As I was brainstorming topics for a Twitter post, I struggled to come up with a concept that other Tweeple haven’t written about yet. Google “Twitter tips” and you will spend an eternity searching through advice about how to integrate your life with this social networking tool. Much to my excitement, last night my husband, and budding social media afcianado, finally started a Twitter account (@rpiperusmc). So, to help him and other new users come to love Twitter as much as I do (@kpiper), here are 10 things you should know off the bat.
1. Twitter is a writing exercise. I think that’s why so many writers have caught on to the trend. Use your 140 characters wisely. Be intimate, be funny and be useful. This is hands down, the best way to gain new followers.
2. Build me up, buttercup (as in your Twitter page). Photos of people work best and be sure to fill out your profile so people know who you are. Finally, you don’t have to be a graphic designer to customize your page. There are plenty of free customizable tools on the net. Like @twitbacks, @tweetstyle, @BackTwounds.
3. This blog post was sponsored by the letters RT, D and the symbol @. Add an RT in front of a user’s name to attribute a tweet they posted that you want to share with your friends. Want to send someone a private message? Add a D. The @ symbol allows you to reply to someone in the Twitter’s open forum. Don’t forget to check your replies and direct messages habitually so you don’t miss out on conversations.
4. Follow me. Follow @cnnbrk for your news, @mrtweet for networking, @hubspot for SEO, @JuicyGossip for celeb news, @mashable for social media news.
5. Download a desktop client. Avoid the hassle of logging onto the Twitter website to manage your tweets. I recommend @twhirl for beginners and @TweetDeck for when you outgrow that.
6. Download mobile application for twittering on the go. For the iPhone: @Twitterific or @PocketTweets. Blackberry: @Orangatame’s TwitterBerry. All other smart/non-smart phones: @tinytwitter.
7. Thou shalt not Twitterbash, Twitterhate or Twittervent. Twitterbashing is unloading on people whether your know them or not. Twitterhating is criticizing a tweet in a public arena. And Twitterventing is telling everyone what a terrible day you’re having. Think of this as “don’t air your dirty laundry.”
8. Say cheese and be sure to use @TwitPic. Hands down the best way to share photos on Twitter.
9. For busy Tweeple, visit @tweetlater, where you can send automated “welcome” replies to your new followers and schedule up to 60 tweets in the future. Perfect for people looking to dole out advice over Twitter.
10. Hashtags are your friends. Wondering why someone types a pound sign and a phrase at the end of their tweet? They are setting up hashtags. Follow @hashtags and visit www.hashtags.org to add one, like #followfriday, when twitters suggest their favorite users to follow.
