As authors seek to have more of an online presence, branding becomes more relevant. Social networking sites like Facebook are helping to drive readership and can in some cases break a book.

Twitter has become the social networking tool to put authors in immediate touch with book clubs, trend setters, other authors and people that can get the word about their book in real time.

Active engagement on twitter has become crucial to successful book marketing and smart authors must create a unique brand starting with their twitter background.

Brian Hanson creates custom twitter backgrounds to help businesses and individuals standout. I sat down with Brian to better understand what authors in particular could do help build their brand on twitter.

1. What is a twitter background and why does an author need a custom one?

A twitter background is the backdrop behind your twitter content box. This portion of twitter can be altered to stand out or make a branding statement. To date about 76% of users either create a twitter background on their own or use a designer to customize their twitter profile. You can also choose to use the one of the standard designs that comes with the twitter software.

2. What difference does it make if someone uses a standard twitter background vs. a custom background?

The twitter “generic” backgrounds are not very appealing and have limited choices. It has been proven that a customized background draws more attention to your twitter profile and enhances your visitors’ experience. Many people have been quoted to follow a person or company just because they have a more appealing background. A custom background will show your followers that you care and that your company has gone the extra mile to please a follower in your network. Besides, if you choose a standard background, you are more likely to have the same background as someone else then you will have to find another way to distinguish yourself or stand out.

sample twitter background

3. How about integration with the author’s site and other sites like myspace? Why is this important?

“Branding” your look online is very important. This is needed to keep the viewer interested in your products or services. Branding also adds value, sparks interest and even conversation. Having a “seamless” brand over ALL your social networks keeps your viewers comfortable by easily recognizing your company on each network. Most customize all their social network identities including Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, Ustream, Blogs and web sites.

4. What kind of services can you offer an author seeking to create a memorable online brand?

CustomTwit.com offers the highest service and most competitive prices in the online graphics industry. Rates are very reasonable so your company, large or small, can enhance your online look and feel. CustomTwit.com offers top end graphics to very simplistic art work. Every customer’s needs are met with professionalism and any social background can be designed to match the exact message your company is trying to display. CustomTwit.com also designs logos, blog headers, and standard web graphics. Visit www.CustomTwit.com today. “It starts with an idea!”

5. Can that brand we carried offline as well? If so, how?

Definitely. Your brand can be carried over to business cards, mailers, flyers, or any offline graphic source – including books.

6. What advice do you have for DIYs out there who are creating their own backgrounds, websites etc.

DIY achievers should first do their homework! There are endless sites that offer advice on how to design a custom twitter background. CustomTwit.com has also included a wonderful tutorial on how to properly size your twitter background for ALL resolutions. You can view the tutorial by visiting http://bit.ly/a6qOG. This tutorial includes a .PSD template to get you headed in the right direction immediately.

7. Can you offer a promo code/discount for people who read this post?

Yes, CustomTwit.com will offer any viewers of this blog a 25% discount on any graphic work. This will dramatically reduce your expense of custom work and will easily allow you to brand your company seamlessly over the Internet. Simply follow @nationwideclass and DM the message TWITTERGA to receive your 25% discount!