Twitter Steps 1, 2, 3

Hey guys, it's Twitter Tuesday (simply because of the alliteration), so I'm sharing the first three basic steps you need to start using Twitter successfully. I'm relentless on the fact that all of you will have a Twitter account at some point in the next several years, so you might as well start! *Hint hint. Come on, follow me: @skariann.

Step 1: Provide Information

After you create an account and user name, DO fill out your basic bio and add a picture. This gives you credibility as an actual real, living Twitterer. (Not some spammer!!) When people come to your account, they want to see that someone is actually behind it. As you gain Twitter momentum, this will be even more important. Also, write a couple tweets or updates so you can get the hang of the process AND so others see there is at least some activity on your profile. Get in the habit of updating your account regularly.

Step 2: Follow Others

Ah, the most basic of Twitter lingo. I follow you, you follow me, and we all have followers. Try comparing this to your Facebook friends. The people who follow you will automatically see your tweets. The people you follow are who will show up on your feed. So, search for people you know who are already twittering, invite others to join, and start finding Tweeters who interest you. There are tons of celebrities, musicians, professionals, comedians, local businesses, news sources, etc. etc. As you follow more people, you will start to see the variety of ways people use Twitter. And you'll start to see how YOU will want to use it.

Try to keep your ratio of followers and those you follow about equal. If you are following 900 people, but only 24 are following you, others are less likely to follow you. Why? You look like a spammer or someone whose tweets aren't valued.

But keep in mind: When you first start tweeting, it will be a little difficult to get follows back. But over time as you build your account and find your niche, that will be a lot easier.

Step 3: Retweet, Retweet, Retweet

A retweet is pretty much the highest honor in the Twitterverse. (Yes, one of the things I love about Twitter is the insider lingo.) A retweet is when you see a tweet that interests you, and you pass it on. So when people retweet your content (or vice versa), they are saying they pay attention and think your content is good. This sharing of tweets is how Twitter is so amazing at getting out information and spreading it FAST. So read the feeds of those you follow and retweet (RT) what really catches your eye.

How? Simply copy the text with the original tweeters username and place a RT in the front.

Example:
Original Tweet: Great blog post about steps 1, 2, 3 of Twitter
Retweet: RT @skariann Great post about steps 1, 2, 3 of Twitter

If you want to add more (and there's room: remember you only have 140 characters), comment with the RT.

Retweet: This helps a lot! RT @skariann Great post about steps 1, 2, 3 of Twitter

As you continue retweeting content, you will build credibility and presence on Twitter, which will lead to more followers.

Do you have any other questions or concerns about Twitter? Let me know, and I'll try to address them. I will also be posting about tips, programs, branding, significant Tweeters, and more in the future!

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