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The comment I hear most from non-Twitter users is: “I don’t get it.” And the question I’m asked most by those that do use Twitter is “how do you manage so many followers?” The short and sweet response to the first comment is that (a) I GET Twitter because I grew up in the world of the chat room, and Twitter, for me, is just that – a big chatroom. And as for managing followers, I offer this quip: no more than I am expected to be privy/listen to every piece of banter that is spoken by my friends/contacts in real life am I expected to do so online. You simply come in and out of the conversation as you have time. No need to read the day’s worth of chatter (except those directed at you specifically) in one sitting; instead engage when you have time.
The next question, always delivered with either a small dose of jealousy or disbelief, is “how did you get so many followers?” Truly, I couldn’t tell you why so many follow me. My guess is that I’m one of the few snarky and honest people on Twitter that share my REAL thoughts – not just marketing banter, quotes, or self-serving tweets. I interact. I banter. I argue. I show my ass. (OK, not literally, but surely my ass-like side at times.) I gave this some deeper thought and came up with the following tips/reasons I think people follow me.
- Say/respond to “good morning” tweets. You wouldn’t ignore someone if they said hello to you at the office.
- Follow conversations and chime in to meet like minded people. If there is a topic on my mind, I use the search feature to find other people that have had something to say and I interact with them; whether they are following me or not. That sometimes nets me new friends.
- Use Get Glue, FourSquare, FitBit, and other sites to push tweets about things/places – another way that people connect. We all connect on topics like “was the food good there” and “you watch Jersey Shore too” so these tools help guide you.
- Reach out and retweet interesting, but not necessarily self-serving/industry tweets from others. Everyone likes being heard.
- I truly interact with others on their banter. I give praise. I tell people when they make me laugh. And I do let them know when I too have enjoyed lunch at True Food.
- Participate in trending topics. Like in PR, a trending conversation is just that: something that clearly people are interested in. So follow along. Talk. Interact. Share your TRUE thoughts (not just the ones that your press agent approved.)
- Tweet during major tv/conferences/events. One of my most successful Twitter journeys was last week during the airing of the debate. While watching it on TV, I was also following along with the hashtag and meeting new like minded (and some not-so-like-minded) people to follow and interact with.
- Jump in and out of the conversation – not watch the whole stream. Seriously. It’s not that challenging. Jump onto Twitter (preferably on an App) while waiting in line at the store or waiting for your meal to arrive, or waiting on your car to be washed, or between client meetings/calls.
- Don’t be afraid to be funny or controversial. (This does not apply to ALL BRANDS – a whole other blog could be written on whether or not your Twitter profile should be a brand versus a HUMAN.) The point is really that people connect with people. And the most popular people are always those that are funny, mean, or really wicked smart.
- Meet one person each month from Twitter (more if you are traveling.) No really. Meet them in REAL life.
So, there you go. Who knows if these are the reasons people follow me, but they are the best pieces of advice I can offer. Happy tweeting! Oh, and follow me at @amandavega.
