Twittering Away

In truth I had just been persuaded to open a Twitter account about three weeks before I learned about the Betty Blogger course.  My original motive was to get more timely information from one of my bosses.  That has only partially worked out, but I have found myself getting addicted.

There are basically two aspects to Twitter.  The first is very easy--getting information (whether interesting or useful is another topic) and the second is definitely harder--giving information.

When you begin you are encouraged to follow people and many of the examples are celebrities, news sources and those within chosen topics.  You can find out which of your friends are involved and follow them.  It seems many people love to fill their time with trivialities and you may find yourself wading through a very time consuming pile of uninteresting and unuseful bits of information before you find something that interests you and even longer to find something that might be useful.

Giving information with the emphasis on something that might benefit you is more difficult.  There does seem to be a rule that if you follow someone they will follow you.  It is not automatic.  Celebrities don't even notice you, nor do news sources (unless you are of unusual interest).  Of course most of your friends will follow you and many twitterers do subscribe to the practice of reciprocity.

Make yourself interesting.  Whatever your interests or hobbies are, there is someone who shares them.  Try to get away from trivialities (unless of course that is part of your motivation).

I have been told and actually believe that the best way to expand your followers list is to engage in conversations.  You can start by asking questions and if interesting enough someone will reply.  Sometimes timing is a problem.  Not everyone is continuously waiting for your message so you might have to repeat yourself to reach your full audience.    At the same time too many messages become annoying and many of your followers will glance over it.  Answer questions will get the attention of those asking.  Make comments agreeing or not agreeing.

Four main methods I have developed to attract followers.  1. Hashtags (#) expand your audience if you pick logical ones such as geographical or special interests.  Hashtags can include something such as follow Fridays where you suggest others to follow and they don't have to be someone who is already following you, but it gets appreciated and noted anyway.  2. Directing comments to specific people even if not followers will reach their attention.  3.  Follow logical people and many will investigate you to see if you are of interest to them. 4. Re-tweeting is another way to get attention.  If you see something interesting from someone you follow pass it onto your network.  Those you follow and find their pearls of wisdom are often flattered and will investigate you

To be successful it takes time. You need to go through the tweets on your feed and watch for opportunities.  My favorite move was to read a guru advocating a book that I had read. I compared it to another book (I had read both) and drew it to her attention.  She checked it out and my book review and was kind enough to tweet that she liked it.  Others have come just from agreeing with a comment that in fact I did agree with.

You also have to have something to say.  It can't always be links to your newsletters and blog (one of my goals) as if they don't know you they really don't care and may be annoyed.  If you have picked logical people for you it will easier to join in conversations.  When you are able to do that more people will be attracted to you.

Or it can be a big drag on your time.