Twitter Techniques

Do you look at Twitter, and wonder why one would waste time on it? Or are you a Twitter veteran, who can't do without it? Whichever the case, consider what might go in to each Tweet:

• Editorial opinions: Your thoughts about a news event, or a person, place, or thing.
• Reflections: Your ideas, thoughts, philosophy.
• Fact-based reporting: Reportage on something that currently exists, either online or in the real world.
• Resource-sharing: A connection you make between your followers and information (links, for example)
• Promos: A "sale" or promo link to your followers for a product or service - often considered Spam.
• Connection: An introduction to a person or a group.
• Retweet: A pass-along of anything that you find valuable.
• Question: A request to your followers for support or feedback.
• Fluff: A no-value, irrelevant Tweet.

Depending on how often you use each technique, the impression you leave will impact your brand. Too much fluff or promos will brand you a lightweight. Lots of Retweeting and Resource-sharing will brand you a connector.

This week's action plan: If you aren't using Twitter right now, consider whether you use these communications techniques in the real world, either by email or by telephone - and ask yourself if doing it with Twitter might be more efficient. If you are a Twitter veteran, consider who is following you, then broaden your Twitter technique to better meet their needs - and yours.

Bonus concept: Many large organizations require approval before there is an "official" communication. In practice this means that anything - even a Tweet - must be pre-vetted and pre-approved. One way to get around this Twitter-killing strategy is to get pre-agreement that certain Tweet types need no pre-approval, as they are pointing to facts-on-the-ground, or are pointing to existing already-approved content. (We recommend getting waivers for Fact-based reporting, Resource-sharing, Connections, Retweets, and Questions.)

Randall Craig is an expert on Social Media Strategy and Social Media Policy; to find out how his workshops, webinars, and keynotes can help your team or add to your event, contact him through www.RandallCraig.com, or by email at editor@ptadvisors.com.

Make It Happen Tipsheet
Comments or questions? let us know: editor@ptadvisors.com

Copyright © 2010 Knowledge to Action Press and Randall Craig. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: Nov 23, 2010