How to Use Twitter Better: 7 Quick and Simple Tips

Do you worry you’re not using Twitter properly?

My sixth sense tells me you’re shaking your head YES.

You’re not alone. Entrepreneurs, directors of marketing departments, and even writers have doubts about how to use Twitter.

The good news is that you can grow your Twitter followers slowly.

You don’t have to spend money to buy followers just so your Twitter account can look good. That’s taking the easy way out, which could cost you more money in the long run. Or worse, you could damage your reputation. Who wants to lose or spend more money and destroy their reputation at the same time?

Not you, right?

So… What is the right way to use Twitter to grow your online and social media presence?

Believe it or not, simply ‘tweeting’ status updates and posting links to blog posts and articles won’t increase the number of followers you have.

Twitter is about engaging people.

Here are seven quick fixes that will improve your use of Twitter

1. The art of being real

Part of Twitter’s charm is that you get to ‘tweet’ and instantly engage with your target audience by asking questions, replying to tweets and participating in Twitter Chats.

Many companies such as Bank of America ‘tweet’ the dates and times a customer service representative will be on Twitter answering questions. Customers receive immediate feedback (instant gratification) to their questions.

Automating all of your tweets isn’t a good idea because it makes you or your company look and feel cold and stale.

Tip

Use automated Twitter programs sparingly. The more ‘real’ you appear to your followers the better.

*Twitter Formula: Links+Photos+Videos+Questions+Reply+ Retweet = Twitter Followers

*Don’t forget to repeat!

2. Tweet photos and videos

Posting links to your blog posts and articles is one way to engage and gain followers. But another way to gain followers and engage them is to post photos and videos. Multimedia postings on Twitter have exploded and it’s a great way to introduce new tutorials and or links to your YouTube channel.

Tip

Tweet relevant photos and videos that followers will find entertaining and useful.

3. Buying followers isn’t a good idea

Buying Twitter followers may not be money well spent because they may not be interested in your product and or service. It’s better to grow your followers naturally and organically to ensure you have followers that are truly interested in connecting with you and or your company.

Tip

Reach out to your offline network and ask them to follow you on Twitter. Retweet your followers’ Twitter postings; thank them when your postings are retweeted.

4. Find your sweet ‘day and time’ slot/spot

Is there really a good time to post a tweet?

What happens if you have customers/followers in different time zones?

A little research goes a long way. Perhaps, you reach more people on the weekends versus during the week. On the flip side, tweeting between the hours of 2 pm and 6 pm could work for you.

Tip

Tweet on different days and times to find the ‘best’ days and time for you and your business.

5. Think about your profile

Keep your Twitter bio up-to-date and make sure it pertains to your business if that’s the reason ‘why’ you’re on Twitter. For example, you may be a hiking addict, wine enthusiast, and animal lover, but how do these apply to your business? You may want to create a ‘personal’ Twitter account where you can showcase your interests.

Upload a professional headshot or your company’s logo. You could upload a fun photo such as a cartoon (professionally designed for you) or caricature to show off your quirky personality.

If you have described your Twitter interests in your bio, you’re more likely to get targeted followers who are interested in similar things as yourself and who are more likely to find you interesting and retweet your thoughts.

Tip

Write an eye-catching, optimized bio that shows off your (or your company’s) personality and what you do. Don’t forget to include keywords because Twitter is a search tool like Google, Yahoo!, Bing, etc.

6. Schedule your tweets

I know what you’re thinking, “Great just what I need another schedule to add to my already busy and full day.” Before you resist setting up a tweet schedule, you may want to think how freeing it can be to schedule your tweets. You won’t have to be tied to your smart phone, laptop iPad, etc. every day. Creating a tweet schedule allows you to write your tweets in advance and schedule them for a later date and time. This is a great way to stay active on Twitter when you travel for business or leisure.

Tip

Download Twitter apps such as HootSuite, CoTweet, etc. and schedule your daily tweets. You’ll have more time to dedicate to your business. More importantly, you’ll have more free time to relax!

7. Post a tweet that’s less than 160 characters

Have you ever heard the phrase “less is more?”

Don’t be a ‘tweet’ hog! Posting a lengthy ‘tweet’ means your followers can’t add to it. Leave some room so followers can add to your post.

Also, some followers may not appreciate having to shorten your tweet so they can have to add to it.

Tip

Social media experts now recommend posting a ‘tweet’ that’s 100 characters. Your followers will have plenty of room to add to your tweet.

Warning: Using the above quick and simple fixes could blow up your Twitter account.

Twitter is an easy and simple social media network to use. Before you post a tweet, think about your Twitter headline. Keep it short and sweet but eye-catching at the same time.

Engagement is important if you want to see a boost in Twitter followers.

Retweet your followers and thank them when they tweet your posts.

Be social… Be the ‘real’ you!

Do you have additional quick and simple Twitter tips to share? What Twitter strategies work for you—what doesn’t work for you?

Let me know in the comments.

 

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