Sunday, February 9, 2014

Twitter Doesn't Work, Unless You Do 1 of 2 Things Right



 When I first started using Twitter, I was convinced that it didn't work...

...and I was right...it didn't work for me--the way I was using it.

I gave up using it for a while, and it was probably the best, because I really didn't have a clue how to use Twitter.

See: 4 Things You’re Doing on Twitter That Shows You Don’t Have a Clue about How to Use It for Business

I've finally realized that you need to be doing just one of two things on Twitter to make it work (for you).

No matter the technique, there are only two (2) different ways to connect with people on Twitter:

1. Create Invitations to Respond
2. Initiate Conversation

(NOTICE: I did not suggest playing the Follow Me, I'll Follow You Game)

It's better if you do both, but even if you only do one (1) of these things, you'll begin to experience success on Twitter.  Here's a closer look at each:



1. Create Invitations to Respond

It's always easier to address people who come to you, but you have to do a little bit of work.

However, if you provide people with things that make them respond, for example...
Helpful Hints
Key Insight
Interesting Data/Facts
Funny Stuff
Neat Things to See
Great Events to Do

...you still might not get noticed, but that's where you start.

You never know what's going to work.

See: Marketing Tip: You Never Know What Will Work

When I first started using Twitter, I would post a Tweet once in a while.  At that time, I might even post 3 Tweets a day.  I wanted to get out my message, but I didn't want to offend anyone.

The problem is that THERE IS SO MUCH NOISE ON TWITTER. It's tough for you to get noticed through all of that.

So just keep posting.  If you post enough stuff, eventually people are going to see it.  Some of them might even respond, but it has to be good stuff.  Otherwise, you ARE just annoying them.

KEY POINT: However, once they respond to you, it's important that you respond to them.  Make them feel like they're valued, even if only within that moment.

That is communication!

Unless you're an established celebrity, don't just simply post without any intention of responding.  Yes, you'll get people to respond to you, but you'll lose your chance for the main reason you're on Twitter in the first place...to make connections (with people in your target market).

Within Twitter, people "connecting" with you could be something as simple as them marking your Tweet as a "Favorite," or they might "ReTweet your post.  Sometimes, they might even make a direct response.

No matter what they do, it's important that you respond to them, especially if they might be someone who can help you meet your goals.

Set out the bait (Tweets to good material), and wait for people to take it.  Know what you're going to do once your "bait works."


2. Initiate Conversation

So you're not a writer, and you don't feel like Tweeting all of the time.  For whatever reason, that's not you.

Is Twitter useless to you, then?

Hardly!

You can initiate conversation.

If you do JUST this step, you can be a champion on Twitter without writing your own material.  Really!

Yes, it's possible to make something as a "Favorite" or "ReTweet" something.  However, those are so easy to do, those types of actions by themselves really do not make it easy for you to be noticed.

Respond to a Tweet with an intelligent response.  If they attached a cool link, make a quick remark about that.

If they have something interesting on their Twitter Profile, maybe ask them something about it.

No matter the method, essentially, you're just starting a REAL conversation...or at least you're trying to start one.  There is no guarantee that any specific person will respond.  That's why you try to initiate conversations with several people.

KEY POINT: Most people want to be heard or noticed on Twitter.  That's why they're on there.  You just have to take time to notice them...and let them know you did.

If you help them feel noticed, most will be flattered, and some of them might even be smart enough to respond to you.  At that point, you have a real chance of making a connection...especially if you continue to ask questions that help you get to know them better.

If it is someone you want to get to know better, invite them to send you an email or even call you.  (NOTE: Email tends to be a little less threatening at this stage, though.)

Don't just simply "Follow" them.  Connect with them!

That's all there is to it.  If you take even one (1) of these steps, you'll find your success on Twitter will skyrocket.  Twitter does really work; you just have to use it the right way...and it's not really that hard to do.



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Hey there! Thank you for taking time to read my post and share your thoughts with me and my other readers. I'm always tickled when I get a non-SPAM comment. Honestly, sometimes I'm even okay with some borderline SPAM.

Let me know if you would like for me to address a topic by sending me an email at Chris@TheUltimateAnalyst.com.

Thanks, again. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Chris