The problem with the Twitter microblogging platform is that it is deceptively simple, and this is partially true because each tweet is only 140 characters or less. So while it seems like very little thought is needed to tweet, it actually takes a planned strategy to be effective on Twitter.
But before you delve into your strategy, you should join Twitter if you haven’t already. And even this relatively simple step can be fraught with danger. (Some of you may already be on Twitter and not following one or more of the tips below.)
So, here are my top Twitter tips to get you started right on this social media platform:
Sign up for Twitter only when you are ready to follow these steps:
1. Post a photo with your bio summary.
2. Choose a good Twitter username (it can be your name or the name of your company or brand, but not something ridiculous – try to avoid using underscores and numbers – whatever type of font you enter the name of username is how your username will be displayed, although people can type with or without capital letters).
3. Put your real name in the NAME box in the settings / account information. (Your Twitter username goes in the username box).
4. Slowly start to see what other people are Tweeting instead of trying to accumulate 1,000 followers in one day and get kicked off Twitter for “spamming.”
5. Include a URL if you have a website.
6. Write something interesting in your bio summary instead of something ridiculous.
7. Send at least two Twitter updates as soon as you upload your photo and write your bio summary (160 characters).
Of course, there are many more tips for using Twitter on, but this will get you started. (If you’re a blogger, keep in mind that you can use third-party apps to automatically post your blog feeds to your Twitter account.)
And no matter what they say (and I’ve read the naysayers too), if – and I mean yes – you learn to use Twitter correctly and effectively, you will come to appreciate what a great online tool it is.
