Over the last year, I have been blessed. I am able to do something that I enjoy. I have got to work with and interact with people literally around the world and yes, I do get paid for some of what I do.

Where were you this time last year?

I ask that because as I write this I am heading out to a tweetup.  I went to my first tweetup in January of this year. At the time, I had between 400-800 followers.  Today I am fortunate enough to have over 13,000 Twitter followers.  It is something that I work at regularly and the payback is that I have gained clients and friends as a result of those efforts.  I will talk about tweetups in another article, because I do think they provide a vital key to “some” of your online success!

As such, I do get asked a lot about what I did to get there on Twitter.  So I thought I would create a few articles to help you as well.

Getting your Twitter account set up correctly!

A lot of folks don’t put much thought into how their Twitter account is set up. But I am confident that if set up correctly, it will have a dramatic effect on your business as well as your level of success in regularly getting folks to follow you. 

So, hang on to your hats and let’s get started!  Spend a few minutes now and reap the benefits for years to come!

• Have a Twitter account – sounds basic, but you just never know

If you currently don’t have an account with Twitter, fret not. That way, we won’t have to undo what you have already done! If you are already a twit, make the changes and see the difference!

Twitter profile

Write your name normally, first and last with a space between them

 

Once again, this may sound basic, but I see some folks who are considered “big hitters” who failed to do this.  The result of which is that people at the very least have a challenge in finding you and may not find you altogether.  Not good!

List YOUR website!

If you don’t have a website or blog, get one!  (That is another article as well) But guess what?  Approximately 15% of my website traffic comes as a result of Twitter!  Don’t think you are up for a blog quite yet?  Then use one of your social networking site addresses such as LinkedIn or Facebook.

There are some folks who will tell you that you don’t need to put the “www” aspect of your website here.  I am not for or against it.  Just make sure it works!

Have a robust bio!

Hey, this is your time to toot your own horn and to get people interested enough to either follow you or take other action. Keep it relative to your authentic self.

Be truthful, but don’t be afraid to let people know your expertise either. Are you a Social Media Trainer with certification?  Let them know.  Remember, people like to do business with those that they know and trust.  If you don’t tell people of your mad skills, you may not get another chance.

Location and Protection…???

Let’s start with Protection.  Turning this on will only allow those you give permission to view your tweets!  It kind of makes twitter your diary. My advice?  If you don’t want people to see your tweets, make a journal!  Social media is about engagement. By protecting your account, many people will automatically NOT follow you.  Is that what you want?  My advice is to leave it off.

Putting your location can be valuable to you in several ways.  If tweeps want to find others in their local area, location helps with that as a search parameter. Some people want to give the feel they are bigger than they are and leave their location out.  I am an advocate of  filling it out, though mine has changed. I used to have Atlanta as my location as I didn’t think people would know the town I lived in.  I have since changed and more opportunities have resulted from that as I seem more approachable.

Email Notices!

When you first start out on Twitter, your tendency is to feed your ego. So, you have the Notices on your account email every time you get a new follower or when someone sends you a Direct Message.  This has a tendency to clog up your email box.  Especially, when you really get going and start getting 100 or more followers a day.  That will result in approximately 200 emails, which you probably aren’t going to pay much attention to because you will either be fixated on the Twitter client you are using or going to your Twitter page.

So, my recommendation is that you turn them off!  You will be happier down the road believe me.  I do get the Twitter newsletter because from time to time there are some jewels there. Not the end of the world if you don’t because others will tell you about new features that Twitter is adding (such as lists).

Mobile – Be sure to turn updates off.

Away from your computer and want to keep up with your tweets? Mobile (formally called “Devices”) gives you the ability to send and receive tweets through SMS. 

Most folks these days carry around a smart phone such as an iPhone or Treo.  There are applications that will let you tweet to your hearts content.  So, I recommend saving the money you are going to use on text messaging and go the smartphone route.  You will save your phone battery and sanity from having it go crazy from the sheer number of SMS text messages you undoubtedly will receive.  Leave Mobile off!

Picture

There shouldn’t be a question of whether to have a picture or not.  Many folks won’t follow you no matter how cool your tweets are without one.  I think your picture should match in relevance to your bio.  As I say all of the time, people will do business with those they know and trust.  Your picture goes a long way in establishing that rapport. 

I understand that business’ want to put their logo up. I get it. But people love Twitter because it is personal.  I believe that is what your bio is for.  People like to have a response from person vs a logo.  Can you be successful with a logo for your picture?  Yes.  Would it be better if it were a person’s picture?  In my opinion. Yes.

Design

What you and I would consider the “background” is what Twitter calls “Design”.  The Design feature gives you a chance to show some flair as well as not have to deal with 140 character restrictions. 

While Twitter does offer some backgrounds, I would recommend that you go to a site such as twitterbackgrounds,  twitbacks or a variety of others to create one that befits your style, business and personality. You will be able to add more pictures that will capture your essence, add more contact info such as your Skype, LinkedIn and Facebook info.  You can do it for free or have something custom made for you.

Setup is complete…now what?

It may not seem like much, but you have gone further than 90 percent of other twits and already are setting yourself apart in a positive way from the rest of the pack. If you want to go one step further, head on over to a site called bubbletweet and see what deliciousness awaits you there.

Pat yourself on the back! Good job, foundation is laid. Next, we will show how to target your followers!

At Social Media Dudes – we specialize in online strategies for small businesses in northeast Georgia and Metro Atlanta. Contact us here

Follow the Social Media Dudes on twitter:  @DennisLLynn and @johnpanico

If you are looking for free tips or advice on how to approach your social media, go to Social Media Dudesand subscribe to your newsletter in the upper left hand corner! Still not convinced that social media is right for your business? Read this and get our F.R.E.E. report on the 7 Myths of Social Media! Or follow our tweets on Twitter at twitter.com/johnpanico Finally, those are my thoughts from high atop my 2nd floor office above my garage. What I want to hear are YOUR comments. Please leave one now.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.