Social media outlets are one of the best ways for small businesses to gain exposure and a following. Because you’re essentially investing your time, not your money, you can put as little or as much effort in as you see fit. This is often a great formula for entrepreneurs who don’t have a huge startup or advertising budget.

Small businesses can use Twitter to find new customers, make businesses connections, and to alert existing customers about events, sales, or new products. There are plenty of resources available to help you optimize your use of Twitter. Just remember—no one likes a spammer. Make sure your updates are informative, with a nice mix of announcements and replies. Consider Twitter a conversation, not a podium.