Most people don’t grasp the concept of Twitter until they start using it. And if they actually manage to maintain an active account, they realize six months down the line that they should have been using it differently.
Get a headstart. Here's what you need to know before using Twitter.
1. Go public
Twitter is the enemy of privacy. It’s all about sharing and connecting; you will hardly find any benefit in locking your account.
2. Be real
If you want to gain followers update your profile with a short, sweet, accurate bio of yourself, or what it is you plan to do on Twitter.
3. Know your purpose
Will you be opening a personal account or a company account? The way you communicate will differ accordingly, as will the people you follow.
4. Get the follow concept
Following someone means that their tweets will appear in your timeline so you can “follow” what they say. Your tweets will not appear on theirs unless they follow you too.
5. Follow sparingly
Do not follow every soul that follows you; be selective. Following does not have to be mutual and it’s “socially accepted” on Twitter not to follow back.
6. Understand the tools
You can retweet someone else’s tweet, publicly reply to a user, or directly message a user in private. Using these tools as often as possible will help you be more connected.
7. Offer substance
There are millions of users out there with nothing significant to offer. Don’t be one of them. Make sure you have interesting information and thoughts to share.
8. Cut the rambling
With infinite content being shared every second, Twitter decided that by packaging tweets into 140 characters, people can quickly tell if something interests them.
9. Share those links
The most successful tweets (the ones that are retweeted) include links to good articles, videos, photos and other online content. Share useful, credible links often.
10. Watch your tone
People on Twitter have personalities. Some are funny, some are serious, and others are knowledgeable. Let yours shine through as well, but be consistent, wise and respectful.
What advice would you give to new Twitter users?
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