It’s been 35 days since I first joined Twitter. I have 1065ish followers. Still a small number, but I no longer feel like a newbie. The party is still ongoing and my learning curve is still steep.
Last week I posted a few things that you could do to get into the party that is Twitter, like retweets, shoutouts for other people and be personal. Here are a few more tips to help you out in this wonderful, zany community.
THANK EVERYONE. Your byword for the next tip is to listen to your mom and thank people. Thank them for following you, thank them for retweeting you, thank them for helping you join the party that is Twitter. It’s the first step in helping you connect with people and helping them connect with you. This is how you meet still more people at the party. They tell two friends, who tell two friends, who tell two friends and so it goes.
It will take time, but don’t skip the THANK YOUs. After 35 days of being on Twitter I’ve seen people who get on, post a blurb about their book, movie, album and then get right back off. What happens? The post is lost in the din of the party. You need your friends to pick up the ball and toss it back out there for you. They pass it from one to the other to the other like a great story or a funny joke and pretty soon the party is buzzing with it. That’s what you’re aiming for. Not a one post wonder that will probably go unnoticed, like a used cocktail napkin.
BE YOURSELF. This tip is one I touched on last week, but it’s worth mentioning again. In all your replies, RT’s, SOs, it’s vitally important to BE YOURSELF. This is what will make your Twitter experience great for you and for your friends. I’m a glass half full, positive person, so that’s what comes out when I tweet. I think you can be positive about anything, but that’s ME. What if you’re not the positive type? Go with that, your humor, your bluntness, your cleverness, your WHATEVER will work to your advantage at this diverse party.
People RT what catches their eye, or at least I DO. Make me laugh, or go awwwww, or show your characters stuck between a rock and a hard place and I’ll RT. Remember, Twitter isn’t about selling your book, movie, album etc. it’s about you. That said, go out there and get your tweet on!
Love much, laugh often, live well,
Swan Mama aka Debbie Swanson signing off
Great advice, Debbie. When I first started Twitter I was big on thanking for follows but a time crunch persuaded me to drop that practice. I have 42 follow notices that I haven’t thanked and it’s time to get busy. Thanks for the reminder.
I hear you! If only we could clone ourselves, we’d get so much more done! Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!