Recently, I spoke to a trade association about social media, and of course, about Twitter. Later in the day, I ran into some attendees who still felt really clueless about Twitter, and wondered how to even get started. Apart from showing them how to set up an account and get familiar with the primary Twitter functionality, I wanted to show them HOW to tweet. Since they also had no idea what to tweet about, I decided to use the community at-large to help me. I put the question out there, “I’m talking to some Twitter newbies who are interested in how to start out on Twitter. What would be your #1 tip?” and I got fantastic responses, all of which I’ve compiled into the below post. Now I can share this advice with my conference attendees as well as you!
I hope you find this helpful, and please feel free to pipe up with your contributions. Oh, and if you like this kind of community input, please know that my upcoming book, “Twitter Marketing: An Hour a Day” will include a whole section called “Tips from Tweeps”!
@GinySassenach – try to return tweets
@techpr – Decide from the get-go who you’re looking to connect with. It’s easier to stay on a clearly defined mission.
@mjleonard – Expect to not enjoy Twitter or find any point to it immediately. Follow areas of interest. Contribute and introduce yourself.
@ShannonWebAd – @ reply to as many people as you can to let them know you are listening and are there.
@the_real_drmark The easiest way is to follow ur kind of folks. Search a book or record they like, they follow the folks who talk about it.
@mommadona – Hints for Twitter: be urself – everything is out for everyone to read/hear – it’s like a ’salon’ … http://twitzer.com/gE2U
@phintch – Be interesting/humorous and most importantly social!
@oronhaus – Don’t follow everyone.
@rlibby01 – Interact! Don’t just RT and don’t just post what you’re doing. Try to initiate a convo or give useful info.
@bmsterling – Be real.
@dougdavidoff – Engage in conversation – don’t be shy.
@fugitive247 – My #1 Twitter tip to new users is to EXERCISE COMMON SENSE in content, follows, allowing 3rd party app access, DMs, etc. ;oD
@dogfishbeer – Find some folks/companies u like, start following & watch until you are comfortable to jump in with your own tweets.
@yehaskel – Twitter-Tip-4-N00bs #1: please don’t say “hey what’s up everyone?” It’s NOT a 900# party line 
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That @bmsterling is a smart man
Some very good points/tips.
benjamin sterling´s last blog ..IE6 Support
Comment by benjamin sterling — November 11, 2009 @ 4:19 pm