and blogs that will link to yours - this improves your site’s authority and ranking.

2.  Voice - Instead of sounding like a marketing bot spouting off tag lines and press releases, you can communicate in your own voice.  Your customers will respond to the authenticity.

3.  Contact - Adding one more way for your customers to reach you at their convenience is never a bad thing.

4.  Conversation - Chances are people are talking about your brand and its products on Twitter if you’ve got anything remarkable to offer.  Don’t you want to join them?

5.  Competition - Your competition might be on Twitter already.  If they are not, don’t you want to beat them to it?

It is important to remember that you don’t need to spend hours a day tweeting - simply being available to your clients and prospective clients through Twitter can make a significant impact.

Feel free to share your Twitter profile in the links - and follow @MaranSolutions as well!