For Australian small businesses, X (formerly Twitter) remains a powerhouse for real-time customer service, networking with industry leaders, and staying on top of local trends. Whether you are a Brisbane café or a national consultancy, a professional X presence allows you to join the conversation and build brand authority in real-time.
Why X Matters for Your Business
While other platforms focus on curated visuals, X is the home of conversation. It’s where news breaks and where customers often go first to ask questions or seek support. Having a dedicated business account ensures you don't miss these opportunities to engage with your local community and manage your brand's reputation effectively.
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Prerequisites: What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before you dive into the setup process, ensure you have the following ready to make the transition as smooth as possible:
- A Professional Email Address: Use your business email (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com.au) rather than a personal Gmail or BigPond account.
- A Mobile Number: For security and verification purposes.
- Branding Assets: A high-resolution logo (square) and a header image (1500x500 pixels).
- Your ABN (Optional but recommended): If you plan to apply for X Premium or Verification later, having your Australian Business Number handy is essential.
- A Short Bio: You have 160 characters to tell the world who you are and what you do.
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Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to x.com and select 'Create account'. You will be prompted to enter your name, email address, and date of birth.
Note: Use your actual business name for the 'Name' field, but ensure the date of birth is set to the business owner’s or the business's founding date. X requires users to be over 13, so don't accidentally put today's date!Screenshot Description: You should see a white pop-up box with fields for Name, Phone/Email, and Date of Birth. Avoid the 'Sign up with Google' option if you want to keep your business login credentials separate and shareable with your team.
Step 2: Customise Your Handle (@Username)
X will often suggest a generic handle based on your email. You want to change this to something recognisable. Ideally, it should match your other social media handles (e.g., @LocalMarketingGroup).
Keep it short and avoid underscores or numbers if possible. This makes it easier for Australian customers to tag you in posts.
Step 3: Upload Your Profile Picture and Header
Your profile picture should be your company logo. Ensure it is centred, as X will crop it into a circle.
Your header image is your 'billboard'. Use this space to showcase your team, your Brisbane storefront, or your latest promotion.
Pro Tip: Change your header seasonally or when you have a major sale running to keep your profile looking fresh.Step 4: Write a Compelling Bio
You have 160 characters. Be concise. Include:
- What you do.
- Where you are (e.g., 'Serving the Greater Brisbane area').
- A call to action or a touch of personality.
Step 5: Add Your Location and Website
This is crucial for local SEO. In the 'Location' field, enter your suburb and city (e.g., 'Milton, QLD'). In the 'Website' field, link directly to your homepage or a specific landing page.
Warning: Double-check your URL. Small typos here can lead to lost leads and a poor user experience.
Step 6: Convert to a Professional Account
Once your basic profile is set up, click on 'More' in the left-hand sidebar, then 'Settings and Support' > 'Settings and privacy'. Look for the 'Professional Account' option.
Converting to a Professional Account gives you access to:
- Professional Category: Display your industry (e.g., 'Marketing Agency' or 'Restaurant').
- X Ads: The ability to run promoted posts.
- Profile Spotlights: Add your address, contact info, and even a 'Shop' module directly to your profile.
Step 7: Verify via Mobile and Email
X will send a verification code to your email and phone number. Completing this step is vital for account security and helps prevent your account from being flagged as 'spam' by X’s automated systems.
Step 8: Follow Local Influencers and Businesses
Start populating your feed by following relevant accounts. Look for local chambers of commerce, Brisbane news outlets, and complementary businesses in your area. This signals to X's algorithm who you are and who might be interested in your content.
Step 9: Send Your First Post (Tweet)
Don't leave your profile blank! Send a 'Hello World' post. Introduce your business, use a relevant hashtag like #BrisbaneSmallBiz, and perhaps include a photo of your team or office.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a Personal Photo: Unless you are the 'face' of the brand (like a solo consultant), stick to your business logo for brand recognition.
- Ignoring Mentions: X is a fast-paced platform. If a customer tags you, try to respond within a few hours.
- Over-Automating: While scheduling posts is great, don't let your account look like a robot. Engage in real-time conversations occasionally.
- Forgetting the 'AU' context: If you're targeting locals, ensure your posts reflect Australian spelling and local events (like the Ekka or State of Origin) where relevant to your brand.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. My handle is taken! If @YourBusiness is taken, try adding 'AU', 'Brisbane', or 'Team' to the end (e.g., @YourBusinessAU). Don't use long strings of numbers as it looks unprofessional. 2. I can't find the 'Professional Account' toggle. You usually need a complete profile (bio, profile picture) before this option appears. If it’s still missing, ensure you are using the desktop version of X, as some settings are hidden on mobile. 3. My images look blurry. X compresses images. To avoid this, save your logo as a PNG and ensure your header is exactly 1500x500 pixels. 4. I'm not getting any followers. Engagement is a two-way street. Don't just post; reply to others, retweet local news, and use relevant Australian hashtags to increase visibility.---
Next Steps
Now that your account is live, it’s time to start a content strategy. We recommend posting at least 3-5 times a week to maintain momentum.
If you need help craftng a social media strategy that actually drives leads for your Brisbane business, the team at Local Marketing Group is here to help. Explore our Social Media Management services to see how we can take the pressure off your plate.
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