When I first began using Twitter it was mainly to follow others. I found it somewhat intimidating at first — like entering a room where there is a number of people carrying on conversations around but you are not yet included in any of them. It quickly became apparent that there are a number of different types of “tweeps”. Some use Twitter to build an on-line profile or brand, some only choose to disseminate information, some do a lot of talking to others and some partake in a combination of these.
Like all social settings, it also became quickly became apparent that there is protocol and etiquette involved in this social media powerhouse and it was to my advantage to understand and follow it.
1. Talk – Twitter’s tag is “join the conversation” and it’s a “social” media tool, therefore it seems when people talk to you on Twitter it’s only polite to respond. Of course, it is understandable for those users that have thousands of followers that he/she cannot respond to every tweet, but, if you are in business and are using Twitter to build your on-line brand it’s important to take a couple of hours a day to communicate with others. Twitter is social, it’s where people gather and communicate with each other.
2. Play nice in the Twitter sandbox – Twitter is part of the world-wide-web and like anything that is on the web is searchable and it is permanent, a sort of “digital tattoo”. Everyone is allowed their opinion, however if you generate controversy or ill-will you may need to defend your position and it’s all on the “record”. With limited characters, your professional reputation and personal brand are at stake and you have little control over where your “tweet” might end up thanks to the “re-tweet”. It is not the forum for disputes and negativity, again much like many other social setting. Potential clients and employees can make swift judgements about your credibility, character or desire to work with you over 140 characters. It is unlikely in a non-digital social gathering that you would rise up in front of all these followers, many of whom you don’t know, and be critical or negative, therefore the same approach applies to your digital voice.
3. “Retweet” guidelines – Always give credit when retweeting another user’s tweets. They have done the research or created the message so if you feel it is appropriate for your audience and retweet it using the retweet button. You can also comment on the tweet , including it in your retweet along with their handle. It’s always good etiquette to say thanks for a retweet, even in bulk in one tweet to a number of “retweeters”. It is just like saying thanks for any other friendly gesture someone might bestow upon you. They may have just exposed your message and business to thousands of people, and that is a gesture worthy of a thank you!
4. Content is king –Your audience is developed based on the nature of your business, your content and your on-line personality. It’s important to consider your audience when tweeting. If your profile indicates your profession and your knowledge in that field, it’s important to stay true to that content, for the most part. Humourous and entertaining deviations can help develop your on-line brand/personality and make you approachable and more than just that a two dimensional avatar. However, do remember people follow you often for what you know and what you do, and if they get too many unrelated messages you can lose those followers and compromise your credibility. Occasionally you will see users tweet very unrelated content, in particular if they are a seasonal or event driven business. This can be negatively perceived as an attempt to keep your page active without using relevant content. Good content reinforces your expertise and will help to establish you as an expert in your field. You can always find good information to tweet with some search time and creativity. Bottom line: people appreciate good content!
5. Follow me — follow you? It seems the opinions on this topic vary, if you follow me does that mean I should follow you? If the follower makes sense for you and your audience then it is something to consider, however, there is no obligation to follow someone just because they are following you particularly if that person does not share the same interests or has content that is not aligned with your audience. Again, saying thanks for a follow via a direct message or a tweet is always considered professional and polite, and just may lead to some interesting conversation and connections!
6. No Hard Sell – Twitter is a social community – not Times Square or a radio station. Sell yourself, your business and your skills more creatively and somewhat surreptitiously by establishing your internet brand and personality through your conversations, follows and content. Some of the key differences between social media and other forms of professional communication are education, value and entertainment. Make sure your content follows that criteria and you will likely have success on any social media outlet.
Twitter is about micro-blogging and blogging is about two-way communication. Twitter is also a community and a relentless source of information and conversation. Using good etiquette while navigating through your Twitter feed builds the community and makes it a friendlier, more engaging experience that can only enhance your both your participation and reputation.
