5 Tips to Get Followed on Twitter

Since my Twitter post 5 Tips to Get The Most Out of Twitter was received so well I wanted to make the most of my recent 4 hour flight and write down and share some additional Twitter tips. Just because I’m unplugged (or supposed to be) doesn’t mean you can’t be optimizing your use of Twitter. I guarantee that if you take into account these 5 tips you’ll see an improvement in response from others you interact with on Twitter. Enjoy and feel free to post questions or tips of your own. I’ll be replying as I can during my travels across the Northwest.

1. Fill out your Bio
While this may seem obvious taking the time to thoughtfully do this will quickly enable others to assess who you are and the common interests or expertise you might share with others. I would argue that it is essential to include a URL to your web site so people can look beyond the brief description to learn more about you. In the short space provided give a concise overview of who you are and what you’re interested in (i.e. share your interests). This area of your Twitter page is equivalent to your 30 second pitch.

2. Tweet your interests
Do you walk the walk or just talk the talk. If your tweets don’t match your bio’s stated interests or area of expertise people will likely be less inclined to follow you. Twitter unlike other online communities makes it easy for others to see if your online persona matches your online activities. If the two do not match you’re likely to confuse those evaluating whether to follow you or not. While your recent past tweets may vary day to day be sure to stay on subject for your area of stated interest or expertise. This will ensure that as people find you they’ll see that you have varied interests, but are staying true on some level to your stated interests.

3. Follow & Be Followed
Once you follow someone on Twitter they receive a notification email with a snapshot of how many people are following you and how many people you’re following. If that person sees that you’re disproportionately following people to the number of those following you it will be a red flag that you’re a potential spammer. Following thousands of people while two dozen follow you will make others think you’re either a spammer or desperate for attention. It’s best to avoid either of those perceptions. Start slow and build a following as you follow others. Others will certainly be more apt to follow you when they see what you’re tweeting and how many others are interacting with you on your Twitter-stream

4. Don’t wait for someone to follow you
Twitter is a great medium to make contact and converse with people that might otherwise be out of reach to you. Take advantage of that and talk with others you find interesting even if they’re not yet following you… in moderation of course. A witty comment or a a brief conversation is enough to give others an introduction to who you are and spur them to follow you. In this sense be pro-active rather than passive in your use of Twitter. Don’t assume others will magically find you. To interact with others direct a comment at specific person by using the @ designation (Ex. @ashtonkutcher what tips do you have in meeting and marrying a sugar mama?).

5. Custom Background Images
An image is worth a 1000 words and in the land of 140 characters a background image can provide an enhanced view of who you are providing a window to your personality and interests. Many people now create custom background images with extended bio information on the left edge, inclusive of their web site, social media sites/accounts and standard contact information. This is a creative way for you to express yourself all while giving others a fast view of where else they can find you online.

—

You’ve found my blog, but you’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg… follow me on Twitter and FriendFeed. I also invite you to listen and subscribe to my podcast “EXIF and Beyond” featuring photographer interviews and the chronicles of creating some of my photography

—

[tags]Social Media, Twitter, Best Practices[/tags]