I learn something new about how to use Twitter every week. I remember when the words “tweet, hashtags, retweets” were all foreign to me. Now it’s one of the best ways I communicate with friends, family, and even other professionals.
Along the way of how to use Twitter, I also learned that Twitter netiquette is a huge part of succeeding on this social network. Twitter is about interacting with others, but you don’t want to annoy or anger anyone, especially your followers.
When it comes to Twitter netiquette, it’s good to keep in mind that you are interacting with people who have feelings and emotions. Good manners go a long way on Twitter, even if it’s only in 140 characters.
Here are some tips on how to use Twitter effectively.
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Post a profile picture and short bio.
People want to connect with people. The best thing to do is to post a picture of yourself, not your cat, car, or favorite movie star. Your followers want to know to whom their tweets are directed. Remember this is a social network. They also want to know about you. Share your professional title, favorite hobby, relationship status. Whatever makes you comfortable to allow people to know.
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Interact with others.
Don’t forget that you got on Twitter to socialize with others, especially your followers. So do so by getting to know them and maybe along the way build new friendships. Involve yourself with tweeps (people who twitter) by asking questions or posting a response to a tweet.
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Retweet is a good thing.
If you like what someone has posted on Twitter, share it with others by simply retweeting. Tweeters love retweets, and it also shows your followers what kind of posts you like.
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Recommend people you follow.
Pay it forward by recommending people you like. It’s a great way to build your reputation, because others will take notice of the tweeters you recommend. And when you recommend someone, usually someone will recommend you.
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Say thank you.
If you get advice or help on Twitter, don’t forget say thank you to the person who helped you out. It shows others you know how to use Twitter and that you have good netiquette and don’t take your tweeps for granted.
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Respond to your followers.
It’s good netiquette when you respond to people who send you a direct message or a response. When you don’t respond followers may think you’re only into one-sided conversations.
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Use proper responses.
Before you reply to someone, think about whether it should be a public or private response. If someone direct messages you, do not respond to them publicly. Respond in a direct message.
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Check your links
If you add a link to your tweet, make sure it works. Check it. There’s nothing more annoying than a tweet with a link that doesn’t work.