Twitter may have received some criticisms lately but I still think it’s an efficient, open, productive, and fun Social Media platform. But if you’re a Twitter beginner, are looking for some great Twitter basics and tips, or just need a bit of help understanding some things, let me try and offer you some easy top tips.
To start, let’s look at a few of my favourite Twitter highlights.
Twitter Highlights;
-The limited character count of 240 characters per tweet keeps everything relevant and focused. I think this point adds value to Twitter’s flow.
-Twitter is fast! (And some say furious!) But to me, quick means that you can get information out more efficiently, and accordingly receive more exposure.
-The most recent, and relevant Tweet activity from the people you follow is always available forefront, no matter what device you use, and whether you use Twitter from the internet or via a service, such as HootSuite, on a computer or mobile device
-The flow allows you to be able to quickly and immediately scan what people are sharing, and then re-tweet, thank and follow people effectively.
-Notifications are by the second, even via the apps.
-Using Twitter is straightforward.
-There are no different types or levels of likes or approvals.
-There are no ad hoc groups, lists, or circles that you need to create or join. Therefore it’s not necessary to co-ordinate repeated posting around these specific groups, lists, or circle’s parameters.
-There are no individual categories by which to abide.
-Hashtags are voluntary; you can quickly and informally “tag” a tweet.
-If you are interested in someone and what they Tweet, you just have to “follow” them, no invitation is required.
-There are no laborious application processes to join groups etc.
-There are no different levels of being “accepted. ” such as follower, acquaintance, or friend, like Fb and G+.
-There are no restrictions as far what you can see or do because of the category, “position,” or status you belong. (Tweeting about things considered “mature” or having an account based on a mature subject does require you to inform Twitter.)
Now that you have an idea of some of the cool features of Twitter we can look at the top tips for efficient Twitter use.
GENERAL TWITTER TIPS:
Good Things To do;
-The fastest and easiest way to get your tweets noticed, re-tweeted, and appreciated is by including the @name of either the author of something you have referenced in your tweet, the name of the person who sent out the original tweet or someone related to what you are tweeting.
-A top #hashtag grabs attention. Many people will follow a hashtag to find new similarly interested Tweeters to follow.
-Many articles reference reports that say writing out “please re-tweet” is supposed to increase your re-tweet activity substantially. However, in my personal experience using people’s names and top hashtags is much more efficient and productive.
Retweet Etiquette;
– Just clicking on the retweet button is the easiest way to retweet but it is also the way that is hardest to initiate any engagement, and of course, receive any appreciation from the original author.
– Try to always do a “quote” retweet and include the original authors @handle in what you write. This method creates the perfect opportunity for the original author to receive a ‘proper notification’ and the ability to reply and hopefully engage with you.
-By ‘proper notification’ I am referring to a mention in the person’s notifications. Many people on Twitter have their settings arranged so that they only see mentions, not retweets, likes etc.
-Also, note that many people have their notifications set to only show things from the people who are following them.
Don’t Overdo A Good Thing;
-Too many #hashtags have an adverse and consequently opposite effect on everything. So use high quality, proper (as in, not made up on the spot) top hashtags where they are relevant, ONLY!
-Using people’s @name irrelevantly also has a very adverse effect. For example, you wouldn’t arbitrarily add @ellendegeneras to every tweet when they have nothing to do with her. Not only would you be ignored that’s considered spamming!
-Tweeting too much and too often. Let’s be honest and realistic; I’m not going to pay more attention to, or re-tweet things that are either very similar or sent out so frequently that they clutter up and distract my feed. Of course, regular tweet activity is a good thing but keep them varied and at a reasonable amount that won’t just piss people off.
Overall Top Points;
-When you are tweeting about someone, always start the tweet with a word (or even a symbol) before the person’s Twitter @name. This type of Tweet goes out to the public.
-When you are Tweeting to someone, especially if it is a conversation, put the other person’s Twitter @name first. This type of tweet goes out to the named person and the followers of both of you, but not the public.
-Some Big Time Tweeters claim that; “The more, the better” rule applies to all things Twitter. For example, followers, amount of tweets a day, the number of hashtags to use, etc.
Everyone has their opinion, and EVERYONE can show various statistics to back up their argument. However, the bottom line is, as always, follow the Twitter guidelines and do what works for you. You will not achieve someone else’s claimed results by doing what they say.
Last Notes;
Most importantly, remember you don’t need anyone else’s results, you need your results and what is helpful for you.
This guideline is not an exhaustive explanation of Twitter’s Rules or best practices. I have only included the points and top pieces of information that either; I wanted to know when I started or what I see other people struggling with on Twitter. Also, I included points for questions that I most frequently get asked.
Have fun Tweeting and don’t worry about making mistakes. All of us were new at one point, and we love to help out anyone who needs it. You could even send me a “help me” tweet, mentioning my handle, @amandamricks or @surprisinglives and I’ll answer as quick as I can. Promise!