Twitter, the social network famed for its focus on brevity, has long been considered a must for small businesses looking to promote their services. But as Twitter has exploded—it now has 500 million users pumping out 140-character tidbits on a continual loop—it’s harder than ever to gain a following. Ryan Goff, social media marketing director of Maryland-based marketing firm MGH, teaches his clients how to cut through the network’s noise.Banish the Bland“Five years ago when we really started using Twitter, there wasn’t much competition,” says Goff. “Now virtually every business has a Twitter account.” The best way to get noticed: “Really let your personality come through.” And never, ever syndicate content. That’s “not in the spirit of Twitter,” he adds. It should be about having conversations—“not just posting something and then not engaging.” Be a