How to get the most from Twitter

April 8, 2009 by Jeune Ortiz

Unlike many blog posts with similar titles, I’m not going to wax on about etiquette or describe the latest marketing scheme involving your doe-eyed followers. Instead, this post is a collection of things I’ve discovered that have enriched my experience. I’ve been both bored by Twitter, and amazed by Twitter often in the same day, which goes to show that you will get out of Twitter what you put in.

- Don’t assume you know who is reading your tweets
Twitter is pure potential. Unlike traditional marketing where you would thin-slice your demographic before sending a message, Twitter covers all demographics and psychographics in one place. Your tweets are being read by CEO’s and receptionists, liberals and conservatives, moms, dads, old, young and everything in between.

- Be human
It is okay to talk about your excitement about an upcoming vacation, a new product release, or even make a joke. If you only use Twitter to promote your blog or your company, you’ll miss out on the human element that makes Twitter fun. If you are using a company name as your Twitter name, there is a different expectation among your followers, but they still want to know the person behind the logo.

- What is annoying in real life, is annoying on Twitter
My rule is simply common sense: if what I want to Tweet could be confused as a symptom of a serious psychological problem (cursing, yelling, making nonsense comments to others, boring people to death) don’t do it. You will make a bad impression, and probably lose followers.

- Follow people you admire
There is a wealth of information being shared on Twitter. Be sure to follow people who you want to know about. It will not only inspire you to log on each day, but you’ll also have opportunities to interact with people you would not normally bump into on the street.

- Follow and be followed
Unless you have serious personality clout and bring your own entourage, you will need to start following other people before anyone knows you’re out there. Don’t be shy, Twitter can even give you a list of recommendations to start with. Many of these people will follow you back.

Don’t be afraid to share the love by following. As I said first, you never know who is going to be reading your tweets and become your next biggest fan. Speaking of following, follow us at twitter.com/futureink. See you out on the Twittersphere!

Category: Social Media | 1 Comment

About the author: Jeune Ortiz is VP of Marketing and Creative Director at future-ink. With more than 20 years of experience in graphic design and marketing, Jeune brings extensive knowledge and creativity to each website and internet marketing solution to grow your business.

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