We recently read another great article on how social media is helping small businesses gain customers. In CNN Money’s article”Tweeting for Profit” by Jennifer Alsever (6/15/2009), several businesses provided examples of how using tools like Twitter helped their business.

Twitter success is on the minds of several small retail businesses in Wichita, Kansas. In particular, the 52 Teas @52 Teas gained bragging rights of doubling sales of its handcrafted teas of the week since it started tweeting. Upon announcing on Twitter, its weekly new blends, the company now boasts 3,403 user followers. Frank Horbelt, 38, founder of the company says that in 2007, he shipped only one or two packages every two or three weeks, presently the company sends 52 packages a week.

Ashley Cole, Operations Manager, of Mission Pie Bakery @Mission Pie, in San Francisco reports, “If there’s a special and I tweet about it, it’s pretty common that we sell out.” Sending tempting tweets about its seasonal organic pies reinforced and expanded @Mission’s Personal Brand. The business gained a lot from the exposure and continues to do so.

We have learned that the use of  social media can help you outpace any well-established competitor and strengthen your relationship with your customers. If you would like to learn more, please contact us.