Getting Started on Twitter Posted on July 17, 2009 Post a comment

Getting Started on Twitter
A client recently told me that she tried Twitter, but she was so confused on how to get up and running, she closed the browser and went on to something else. A common problem, I know, because I felt the same way when I first joined.  Sure, recent enhancements to the Twitter sign-up process have take some of the mystery out of where to go and what to do, but for many people, entering the Twittersphere is like trying to enter a highway without any on ramps. That, in part, may explain why the Twitter drop-out rate is so high.

Here are seven steps to help you merge into traffic.

1. The first and most important place to start is by loading a profile and profile picture. This is how most people will make the decision as to whether or not you are “follow-worthy.” This is your calling card. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Make sure you list your interests so that others can find you when doing a Twitter search. Have fun with it. You can change it anytime. 
2. Post your first tweet. Just do it. Don’t over think it. Your audience is small to non-existent, so let it fly. If you write a blog, post a link to a recent post. If you saw a new release movie the night before, rate it. Just start posting. But keep it relevant. No one really cares if you had Cheerios for breakfast--except for the folks at General Mills. 
3. Chances are you know one or two people who are up and running on Twitter. Start following them. Check out who’s following them and who they’re following. It’s a great way to connect with people who you are likely to find interesting.
4. Starting following @Mashable. This is a great blog site on all things social media related and an excellent source of guidance. You’ll find great advice on navigating the social media world as well as recommendations of the best third-party tools to make the experience better.
5. Speaking of tools, I recommend downloading Tweetdeck or Tweetie for Mac or another Twitter feed service. These tools are much better than the official Twitter site (which has search functionality hidden in the middle of the bottom nav. 
Why, Twitter, why?). These third party tools make managing tweets easy and you don’t need a tutorial to figure out how to use them. Personally I like the interface for Tweetie for Mac, but think Tweetdeck is better overall.
6. Get engaged. Twitter is not just about broadcasting info and commentary, it’s about engaging. There is a person behind every tweet (well, maybe...).  Part of the fun of Twitter is meeting new and interesting people.  Ask questions. Comment on a post. Talk and engage.
7. Learn the lingo. It’s not that complex, but even so here’s is a key to the Twitter Lexicon.
--Tweet=a post, in 140 characters or less.
--RT or Retweet. This is a way to pass on a post, or tweet, you like or find valuable. It’s a great way of spreading the word since all of your follows will see the original post.
--Reply. This is a comment back to a tweet, but without the original post. The only thing that will appear in your Twitter stream is the reply and not the original tweet.
--DM or Direct Message. This is a private message between you and a follower that won’t show up in your Twitter stream. The person must follow you in order to get the message, a security measure put in place to thwart spam.
--#FollowFriday or #FF and #FastFollow. This is a practice in which followers recommend one another in the hopes of attracting new followers. Some people love it. Some people find it annoying. If it works for you great. Since most recommendations are posted as long lists of names with no information about the person, I tend to ignore the whole thing.

Now you’re set to give Twitter a whirl. Once you’ve got your legs under you, Look me up. There’ll be tweetage. @chiefrouser.