To Tweet or Not to Tweet
Okay I admit it – I started tweeting or is it twittering? But why? That’s exactly the point – ask yourself why. If your answer is because everyone says I have to or everyone is doing it – then maybe you shouldn’t.
I’ve stated many times that I am a means to an end type person. So, when twitter became all the rage – I asked myself – should I twitter and why? Before I could properly answer that question I looked at others and how they were using it. The smart ones were tweeting bits of good information which in turn directed people to their blogs or their websites to find out more about them. But in 140 characters or less – the people I follow on twitter – are those who are sharing something with me.
Ultimately, I choose to follow people on twitter who aren’t just “giving me a sell” but giving me bits of information which make me want to go to their website for more. Not only that but I retweet their bits of information to others. The people who are sending out constant tweets about their products or services – I quickly lose interest and stop following them. And I don’t really care to read about what someone had for breakfast.
So if your answer to the why question is that you have some information of value to pass along and share, then ultimately that will make people interested in who you are – so by all means tweet away. But if you are just tweeting for your own personal gain without providing something to others – you could become an annoyance instead of someone who others will want to follow.
Check out Mashable – The Social Media Guide.
7 Responses to 'To Tweet or Not to Tweet'
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Thanks Gail, now I know why some people are so into “tweeting”. This was helpful!
I too have jumped on the Twitter rollercoaster. Like you I try to follow those have something interesting or useful to Twitter about. I am not interested in being “sold to” on Twitter. I am a big girl and if there is something I am interested in buying, I will search for it online and perhaps ask for opinions. With that being said, I make it a point not to “sell” to those following me. I am looking for value and provide value, I hope.
Wishing you a scent-sational day!
Yep, the fine line between marketing and pestering. And it’s a line that is very easy to step over with all the social networking venues out there.
In addition to the primary goal of driving traffic to your site, I would add that another legitimate use of Twitter is to communicate something of your personality. Inevitably, personal chemistry factors in to many hiring decisions, and Twitter is a way to show a little of who you are through retweets or the occasional personal note.
From what I’ve heard from friends and colleagues who are regular tweeters, 25% links back to your own site, 25% fun stuff, and 50% links to other helpful information is a mix to strive for.
Anyone else heard of optimal tweet mix levels?
I think its important to use twitter as Chris has stated to share your personality, and not just interesting and useful links. Certainly that can be part of it, but if that’s all you’re putting out there why should I follow you on twitter instead of an RSS feed?
The best users put their personality out there, and sometimes that means knowing what they ate for breakfast:)
Hi Colin,
I totally agree with you and Chris about sharing your personality through the social media platforms. I guess I’m the type of person that likes to know interesting things about that person other than what they eat. But it does make a statement to personality.
Good thoughts – thanks for sharing.
Hi, found you thru your Twitter post. I like the blog. I
Hi, found you thru your Twitter post. I like the blog. I