An Introduction
Think of Twitter as text messaging on the web. It's a new way to instantly communicate with family, friends and business associates via the web. (Though technically, Twitter isn't a new technology. It's been around since March 2006.)
Why Twitter?
I've heard many ask the question: why Twitter? Twitter is more time efficient than sending an email and it allows users to maintain a personal identity while participating in a community.Even though it can be a bit confusing at the start, effectively using Twitter can help increase awareness of your blog or business and strengthen relationships both on and offline. Additionally, once you learn how to use it, it can be a great tool for branding and customer service (which I'll get into later). I understand the trials of a new Twitterer. I'll admit that I had my Twitter account for months before I posted my first tweet, but getting started is actually much easier than it seems.
First Steps...
First, signup with a username. I chose my own name because I have so many blogs and online properties that I wanted to eliminate any confusion, but using your brand or blog name is always a great idea (branding101). Usernames may be 15 characters long (I learned that one the hard way).
Sidenote: Make sure to signup on all social media sites with your blog and/or brand name before someone else does. Malicious users have been known to stakeout well known names in order to damage the personal or professional reputation of their rightful owners (more on that later).
Next Steps...
Once you've chosen a username, you'll be taken to a screen that allows you to search for your email contacts that are already using Twitter. I always skip this. Unless you've got some real tech-savvy friends, this will be of little to no use to you.Getting Started with Twitter
Now you're finally ready to become a full fledged member of the Twitter community. As I said earlier, Twitter is all about up-to-the-minute communication, so users respond to the simple question: "What Are You Doing?"
Now type your update into the text box at the top of your Twitter homepage. Twitter was designed as a streamlined communication portal, so users are limited to sending 140 character messages called "tweets." These messages can contain whatever you like. From the personal "Just watched So You Think You Can Dance. Comfort should go" to the promotional "Just posted on my blog, check it out http://is.dv/RX1"
Add Friends
On Twitter those you interact with are called "followers" and you can choose to "follow" others so that you'll receive their updates. Once you become super active it can become difficult to keep track of who's following you, so you can choose to receive emails when someone decides to follow you.
Twitter is no fun if you don't have followers, or friends" as we call them in the real world. So get some, and you can start by adding me http://twitter.com/kimberlynfoster. Many active Twitterers have links on their blogs or personal websites.
Once you've built up your following, the fun really begins.
The Public Timeline
Right under your text box you'll find your updates as well as those from the people you are following. Click "Recent" in order to get back to it.
One of the best things about Twitter is that updates are posted immediately.
Respond directly to the updates of those you are following by typing @username. Twitter also allows you to keep up with responses to your updates with a tab for "Replies," and if ever you find yourself with a lot of time on your hands you can always click "Everyone" to view what the entire Twitter community is up to at any given moment.
Lastly, if for any reason you'd like to see just your personal update. You can do so by clicking your profile at the top of the yellow sidebar or typing in your personal twitter address (e.g. http://twitter.com/kimberlynfoster).
Add A Mobile Device
I'm warning you now. Twitter is addictive. It's qualities of addictiveness are only enhanced by the capability to get updates via your mobile phone. Select on the yellow sidebar device updates on the right to configure your phone. For some reason, it hasn't worked for me, but I assume that you're supposed to be able to receive updates via text message.
Personally, I use a Blackberry App called TwitterBerry for updates on the go.
There are also desktop applications for Twitter that allow for access to more than 1 Twitter account or "microblogging" applications.
Tips For Twitter Use
Be easy to find. Place a link to to your Twitter account prominently on your blog or website so that other will be able to find and add you. I know, it seems like common sense, but you'd be amazed at how many people forget this minor detail.
Be conscientious of your followers time. There's no need to post a tweet about everything. Don't be that person who clogs up everyone's timeline.
Replies only work if the name is spelled right. Twitter is a great way to spark conversation, but those conversations can't happen (or they will be greatly impeded) if you don't spell name of the person you're replying to right. For example my name username on Twitter is @kimberlynfoster not @kimberlyfoster. Sometimes, I happen to catch the misspelled replies, but who knows how many I've missed.
Shorten Website URLs: 140 characters isn't a lot so it's good to shorten URLs to save space. I use TinyURL or http://is.gd/ to save space.
To all the advanced Twitterers? Did I miss anything? What advice would you give to new Twitter users?
This is the first in my series of "How to Get the Most Out of Microblogging"
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