Rolemommy

Twitter for Dummies

Guess I've learned the hard way, but I'm starting to figure out the ins and outs of Twitter - that social networking site that competes with Facebook. Even though I am incredibly faithful to my FB friends, I have to admit that Twitter can be addicting - especially when you see people with several thousand followers who literally hang on their every mini blog. And so, this week, as I neared nearly 500 followers, I did a dumb thing. I made a plea on Twitter asking for a few more so that I'd reach my goal and guess what? I was un-followed.

So for those of you blogger mom novices who are new to twitter, here are my ten twitter tips from a fellow newbie.

1. Don't ask people to follow you. If you only have five or six followers, some people may take pity upon you, but if you start reaching the hundred mark, let people who want to follow you do it - don't force it or risk being un-followed.

2. Post a link to a blog you might think Twitterers will find interesting but do not post every blog on your site. Again - if you shamelessly promote, you will be ignored.

3. Follow the connected ones. From the momisphere they are: Resourceful Mom, Katja Presnal, From Dates to Diapers, Family Eden, Twittermoms and several more but even if you follow these moms, you will be up to speed pretty quick.

4. If you find an interesting post out on the blogosphere, share it with your twitter friends - especially if it's related to what interests you. Sharing up to the minute information is fair game. Sharing useless information will get you a passport to being un-followed.

5. Comment on your friend's twitter posts. Even if you are ignored by the top mom Twitterers, have no fear - find your own friends and twitter away with them.

6. If you sell a product and would like to offer it as a giveaway during a Twitter-athon session, make sure you reach out to the mom directly and let her know you've got the goods and are happy to share your products with them.

7. Meet Twitter-ers in person. This is not like a dating service - you are not meeting a serial killer. You're probably going to meet an incredibly well connected and savvy blogger - if you're nervous, bring a friend. In person networking is key to making it both on and offline.

8. Don't spend your entire day Twitter-ing. Even though the temptation is there, you do have a life and make sure you take a break from Twitter. Of course, you could always head right over to Facebook, but that is your call entirely.

9. What you post on Twitter is different than what you post on Facebook. Twitter-ers are more Internet savvy - your Facebook friends may never have even heard of Twitter so don't start posting a message about your Twitter friends - they'll think you're from another planet.

10. Always check your Twitter account a few times a day and if you are looking to get the word out on a blog post or product, proceed with caution. As I said, shameless promotion will ruin your street cred - be yourself, be in the know and you'll be a Twitter superstar.

If you'd like to follow me on Twitter, I'm at Rolemommy or Momauthors. If you'd like to un-follow me, it's the same handle.

Posted in: Undercover Mom on 12/21/2008