How to increase followers on Twitter?

I have long been wondering, how could I be able to get more twitter followers? In order to drive business to your site is you have to get more followers in twitter, as suggested by one of my friends. Actually, what purpose does it serve? What way or techniques or what necessary steps should I take in order to increase my Twitter followers? These questions are also often asked by other users, brands and business owners who not only see Twitter as a means of social interaction but an effective marketing platform.

Here are some effective examples of traffic-driving strategies that I experimented on how to get more followers on twitter (note: there are many more).

1. Create a tool/application and promote your profile alongside it.

2. Connect one by one your blog and other social media profiles to your Twitter page.

3. Maybe buy a banner ad to target tech-savvy audiences, link it to your profile.

4. Include links to your profile in email/forum signatures.

5. Evangelize Twitter on your blog/other blogs and include a link to your profile.

6. Simply use Twitter as a tool for tech/customer support.

7. Interact and ask another user to recommend your profile or exchange recommendations.