Social Media Guide

Too often I get asked, “how do I get more followers on Twitter?” A lot of times I want to reply with, “Well, how do you get more friends?”

Think about it, in offline world, people will probably gravitate to you for being friendly, interesting, and helpful.

Now, how does this translate to Twitter?

Being friendly

Being friendly on Twitter is different than in real life. You can’t show emotion in your face or give inflection in your voice, but what you can do is reach out to people.

If you see a great article and want to tweet it, go ahead and give that author credit when you give the post link. Chances are, that author will at least say thank you (I know I always try to!). If you are following someone whom you think gives great advice, let them know! Don’t grovel of course, but showing extra appreciation besides a retweet doesn’t go unnoticed.

Try using Listorious. It’s a great site where you can list your favorite Twitter users in different categories and see who’s top ranked across different topic areas or industries. Why is this helpful? So you can pinpoint who exactly you want to start reaching out to.

Jump in the conversation on Twitter chats. Find top level figures in your area of interest tweeting and most likely you’ll find at least one mention of a Twitter chat pretty early on.

Being interesting

Please tell me you don’t just talk about yourself, but that you offer pieces of advice, words of wisdom, and content that you created that’s actually professional. But beyond being a professional, you’re also a human first. Be funny, but don’t be inappropriate. What’s inappropriate? That’s up to you. But remember, Twitter is a public form of communication and your boss or your grandparents may just stumble upon it. I can’t tell you how many times I don’t find someone personable online and unfollow them, or at least lose interest.

Don’t just broadcast information (tweeting an article/blog post title and link). Remember, you’re a human so act like one.

Being helpful

Read the news! Offer the latest info by finding content through authority figures on Twitter, articles from top news outlets and blogs through your Google Reader. If you tweet once a day, people will forget about you. If you tweet 1,000 times a day, people will want to forget about you. Make sure you find a happy medium- maybe 8 to 10 tweets a day on a consistent basis- and make sure that content is a mix of new information, retweets, and engaging with others. Make sure at least 7 to 8 out of every 10 tweets are on topic. The other tweets can be funny or maybe more random, like mentioning you’re going to a baseball game that evening.

Also, when someone finds your content or skills especially valuable they reach out. Don’t over promise anything, but don’t be against helping someone new.

Other ideas can be found on this great infographic by Twiends.

Through Twitter I was able to find my last full time position, have been able to “attend” many offline events taking place in time zones I couldn’t get to otherwise, have met new friends in San Francisco, and found many contacts related to my blog work.

Like everything else in life, you get what you give. There isn’t a magic answer to getting more followers, but really, do you need more followers? Try instead to focus on the audience you do have, even if it grows slowly. Having others engage with you on a deeper level than one click to follow (think: tweets and retweets of your content, true Twitter conversation, click-throughs to your site, and asking to connect off of Twitter) is weighted more heavily anyway, at least in my book.

Have a subject you want to learn more about? Email me at prettyinnovative@gmail.com.

Too many times I see people being too forward online and not forward enough offline, so here are three tips to use in both worlds.

cute-social-netwok-pillows-by-Craftsquatch — Pillows are a creation of Craftsquatch

1. Always introduce yourself.

For some reason I keep getting requests to connect on LinkedIn (and sometimes on Facebook) from people I’ve never had any interaction with (following me on Twitter doesn’t count). The web gives you hundreds of ways to connect with others, but you get one chance to make a first impression. Think of it this way, you wouldn’t approach someone at a networking event and just hand over your business card or ask them to connect with you on a website without saying more than your name and job title, right? In my opinion, LinkedIn works the same way.

Always err on the side of being polite and just send a friendly note saying why you want to connect. Found a blog and want to meet the creator? Thank them for their great content, and then ask to connect. Want a job at your dream company? Reach out to a person who works there and say you’re interested in learning more about their company, and then ask to connect. Realize someone in your field went to your college? Send a friendly note and see if you can chat sometime about college memories and your professional experience, then ask to connect. A few extra minutes here and there will make you stand out from the pack.

2. Never ask someone for a job or job reference whom you haven’t met.

I was on the receiving end of one of these communications last year (through email). A girl I knew referred a job seeking girl to me just based on the fact we both like to write. The first girl did the right thing- tried to help out her friend. The second girl messed up. Not only did she not even say anything substantial about her background so I could get any sense of her qualifications, she then flat out asked for any connections I might have in the writing field. REALLY?! I want to be clear, I love connecting people. But, I have a rule to only connect people who have professional backgrounds I can actually speak to.

Here’s the thing about networking, it’s an ongoing process that is all about connecting with people. Many wait until they’re really after something tangible- a new job, a new sales lead, a new client- to start the process. When you meet someone new you’d like to get to know better be friendly and ask questions that will help lead you to your goal Do not flat out ask for a job or reference. You will look needy, unprofessional, and most likely ruin the chance at some great relationships that may help you down the line. Instead, try to foster the start of a relationship so you gain a true contact you can ask for help when the timing is right.

3. Be yourself!

For anyone who’s found bios about me online, found my Twitter stream, or has had a laugh with me in person, you will come across the same person. Sure, like anyone, I have different sides to my personality, but I always remain true to who I am. I talk about the same sorts of topics on and offline. I approach people in the same way. And my writing voice is very similar to how I communicate in person.

Meeting people can be scary, but every mom’s advice is to just be yourself and people will like you. (Our moms were right, by the way). In the company lunchroom, at industry events, and when posting content online, be proud of who you are. Find your niche, find your voice, and don’t be afraid to speak up!