This brief tutorial is part one of a series that will take place this week. Today’s post covers how to find people to follow on Twitter.
For the newbie, Twitter isn’t very engaging. You set up your account and a blank page greets you. It asks, “What are you doing?” Please don’t take this literally. This is a mistake that many new users make. No one wants a blow by blow description of your day or what you’re having for lunch unless you’re going to deliver. Twitter should ask, “What of value do you have to share?”. That’s the usefulness of Twitter. It’s an exciting social media tool that allows users to share information- clever remarks, links, videos, music, and pictures- in short bursts of 140 chartacters. Dip into the stream and either share (retweet), comment, or just assimilate the information coming in.
Where does this material come from? Your stream of information comes from your followers. Following someone on Twitter is a bit like stalking, only it’s consensual. In fact, it’s an honor to be followed. It means that what you have to say is valued. Twitter gives some high profile suggestions of who to follow to get you started and, of course, you can follow people you already know. The celebs you first follow are most likely not going to participate in conversations with you. I suggest that you find followers by other means to fully enjoy this “social” media.
One way to find followers is to take a look at Trending Topics, a column you’ll find on the right hand side of the Twitter page. These trends are hot topics around the globe. If you find something that interests you, go ahead and click on the topic and you’ll be directed to tweets about that topic. Another way to find followers is by searching for subject matter that has significance to you. You’ll find tweets covering just about every subject, and will find users who share your enthusiasm for whatever you are passionate about through Trendng Topics or searching..
You can search for people to follow by location as well. Type into twitter’s search engine
near: New Orleans within: 25mi
Additionally, there are directories that allow you to find users. Twitter’s own directory or people search engine is at the top of the page under “Find People”. This is great if you know someone’s username- not so great if you don’t and the name is common. Twellow and WeFollow are two of the many great directories that let you search by location, interests and by name.
Finally, there is a huge event that takes place on Fridays. Twitter users suggest people to follow using the hashtag ( # )symbol and the letters FF (FollowFriday) with usernames so it looks like this #FF @wandywanz @Interawesome @tollehaus etc. As you become more familiar with your followers, you’ll get an idea of what kind of people they are likely to be captivated by. You’ll find your followers #FF suggestions to be very useful.
Hopefully, this brief tutorial will help you get your stream started so that you can immerse yourself and meaningfully engage with interesting people.
A noteworthy look at the Mashable blog will help get you tweeting in no time. Please refer to The Twitter Guide Book.
