How To Get More Out Of Twitter

Use Twitter to build relationships, not just broadcast information. Listen regularly for comments about you, your company, or topics you’re interested in, and respond! To interact with someone directly, use an @reply, which is a public message aimed at one person. Simply start your tweet with the “at” symbol followed by the username of the person you’re talking to. To see @messages directed at you, click on the link on the right-hand side of your Twitter home page – it’s the @ symbol followed by your username.

Build your following slowly and organically. Include your Twitter link anywhere you list your contact info. If you have a web site or send out an e-mail newsletter, promote it there.

Never spam. The quickest way to lose followers, and get kicked off of Twitter, is to send out blasts of unsolicited direct messages, post duplicate updates, post the same update with multiple accounts, or repeatedly follow large numbers of people.

Avoid any other behavior that violates Twitter’s terms of service, like impersonating someone else, posting confidential or copyrighted information, or promoting illegal activities. For more information, go to Twitter’s terms of service and policies page.

Remember that Twitter is an instant-communication tool – use it to discuss real-time events and engage with your community in a meaningful way. Most of all, be authentic. Express yourself, interact with others, and watch your community grow!