Twitter 101 - Building a Community
Twitter is one of the most popular social networks used by millions where a user can send short messages up to 140 characters to everyone in their community.
Several of your friends and business associates must be already up and active on Twitter, and more are signing up every day. But what is the aim behind using Twitter? Is it just another milestone in avenues created to pass the time or is it something more? How can Twitter be used for business? And for once, what are Twitter communities and why bother using them?
To answer such questions, here's a mini Twitter guide on Twitter communities.
Building a Community on Twitter
Twitter is not-so-old way to communicate and facilitate interesting conversations. But communication is done by participating communities. Without a community of your own, you cannot communicate. Simple enough. That leads us to how to create a Twitter community that suits you.
How to Create a Community on Twitter
To create a community wherein you can mingle with like-minded peeps, it is important to first determine why you want to be on Twitter. Is it to stay ahead of the latest trends? To share some laughs? To advice and help others?
Identify your ideal purpose and take it from there.
1. Create a user-friendly Twitter ID: Ensure this ID is something you relate to very well. It can be your name, your brand name or even your field of interest. You can create a shorthand for your name or keep it full and intact. Remember though, if you use your brand name or full name, it may take up a lot of characters and therefore limit your interactions (which are to be limited to 140).
For example, we are Revive_Projects on Twitter. It takes 15 characters but retains the brand name.
So pick what's important for you and go from there.
2. Look for Who to Follow: Once you've set up an account, don't just leave it at it. Search for people who have common likings, hobbies, professions or whatever it is you're on Twitter for. And yes, it's OK to "follow" someone who you don't know in real life.
Use services like TwitDir, Twellow, and Twitter Search (Twitter's in-house facility) to follow more people and build your community.
3. Twitter Mumbo-Jumbo: Or smart talk? You decide. But if you're on Twitter, make sure you understand the basics such as:
@: Used to mention someone you're replying to or referring to in a conversation.
DM: Direct message which works like personal email. Only you and the recipient can see the contents.
RT: Re-tweet.
Tweetups: Twitter meet-ups.
#: Hashtag. Used in front of relevant keywords to categorise the contents of a tweet in such a way so that it is easy to find the tweet during a Twitter Search.
There are some common hashtags used on Twitter like #followfriday. You must have noticed this tag being used enormously on Fridays. #followfriday is a neat way of suggesting tweeps (Twitter people) to follow other interesting Twitter users. Everyone gets a chance to speak out the name of their favourite user.
For example, if you love Revive Projects, you could tweet something like this:
#followfriday the team at @Revive_Projects is awesome!
4. Spread Your Name: Twitter name, that is. When commenting on blogs and replying on forums, leave your Twitter handle (@'followed by your Twitter name) just below so as to allow people to follow you if they wish.
5. Promote Others: If you like someone's tweet, or love their product, say it on Twitter. Be generous. Make sure they know it by using the @ sign before their Twitter name. Spread the love!
6. Avoid Sending Personal Info in Public: This is common sense but trust me, tweeps still do it. It is considered against Twitter etiquette to bombard your community with personal information like phone numbers, address, email ID etc. If you want to share these with someone in particular, try to DM them instead.
Conclusion
Stick to the above and build your own Twitter community. It could be for business exposure or just for fun. Like any social media platform, Twitter has its etiquette and basic lingo. Familiarise yourself with these and engage with your community. 140 characters can say a LOT!
Hop on to start your Twitter community and if you find the lack of time/resources/knowledge holding you back, why not engage a marketing agency to do it for you?
How is your community doing on Twitter? Share your thoughts with us!
About Revive Projects
Revive Projects is an award-winning Melbourne-based leading Marketing Agency with years of expertise in franchise marketing, Health & Fitness marketing, Mainstreet marketing and Distribution-based marketing. www.reviveprojects.com.au.
Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography.
Posted by Pooja on 8th January, 2012 | Comments | Trackbacks
Tags: Twitter, Marketing agency Melbourne, marketing agency, marketing Melbourne
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