Twitter Tips for Newbies

Next to Facebook, Twitter is one of the largest social networking websites. As of October 2010, they have about 2.6 million users worldwide. This website combines micro blogging with social networking. Users send and receive short messages called Tweets. These Tweets appear on your profile; however, you can send private messages to users, called direct messages. You can also subscribe to other users, called following. Followers are a name for users who follow your Tweets.

Twitter has a variety of uses. You can organize protests, create awareness of organizations and causes, and contribute to charities via Tweets. New users may not know how to use this website at first. By following a few simple tips, you can quickly learn how to use Twitter and how to get followers fast. With your Twitter profile, you can network with others and build relationships.

One of the first Twitter tips is to create an efficient profile. The right profile can help you connect to people with similar interests. Upload a picture of yourself to make your profile more personal. If you do not feel comfortable with using a picture of yourself, use a picture of your artwork or your pet. Enter a brief description of your profession, interests, and education.

Next, you need to follow other users who have similar interests. Use websites such as Twellow and JustTweet, which introduce to users who have the same interests and hobbies as you. Twitter Search also lets you search for users by interest, topic, or category. Enter a topic to search and click the user you would like to follow.  

Now, you need to know how to maintain those relationships. Respond to tweets from users that interest you. For example, reply to a user with ideas on how a user can organize a charity event. Never hesitate to answer other’s questions, when necessary. Interact with your users often. Send a tweet asking how they are doing or how their profession is coming along.

Establish those relationships outside of Twitter. Interact with users through Skype or Yahoo! Messenger. Create a group on the Meetup website. Meetup allows you meet your followers in person. Ask your followers to join your group on Meetup. Those that live near you can arrange a time and place to meet. This helps you create new friends, network with others, and help you get more followers. If the Meetup was a success, your followers will tell their friends and family members to follow you on Twitter. 

One last Twitter trick and tip is to update daily, or as much as you can. Never use Twitter if you rarely use the Internet. Users tend to unfollow others due to inactivity. Update about your day, your projects, or your interests. Integrate your website or niche blog to build interest amongst your readers. It also helps you build an audience and create relationships on other social networking websites. Never spam users with links prompting them to purchase a product. Also, never send users repetitive direct messages. You will lose followers if you use Twitter for either of these uses.