We thought we’d do a follow up to our ‘HOW TO: Facebook Comps‘ post back in April … this time focusing on the wonderful world of Twitter!

So here’s a brief overview on the Dos and Don’ts to get you  started …

The one thing to remember is that Twitter isn’t an advertising board; it’s a conversation.

Do:

  • Follow, follow, follow!  Spend some time building up the people you follow. If you’re not sure where to start, use the Twitter suggestions, or check out who your friends are following
  • Try to reply to all the Tweets that mention you
  • Find your ‘voice’.  Is it chatty, formal, cheeky, official?  Do you want your Tweets to be first person, or third person?  First is more approachable, but may be too relaxed for a corporate account
  • Devote time to Twitter.  When it comes to Social Media, the more you put in, the more you get back.  You need a steady, regular presence to make real ripples
  • Consider utilising someone already established in the Twitterverse, to help you gain momentum.  Just like in real life, well-placed connections can introduce you to all the right people

Don’t:

  • Simply blast out company info, or product news.  Build real relationships – friendships even – with your followers
  • Let complaints or negative Tweets go unanswered, but DO try to take them offline, or deal with them via Direct Message
  • Wait to be invited into conversations; just start chatting.  People don’t mind you joining in; in fact, that’s kind of the point!
  • Leave it weeks between Tweets.  People will check your stream; if it’s not sparkling with fresh content and lively conversation, they won’t click Follow
  • Schedule too many Tweets.  The odd ones here and there are fine; especially when you’re unable to log on, but if people realise there’s no one at the other end, you’re not going to get any engagement.  In fact, you might just annoy them

If you’ve any questions about Twitter then feel free to drop us an email!