7 Twitter Basics For Beginners

Master the Twitter basics to ensure that you maximize this increasingly popular social networking platform.  If you have not previously thought about using Twitter to drive traffic to your blog, then it may be time to start.

Twitter can take a bit of getting used to, so the more you use it, the more familiar you will become. There is nothing to be scared of, so if you are a bit unsure, the best way to start is simply to start!  

In this post we are going to look at 7 Twitter basics to enable you to get the most out of the platform.

Twitter Basics 1: Tweets

One of the first Twitter basics you need to understand are your tweets.  You basically have 140 characters in which to send a message to your followers.  This could be promoting a link, saying hi, announcing what you are doing, absolutely anything you like!  Remember however that you only have 140 characters to do this in, so you need to be short and succinct.

If you are inserting a URL into the tweet, it would be advisable to use a URL shortener such as tiny URL.  This will reduce your URL characters giving you more room for your message!

Tweets are one place you really don’t need to worry about your grammar because you don’t have the room to do so!  It is also a good idea to leave some character space so that when people re-tweet your tweet they can add some conversation of their own too!

Twitter is a very public platform.  The very purpose of Twitter is to share information, so if you are more of a private person, Twitter may not be the right fit for you.

Twitter Basics 2: Keywords

One great tool is to look at the keywords that are associated with the content you regularly use.  Start searching those phrases to find other’s who are also interested in your niche.

Follow the people who seem to give an interest in the content that you are sharing and then start engaging with them.  Twitter like any other social media platform means that you need to be SOCIAL.  You can’t possibly be social, if you don’t engage, so don’t expect to see many benefits from Twitter if you are not prepared to get stuck in and engage with other users.

As your engagement with others grows, your relationships will naturally deepen.  This is turn can lead to  others re-tweeting and commenting on your tweets, but also allows for relationships to be formed for possible guest posting.

Twitter Basics 3: Replying to Tweets

If you would like to reply to someone who has tweeted you, you can hit the link ‘reply’ and send them a message.  By ‘replying’, you are having a conversation with that specific person, but everyone who is following both of you will also be able to see that message. If you therefore want to send a private message, don’t hit ‘reply’!

The message will be sent following the @ symbol and Twitter username.

Twitter Basics 4: Sending A Direct Message

If you wish to speak with someone on Twitter, but you DON’T want anyone else to see the message, you need to do so via a direct message.

Twitter Basics 5: Using Hashtags

You have probably heard a lot about the use of hastags, especially now that they are also being used in Google Plus and Facebook. Do you understand what they are and how they are to be used?

A hashtag (#) will highlight your keyword or topic.  If you click on a hashtag it will take you to the most recent users who have used that hashtag in their tweets.

Twitter Basics 6: Utlise Trending Topics

Trending topics in Twitter are incredibly useful for knowing what is popular for being discussed.  If possible you want to tap into the trending topic as this will ultimately lead to increased  interest for your site.  Using the hashtags of the trending topic will highlight to other’s that you also have something new and relevant relating to that topic, which will encourage other’s to check it out.

Tapping into the use of trending topics is also a great way to establish your online credibility because it shows that you are hot on the pulse with current news and interests.  If you are constantly paying attention to the trending topics and releasing posts related to that, it will assist to increase your flow of traffic to your site.

Twitter Basics 7: Don’t Be Over Promotional

Whilst Twitter can certainly be used to promote your blog links, you do not want to appear to be too over promotional, as this will not interest followers.  It is very obvious when someone is literally tweeting their own links and this does not encourage engagement or serve to build relationships.

It is important to strike a balance on Twitter between promoting your own work, the work of others, but also responding and interacting with people.  Your tweets need to look natural, and the more natural you come across, the higher the chance people will want to follow you.

The learn how to blog program will walk you through the Twitter platform in depth and answer any outstanding questions you have.  Learn how to utilize the platform to benefit the growth of your blog.

Are you currently using Twitter?  Connect with us on Twitter and keep up to date with our latest blog posts.

Is Twitter one of your preferred social media platforms?  What are some  of the ways that you like to use the service?  Do you have a grasp of the Twitter basics?  Please share your thoughts with us below.