Social networking is big business these days. If you don’t have a Facebook page or a Twitter account, it’s as if you don’t exist (on the internet at least). Starting a twitter account is simple, but how do you make the most of your experience? Whether you want to attract lots of followers, or simply engage in the world around you, the following few tips will hopefully help you get the most out of twitter.
The simplest way to make your account easy to find is to use your real name. This is helpful if your twitter account is for social networking and business purposes. If you don’t feel comfortable using your real name, think about choosing a nickname or alias that others can easily identify you by. If you are using twitter in conjunction with a blog, you can always make your blog the account name.
If you want lots of people visiting your account, then it’s important to promote it. Give your twitter account high visibility. Mention it on your blog, put it on your Facebook, include it in your email signature, print it on your business card… the possibilities are endless!
Your avatar will say a lot about your twitter account. It has the potential to set the tone of your account. If it’s a personal account, using a photo of yourself is a good idea. If your account is associated with a brand or business, then a logo or similar icon would be better suited.
You don’t get something for nothing. If you want people to follow you, it’s important that you find others to follow. Invite some people from your email address list. Follow people that your favourite accounts are following. Follow people with similar interests to yourself. If you get yourself out there, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see people doing the same.
Twitter is a two way street. Having a successful twitter account is all about interaction. Answer questions, re-tweet things that you find interesting, engage in conversations. This is what twitter is all about.
These days, once something is written on the internet, it’s out there forever. Practicing self censorship is a good skill to utilise. Before you tweet, think about all the possible ramifications that your words could have. Also, while it’s hard to cram everything into 140 characters, make sure that your tweets are easy to decipher!
Every now and then, sort through your list of people you are following. If someone has been inactive or posts uninteresting tweets, it’s OK to un-follow them. You shouldn’t have to feel obliged. There is no point in following someone who doesn’t enhance your twitter experience.
Do you have a twitter account? What are your best tips?
Top Photo Credit: Rosaura Ochoa