Twittering for marketing: Is there something I don't know?

[Govicide]

So, I just got my book put up on Smashwords, so I am very, very early into my marketing campaign. But, I'm wondering if someone can explain a Twitter phenomenon to me.

I don't have many followers on Twitter right now but I'm sure that will change. However, on my first couple days of Tweeting about the book and putting a link in each tweet, I had over 200 hits per day to my Smashwords page according to the stats page. Granted, I was excited, but I was dubious at the same time. What made me suspicious is not one "person" downloaded even a free sample of the book. No buys either. In addition, compared to how many followers I have, over 200 hits a day just doesn't seem possible. Each follower would had to have visited multiple times, and I really don't believe that happened.

Is there some kind of spamming at work here? Can the stats page be trusted? I'm willing to think that some people visited and weren't interested but I really, really don't believe that many people hit the page that many times, period . . . whether they downloaded anything or not. It just seems a little TOO easy.

Are these hits real or manufactured?

[Joyce DeBacco]

I don't know the answer there. I just find it puzzling that you got so many hits to your SW page. I've mentioned my SW page on Twitter too and have never received a single hit to it. I get hits on my Amazon page the most, followed by B&N, then my own webpage. SW is a mystery. But here's hoping some of those hits translate to sales for you. Good luck.

Joyce

[SheenahFreitas]

I think I can help... Maybe... Um, I'm using twitter to help marrket too. I learned that you should follow people (celebreties are fun to follow, but will more than likely not follow you back). It seems that people follow you back when you follow them, so this being said when people follow you try to follow them back. With time it can become a very valuable source... that time has not come for me yet, but hopefully it will. hope this helps and best of luck to you!

[CrystalMarcos]

@CrystalMarcos is my handle. I could go on forever about Twitter but I will give you a few quick points that have really helped me. We all know we use twitter to promote something and people use it to be heard or found. Nothing is more frustrating if you feel like no one is listening. Follow those who are on the same field or those who would be interested in what you do. By doing this you usually get added to lists that reflect what you are about. For example, I have writers lists. I list those who follow me if they fit in the category of writers. Get listed and follow those lists! You will find great followers and people who will help you promote because they are in the same boat. You will also find very useful information because they are talking about what you want to talk about. Naturally others who are interested in reading and who are involved with writing industry will follow. Especially if you tweet about information they want to know about. Not always about what you are trying to promote. Also, do not be afraid to let people know you are a real person. Occasionally tweet about what you did that day or suggest a favorite restaurant. Did you enter a sweepstakes? Maybe someone else on Twitter would be interested too. Don't get so involved that you are literally telling your life story every moment of everyday. You really don't need to spend hours on twitter. Yes, at first you will spend more time but after you get the hang of it you won't need to. I have a toddler to raise so I can't always be on there. Now, I don't go searching for followers. I just look and have many new ones everyday. Twitter has led to numerous opportunities for me and I am very thankful I took the time to figure it out. No one else is going to promote you better than you! If I can do it anyone can.