7 Tips for new Twitter Users

[Jeremiah Owyang in Boston October 2007. Twitter made this night happen. Photo by Shel]

Unlike most social media tools, Twitter takes a while to understand. It took me about 30 days to figure out that it was among my most valuable tools and it was brought home by chance. I was in Boston and Twitter let me see that my friend Jeremiah Owyang was in a nearby hotel. We had dinner. Not a big deal, but this space of 140-character spoonfuls let me know that a realworld friend was nearby and available.

I call the place Twitterville because it very much works like a small neighborhood. You may just want to talk safely with a people you already know, which is what most people, so far, are doing. But a great many of us like to explore and find others with whom we share something in common whether that commonality is hummingbirds or iPhones doesn't matter much. Twitter is a big part of my global neighborhood, an online space where I can build friendships with people all over the world.

But Twitterville is booming. The population is on the rise. Those of us who have hung out here for a long time get lots of follows from people we do not know. It is flattering to be followed--at least in the safety of Twitterville. And occasionally many of us get caught up in those numbers as if it were some popularity contest, But for me, it is not a popularity contest. It is an important neighborhood to me and I learn something new and valuable with my Twitteville friends every day. I miss them when I am away too long.

So, if you are new to Twitterville, it is a friendly place. But people need to know a bit about you in order to want to spend time in conversation with you. This will not happen if you simply start and account, reveal nothing about yourself and your interests and then go around collecting follows. Some people may follow you back automatically, but it seems to me that will matter very little if the two of yo have nothing to talk about, other than how many new follows you've added.

There are a few things yo might consider doing first. Many of them are the same sort of activities, I've suggested previously for getting started:

1. Show yourself. Scroll through some pages and see what catches your eye. Chances are good that it will be the avatars. Personally, I like to have conversations with real people so I like to see real photos, not cartoons or the Twitterville place keeper. If you have a blog or Web site link to it. Under bio, say something about what you are really about. Saying your location is on iPhone is overused and unhelpful to someone deciding to follow you or not.

2. Read first.When I check out a new Tweeter, I read his or her most recent posts. If one interests me, I'll look further. If none does, I'm gone. My advice is to start by reading what others have to say. get a sense of the rhythm of Twitterville conversations before you join in. Wait until you have something useful or interesting to add to the conversation.

3. Celebrities don't count. You can always start by getting followed by a few celebrity Tweeters like Scoble, Calacanis and Loic. But they give you no credibility at all because they simply follow everyone. Their purpose is to be a new media star and it works well for them. But is that what you want from Twitterville. Those of us who have been around for a while see no value in their being listed at as Followers, because they follow everyone.

4. Post before you follow strangers. Take a few days and post a few thoughts on subjects yo want to discuss on Twitter. It can be work, play, news, sports, music whatever. But then when people check you out they know what you are about and can decide to follow you because they share something in common with you.

5. Avoid Spammer stats. The worst thing you can do is have stats that show you follow 149 people and 4 people follow you. You may be the nicest person in the world, but you have spammer stats. It's because you chose to follow a bunch of people but revealed so little of yourself, that no one wanted to follow you back. This is fixed by going slower, by posting tweets that let others know about you.

5.Have favorites. When you are new to Twitterville, you may not even notice that little star icon to the right of each tweet. You can use it to make that post a "favorite." I always look at what a new follower favors. It tells me a bit about what makes them tick. It shows your sense of humor and your passion points.

6. Take your time. Twitterville works like any other neighborhood. People start by chatting about weather, lunch--silly little things. Sometimes the conversation goes nowhere, tapering off into cyberspace. Other times, the conversation deepens. It evolves into a real friendship or a business opportunity. If you try pushing yourself too aggressively, people may respond to you in the same way they do the loudmouth at the party. They walk away in talk in circles that do not include you.

7. New in town? Don't be intimidated. Twitter really started only 14 months ago. We are all new to Twitter. There are 5 million here so far and I'm betting there are 10s of millions of people heading this way. There's plenty of room, because we all tend to cluster around those with whom we share common interests.

Enjoy yourself. Twitter is a valuable place but more important, it can also be an extremely enjoyable place.

Comments

[bitpakkit]

Excellent advice. Welcome to Twitterville!

[Matt Singley]

Great article, Shel! Very articulate. I'm going to point my friends that are curious about Twitter to this post. Thanks for putting this up.

[Tiffany Monhollon]

Twitter took me some time to figure out too, and I'm always learning new things. That's one of the great things about the community I have there. Very helpful, professional. For me, Twitter is a really important link to up-to-the-minute professional development and high-speed relationship-building, two critical things in my field.

[Steve Bridger]

Really like this list, Shel. Especially 5., which I think is often overlooked. "It shows your sense of humor and your passion points." Twitter (and social tools generally) allows nice blokes like me, who used to get sand kicked in our faces, or feel intimidated by full-on sales types to 'punch' above our weight. It works for me.

I work from home, but Twitter allows me to genuinely feel connected... 'alone together' if you like.

[Kiki]

I wish I would have read this a few months ago when I started on Twitter. At first you think "I don't get it."

I followed a lot of people but over time you start to see who you can talk with. The night of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies my neck of the woods in Twitterville jelled like never before and it was like we were in Beijing together.

[Chris Christensen]

I was interested to see the stats from Edison / Arbitron from a random phone survey at the end of January that said that around 5% of the U.S. had heard of twitter and less than 1% use it. It is certainly still an early adopter thing. The view from Twitterville does not always make that obvious.

[Meg Bear]

thanks for this, perfect timing I was wanting to share this kind of info with some friends.

[Brent]

It is also a great site for reputation management. Companies are finding fake Twitter accounts that are ruining their brands. People are even trying to sell the Twitter accounts back to companies. Here is nice graph that explains the volume Twitter is consuming on the Internet. http://siteanalytics.compete.com/twitter.com/?metric=uv

[jgraziani]

Nice post Shel. I need to be reminded every so often to check my twitter bio and make sure it's doing a good job of representing who I am. Think I'll go do that now. :)

[David Mullen]

Great tips. Can't believe I've overlooked the "favorites" star to date! Big THANKS for pointing that out.

When deciding if I (@dmullen) want to follow someone back, I check out the first things you mentioned - bio, ratio of following/followers, recent tweets - but if I need a little something else to decide whether or not to follow someone back, I'll glance at the first page of who that person is following. Scrolling over the names there and seeing those bios. That gives a bit more insight into what the said tweeter is there to talk about based on who they're talking to.

[bnpositive]

Really great thoughts on the real value of twitter. Sometimes it's so hard to explain to people who aren't already closely tied to social media apps. Thanks for sharing. I'd never really thought about the usefulness of favorites either.

[Jeremiah Owyang]

These are great started tips, I'll be sure to pass on to others that are getting started. I agree it was unique to see you in Boston, despite the fact we're nearly neighbors here in the SF bay area.

Great redesign Shel, lookin 'good. Now if you could just get rid of that ugly guy on the top of this post.

[Scott Clark]

Nicely parsed list that brings a bit of humanity to what Twitter is.

It took me about 30+ days to figure out how I would use Twitter. Now, I'm a happy citizen of Twitterville.

http://twitter.com/the_mudflap

[Greg Bussmann]

Nice post. I was thinking about doing a blog post similar to this, but now I think I am just going to link to yours. Well said.

Greg

[BirdiesBird]

What I don't like is people exploiting a communication medium. In my opinion, you shouldn't use twitter to please others, but because you have something to say. Apple-polishers are just plain boring.

[Tim Bull]

Great post, I'll bookmark this for sharing with others. Trying to explain the value of Twitter is always a challenge and these are excellent first steps.

I'd have a new step 1 which is to use http://search.twitter.com instead of scrolling pages to discover what's of interest to you. I've built my Twitterville neighbourhood in this way.

I wrote this post http://binaryplex.com/2008/08/01/social-networking-to-produce-an-outcome/ on my blog earlier this month which shares a story on how I've used Twitter not only for social networking, but to reach good business outcomes.

[Meredith Krumenacker // @meredithk1981]

Great post, Shel! It was very encouraging. I love blog posts that talk about the dynamics of Twitter, but many tend to be very "here's what you shouldn't do." While they are useful, it's also nice to read suggestions that encourage others to try out Twitter.

I like @Tim Bull's suggestion of also using search.twitter.com. It's another easy way to find people who like to talk about the same things you do.

Well done. :)

[Ari Herzog]

I enjoy following people who follow common people I follow, and I don't refer to so-called A-list Twitterers either. Pick a niche and you'll see everyone's connected.

Here is a similar entry of mine: Tweeting Tweeple Will Twitter, But Twither?

[Neville Hobson]

Very good points, Shel, especially the one about real photos. I do that, too: note what someone looks like as part of deciding to follow. The current mangatar fad isn't helpful :)

Nice blog redesign, btw. A much fresher look.

[Scott Monty]

Well put, Shel. That's a great perspective and one that I think will help people get started, because Twitter typically leaves people with the "I don't get it" response at first.

BTW, looks like that photo was taken at Jacob Wirth & Co.

[shel israel]

Scott, Thanks for the kind words. The photo was taken in a Hanover Street coffee & pastry place in the North End. I've been going there since my college days at Northeastern University.

[franke james]

Excellent post, Shel! Love the Twitterville nickname, too.

I saw Ari commented on your new blog design. I agree. Fresh, clean and easy to read. Well done.

Franke

[SpilltoJill]

this article explains the twitter process really well. I am a new addict! Thanks for having me:)

[Wanda]

I have put off joining twitter for some time but have finally succumbed.

Thanks to your information I have been able to make some sense of it all quite quickly.

When I first looked at it I just went 'Ohmigod where do I start.

Thank you

[Latest SEO]

This is big and great article about Twitter. I learnt from this article how to use Twitter. Thanks for your tips.

[Alanna]

I am not really new at twitter any more, but I just switched my icon to a picture of me because of this article.

[Radek Pilich]

Best post in a while! Tips on posting before following and favorites went straight to my "implement list".

I just realized that it might be a good idea to post a few tweets relevant to a person you would like to follow you back before following them. It might be also worth trying to simply tweet the reason why should the other person follow you.

I'm definitely going to try this, as it is hard to get the people you want to follow you when you're a new comer building up your reputation.

[BarbaraKB]

One of the best *written* posts about Twitter use. Why? Encourages new adopters to take the time to actually *read* what others are posting. And, as Shel knows, I am a huge fan of the under used "favorites" aspect of Twitter. Thanx, Shel!

[Hjörtur Smárason]

I hadn't thought of number 5. That's a great one. Thanks for the tips.

I followed your advice in the start (4 months ago) and now I have a great community around me now with over 600 followers that brings me great value and great pleasure. Twitter is by far the best network I've joined so far.

Thanks
@hjortur

[pixites]

hope you don't mind me following you;)? love Twitterville; enjoyed this post and would not mind at all meeting you every once and a while

[Elijah]

Good information... I need to add a twitter section to my blog to help people follow me better.

http://tinyurl.com/6ym4ab

[Jody Reale]

"We're all new to Twitter" is a point I hadn't considered. Thanks for pointing that out!

[Ray The Money Man]

I am brand new to Twitter so your post really got me on track, thanks!

[Vanessa]

This is a geat article. It's well-written and easy to understand. I wish I'd read it a few months ago when I joined Twitterville.

[@CostaRica]

Excellent article Shel, we've translated and adapted in our page, due credit given of course.
We would only add to remember to follow *someone* and to check new followers and direct messages. Some people join and are literally unreachable since they're following nobody.

[frank]

Great post ... found it by way of (http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-ideas-on-using-twitter-for-business/). Your post and the one from Chris Brogan are very useful and informative.

I recently started using Twitter much more ... it's an interesting place as i don't have may friends (the kind i actually know in person) that use twitter. In contrast, when i got on facebook i was able to connect with a lot of real friends as well as a deccent number of 2nd & 3rd tier relationships.

It definitely takes time to build a good reputation and to find others that are interested in 'following' for good reasons.

So far i've just found some people that i like to follow ... then i try to add to the conversations .... be humble ... and take it from there.

We'll see how it all turns out ...

Any feedback or mentoring type help is always appreciated!

[Ignacio Escribano]

Hi Shel, I really enjoyed your article; it gave me really cool tips and also encouraged me to keep participating in Twitter.
You introduced me into that community and I´d like to thank you for that.
Best from Buenos Aires,
I.

[Ro Troia]

I joined Twitter a few months ago but I haven't really understood it. It just seems crazy that anyone cares that I'm going to play golf or that I'm having lunch. I will give it more time and try to be involved.

[Blake]

It says 7 Tips for new Twitter Users, but I counted 8 tips (there are two #5, "Avoid Spammer Stats" and "Have Favorites").

[shel israel]

Blake,
Thanks for the catch. It shows why I keep mentioning that I am not a numbers person.

[kdgriffin]

I've just started using Twitter and I just couldn't get handle it. This has been very helpful.

[Shayne Packer]

Very nice, practical tips. I'm already doing some of them, and I'm going to implement the others right away!

[Michelle Lawson]

Thanks, this was helpful for a newbie tweeter. I've realized that my own first twitter post was pretty dumb...I'll clean up my act fast.

[Michelle Lawson]

Thanks, this was helpful for a newbie tweeter. I've realized that my own first twitter post was pretty dumb...I'll clean up my act fast.

[EvaBlue]

Seriously, I wish I read this when I finally figured out how to twitter and followed you afterwards.

Most "superstars" don't follow the "little people" and you're a twitter superstar.

As for the bunnies... some of us are afraid of the world. Ever have a stalking experience? A small GHB experience in real life makes me wary of everyone. [shrug] True story. I'm easy to find.

[bryan elliott]

Great post Shel. Love the blog and I'm a big fan. Keep up the good work.

-Bryan

http://bryanelliott.typepad.com

[mousewords]

What a great guide! When I talk about Twitter to others, I'm going to refer them to this post. :-)

[Irene Koehler]

Excellent tips to help folks get started and remind others of things we've forgotten.

Thanks!

[Linda]

Stumbled on this post while doing some research for a Twitter introduction/training I'm leading at work. Great tips for beginners. Fairly new to Twitter myself, but slowly getting hooked. Thanks for the down-to-earth and straight-to-the-point tips.

[Lorrin Lee of Hawaii]

Great comments. I learned a lot fast on using Twitter more usefully. Thanks. Keep the ideas coming.

[willy]

great article! I like it.

[frank]

Hey Shel ... saw you Tweet this today. Funhy enough this is one of the 1st posts I read when trying to understand Twitter and learn more about how to be effective on it.

2nd item bookmarked in Delicious about Twitter (23 AUG 08): http://delicious.com/franswaa/twitter+howto

Not sure if i've done it all perfect, but posts like yours have been very helpful.

For any other people out there trying to learn more check out these (i've spent a lot of time reading): http://delicious.com/franswaa/twitter

Thanks Shel!

[Blogs about everything]

I like to use the search feature to find people who have the same interests as me.

[frank]

Hey Shel -

I read this post a long time ago and it's one that helped me get a better grasp on Twitter and how to use the tool.

I shared a bit about my 1st go with Twitter here.

Hopefully it will inspire others to join us and get something out of using Twitter.

http://twitter.com/franswaa

[Twatter]

Twitter's slogan should be:

A great way to stay in touch with people you've never met!

Totally useless app. I'll text my entire phonebook if there is something EVERYONE need to know.

[Johnno77]

Nice post. I've been trying to get my head around Twitter and this has summed things up pretty well. Cheers!

[Juan Pablo Baldomar]

short & simple..."in the twitter way"...and usefull too! don´t forget about the business oportunity with twitter...its new as you said, and something new can be a good way for constructing business advantages!

Felicitaciones!

[new york shopping guide]

Many thanks for your tips. Now, I understand more twitter and the way to get friends on it!
Great informative article!

[concierge]

very positive tips and informative. Congrats!