Twitter Tips, Part I -
It's Time to Tweet

Volume VI, Issue 11
ISSN: 1547-7754
April 2009
printable version

Chris King, Editor
By subscription only, this monthly e-newsletter is loaded with short, "down and dirty" tips to help you with solving the everchanging and growing puzzle of the Internet. This e-zine serves as a place to ask your questions and find the answers. So, send me your burning questions.

Important Note! To access the books in the Right Hand margin along with the featured links, click on the printable version and they will all become live links.

With this issue of the Internet Tips E-zine, I am suggesting again (the first time was back in August 2008) that all of you participate in the latest trend - Web 2.0 Social Networking. I'll be totally upfront with you. In July I could have counted my contacts and friends on one hand. As of this writing, I now have more than 1000 new active friends on Facebook and am on my way at Twitter – which I didn’t even mention in my August issue.

What spurred me - a social media networking skeptic - to work on getting involved? Recently, I became involved with a terrific Internet marketing training group. Part of the Social Bookmarking training urged us to become active socially on Facebook to begin with. Part of that was to work on building a large friend network.

Everyone is talking about Twitter. I still have a lot to learn, but want to share some of what I have learned on this new adventure. Warning: the TIPS I will be sharing are the opinions I have formed and are not necessarily set in stone or universal.

TIP #1. Have an Open Mind When Getting Involved.

As I have already mentioned, I was quite skeptical about Facebook in the beginning. When I first visited Twitter, I was even more skeptical. People were posting what they had for breakfast - who cares? Then, I started to hear and read about the advantages of using this incredible network.

I have also found that a lot of the gurus I revere are posting regularly on Twitter. This way I can quickly keep up with trends and what is happening without opening a lot of long e-mails.

TIP #2. Study the Basics.

To join and learn the details of the “Basics” visit http://twitteroid.com/blog and download the PDF tutorial, “Mastering Twitter” by Chris Demetrios. He walks you through step-by-step how to join, set up your account - including preferences - and uploading your photo and customizing the look of your home page (which I have to do).

TIP #3. Take the Time to Update.

Once you are set up, it is time to start updating. Some people update more than 10 times a day. Now that I am getting my feet – and keyboard fingers – wet, my goal is to visit at least twice a day, update and also make comments through reply. This is a way to become known in the community.

TIP #4. Twitter No-Nos.

There are some who push their businesses and use Twitter only to market themselves. Be cautious here. Twitter is for friends and relationships. If you answer questions that are asked and give helpful information freely you will find your reception is welcoming. Whereas, when you are pushy, you will be ignored. And worse, followers will drop you.

TIP #5. Be Cautious about the Overspending of Time, but Be Genuinely Interested.

When I do have a few extra minutes, I use them to check out profiles and also visit interesting sounding websites and blogs. This has lead me to a whole new Internet world.

EXTRA TIPS from a Beginner (Me!)

• Do include a Photo. It helps to know what one looks like and also serves as an ice breaker. Just as with Facebook, I suggest using a professional photo – not some clever graphic, photo of your pet or child.
• If you click on “HOME” you will land on the Page where you post your 140 character update and your numbers also appear.
• If you click on “Profile” you will land on the Page with your updates and you will see your number of followers and number of those you are following.
• At “Settings"you will fill in profile information and this is where you will find the “Design” button, so you can change the look of your page (my upcoming task).
• To find a plethora of links to programs and information about Twitter, click http://tinyurl.com/bestwitool  Be warned, though, that there are dozens and dozens.

Again, in the beginning I was skeptical about Twitter. Now I realize that it is HOT! It is one of the fastest growing micro-blogs on the Internet and it can become one of the best marketing tools you will experience. Since my present goal is to learn the ins, outs and advantages of using Twitter, I am planning to write Part II in an upcoming Internet Tips E-zine issue.

As usual, I have just scraped the surface and hope that you will try it, and like it too!

Do send your comments and questions to me at chris@creativekeys.biz. I love to receive feedback and will answer your questions in future e-zines.