How To Get Started on Twitter
Seven Easy Steps To Set Up a Twitter Profile and Start Tweeting
Oct 7, 2009
Twitter, often called a micro-blogging site, allows users to post comments of 140 characters or less. Twitter messages can be exchanged among a few friends who want to stay in touch, they can be shared among a community of like-minded users, or they can spread virally across different circles of Twitter users. Twitter users who frequently post interesting, entertaining or useful information will have the largest and most engaged Twitter following. When leveraged properly, Twitter can be an excellent way to build a business or brand.
Users will be more successful and save time if they follow these seven steps to optimize their Twitter account.
Create a Smart Twitter Login
When opening an account, Twitter will ask users for a Name and a Username. Users should use their real name, as they normally write it, for the Name category. Using a real name adds a personal touch to Twitter profiles and makes interaction more inviting and less confusing for other users. It also makes the Twitter profiles more searchable which is essential in building a strong following.
Twitter Profiles Should Always Include a Photo
Photos add visual identity on a Twitter profile. Preferably the image is a good, clear and close-up photo of the user. In some situations it's acceptable to use a logo if the image will better convey the user's brand. Most importantly, it should be easy to recognize and remember. A Twitter profile image is the first impression that will stick with other users.
Carefully Written Twitter Profiles Help Users Find Each Other
It may seem unimportant, but it's advantageous for users to put some time and thought into their Twitter profile. The Twitter bio is the main way users find each other on Twitter. A well written bio will contain keywords that will attract like-minded users or potential business contacts. A website address without the www before the URL, when possible, will display more characters of the web address in the Twitter profile. Listing the location
Twitter Desktop Clients Help Keep Things Organized
A Twitter desktop client allows users to post Tweets, read other people's Tweets and track retweets, replies and direct messages without keeping a browser open on the Twiiter page all day. It can be compared to an email client like Mac Mail or Outlook. Some popular desktop Twitter clients include Twhirl, Twitterific or TweetDeck. Twitter links to several free Twitter desktop clients on its site.
Smart Users Build Their Twitter Content First
Just like a blog, users need to build content before they can expect to build a following. Build content on a Twitter profile page. Successful Tweets interact with other users 80% of the time and only post on themselves 20% of the time. Users should think about how they would normally go about starting a conversation.
Find Quality Followers
Twitter is all about building relationships. In most cases, the relationship begins with users reaching out to find other people to follow. Users can start by finding people they already know using the Twitter Search. Then they can find people with similar interests using targeted keywords. The advanced search can also help users find people in their immediate geographic region who might be a good business connection.
Reciprocation is What Makes Twitter Work
Good Twitter etiquette encourages users to follow people who are following them. Users should regularly check who is following them and then add those people to their follow list. Likewise, it's acceptable for users to unfollow the people who never reciprocate with a follow.
Twitter is a great way of building an online social network. With just a little work it's easy to get started on Twitter. Like most social media sites, users will only get out of Twitter what they put into it. Users who mindfully build their Twitter profile and who participate and engage in the online conversation will be well on their way to harnessing the power of Twitter.
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