If you’ve been thinking about joining the Twitter to promote your business, there are certain things that you must avoid if you want your Twitter marketing efforts to be successful.

Nonetheless, your decision to use Twitter is the right move because in 2012, Twitter was the fastest-growing social media platform with a huge increase of 40% new users worldwide. Top celebrities, political figures, prominent socialites, and even religious leaders are using Twitter. It helps a lot that Twitter is easy to use and access. In the UK, 80% of the Twitter users access their account via their mobile phones which means they can do this anywhere, anytime as long as they’re in a hot spot. Overall 32% of Internet users have and use their Twitter account so you will be in very good company for your new business marketing efforts.

Are you ready? Here goes:

Don't Spam. Spam is one of the most important no-no’s of Twitter. Of the top 10 worst scam groups in the world, the number one ranked is from the United States followed by China and then Russia. If you are an American and get accused of spamming, you will have a very difficult time reversing this reputation. There are several watchdogs around the country and in many other parts of the world that focus on pinpointing spammers. Sending your followers unsolicited links or private messages trying to get them to try your product will never work. In fact, you’re likely to get reported and find yourself unable to use your Twitter account at all. You should never send information to an individual that they don’t request. However, you can share informative links with all of your followers at once.

Don’t engage in passionate arguments on Twitter. One of the things about this site is that there are many different people with many differing opinions. It can be easy to be flustered by something someone says or does. However, what you must remember at all times is that potential customers can easily see if you dive into an individual for saying one thing or another. However, if you remain professional and courteous at all times, you don’t risk dragging your own name through the mud.

Don't rely only on Twitter. Another thing you’ll want to avoid is relying on Twitter as your sole source of marketing. The process of building up a following and earning trust on Twitter is a long one, and requires time and patience. It can be a lucrative marketing method if it’s done correctly and the unspoken Twitter ethic laws are followed. However, as a sole source of marketing, you will probably not be happy with the results.

Don't ignore your followers or post bogus content. Take time to get to know your followers and your audience, and post meaningful and valuable content for others to share. After all, people who are following you, see value in what you are offering them so don't disappoint them with offensive or disrespectful content. On the same token, don't ignore them when they take an interest in you. Instead, leave comments, retweet good tweets and all that jazz.