Twitter for Beginners

Posted by TeamCharlie on January 14, 2009 under Gabe's Twitter Gems, Social Media, Twitter, Twitter for Beginners | Be the First to Comment

I have yet to realize the full potential of Twitter, but at least I can see that there is a lot to be gained, if it is used correctly.  There are A LOT of blogs about “How to Get Recognized”, “How Not to be Ignored” and “Proper Use of Twitter” – all you need do is search for social media on Twitter and you’ll find many experts that will give out helpful information.  It all makes sense, but doesn’t really ring true until you experience it for yourself.  Now as you might know from my (lack of) followers that I am new to Twitter. But I am learning more and more every day.  I just had a notice in my email that someone new was following me.  At this point that is an exciting event, since my following hasn’t even hit 100 yet.  My immediate reaction is to see who this person is, so I click on their link to see if I want to follow them.  Every single post was self promotion.  Even though it is a non-profit and the cause is good, this was a big turnoff for me.  They even capitalized their last entry which makes things worse.  Believe me if you think that is how to gain friends on Twitter you will be in for a big disappointment.

When I started I read many of the blogs about etiquette and getting noticed.  Many suggest that you comment on other people’s blog and “retweet” which simply means to repeat interesting entries from other people.  For example, if you see a tweet from me that says something like “I hate goat cheese”, to retweet that you could write something like: “RT @TeamCharlie I hate goat cheese.”  Now I don’t know if I’ve even had goat cheese before and I’m sure you wouldn’t retweet that anyway because who cares – but I trust you get the point.  So anyway I commented on one person’s blog who had over 4700 followers. I mentioned Kids Are Heroes because it was appropriate for the conversation.  He tweeted “Wow everyone should check out KidsAreHeroes.com!” (Thanks @KyNamDoan). Now I thought that was the coolest thing ever – now I was going to get hundreds more followers instantly!  <cricket sounds>

It doesn’t work like that either.  My experience with Twitter tells me that it is just like anything else.  If you do not have celebrity going for you, then it takes time to develop followers.  Focus on  the relationships and the followers will come.

Oh and for all you real newbies that have followed me recently, check your @Replies folder.  I have sent you stuff and haven’t heard back.  To reply to someone preface the tweet with @UserName. i.e . @Team Charlie I hate goat cheese too!  It doesn’t work if you simply put their “handle” in the text of the tweet.  When people do that to you it ends up in your @Replies folder.

Happy tweeting!!