How to Gain and Retain a Healthy Twitter Following
It may sound like a cliché but Twitter really is revolutionizing the way people communicate online. I find that the uninitiated often group in the same category as Facebook but I feel that although the two networks share many similarities, they are also used for very different reasons. I tend to treat Facebook as far more personal, a true online reflection of my real self, no holds barred, it is me, warts and all. Twitter on the other is more of an information conduit to which I occasionally contribute.
For me, Twitter is more of a social RSS feed than a rich media forum. Despite this most Twitter users suffer from the same narcissistic tendencies as their Facebook using counterparts. Social networking is about sharing and self-expression, humans are naturally attention seeking creatures and want to broadcast their thoughts to as many people as possible. This is why the ‘following’ figure is so important to some. Building a good network is not about quantity however, more about quality; why have a million followers if non of them listen or interact with you? Here is how to gain quality followers on Twitter –
Stay Regular
Twitter, by it’s own admission is based on short, timely messages, so update your feed on a regular, predictable basis and stay abreast of the latest news and trends. If you tweet sporadically, this may turn-off followers and they will un-follow without a moment’s thought. Just one tweet a day can be enough
Be Relevant
Who are your audience? If you are being followed by a bunch of tech companies, then Tweeting about Paris Hiltons new Chihuahua is unlikely to enthuse them. Instead pass comment on industry issues and retweet relevant posts. Talking of Retweeting…
Rewteet, but Not Too Much
Retweeting is a very useful tool, but if you do it too much it depersonalizes your feed and makes you look like a bot. Retweet elect stories that will be of interest to your followers and steer clear of popular blogs like Tech Crunch and Mashable, everyone follows them anyway!
Don’t Offend
If you run a corporate Twitter feed, swearing is unlikely to endear your clients or make you a respectable industry pillar. Cheeky and playful is fine, just don’t go so far as offending or you will see your followers drop like flies.
Be Personal
Even if you are running a feed for your company, make sure the bio is up to date and accurate, this will personify your feed and make you, well, personal.
Joe is an avid Twitter user working for a company that sell gap insurance. You can follow him on Twitter @joe__johnson__
cc licensed flickr photo shared by SeattleClouds.com
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Hi Joe, I pretty much agree with everything you’ve said. One thing I will say is that it can be difficult to appeal to all of your followers through a personal Twitter account. I struggle with this because on the one hand I have friends following me who care little for SEO, but on the other I have fellow SEO professionals who no doubt care little about my dog or love of football!
Great post I must say. Simple but yet entertaining and engaging… Keep up the good work.