How to Build a Strong Following on Twitter

How to Build a Strong Following on Twitter:

Building a good following on Twitter is like sparking a Cultural Movement in itself. You have to add real value to your Twitter account, giving people a valid reason to follow you. But achieving a decent number of followers isn’t as easy as you might think.

Here are some Dos and Don’ts to make sure you make the most of Twitter:

Do

• Use a photograph of yourself rather than a logo – it adds a personal touch and will make you more appealing to your followers.
• Get personal and talk to people, making friends wherever possible.
• Share the love and re-tweet other people’s tweets whenever you can while also taking part in Follow Fridays or similar weekly events.
• Show your personality and have fun. Remember, Twitter is a forum of people talking in real-time and people want to see the real you.
• Provide something people want and give people a good reason to follow you.
• Create viral tweets that will encourage people to naturally talk about you and attract more followers.
• Be sincere, be nice and be likeable. Sounds like a simple tip but people like to be associated with positive people.

Don’t

• Gossip or bad-mouth other people or brands. It will only reflect badly on you and put people off.
• Underestimate your own profile. It is often the first impression, so make sure you sound appealing and friendly.
• Always shout about yourself and your own achievements. No one likes a show off.
• Be selfish. Make sure you spread the love and help others whenever possible. Social media isn’t about ‘me, me, me’.
• Write in capitals, as it’s the online equivalent of shouting and can come across as rude.
• Criticise others. It’s a well-known fact that people shy away from negativity.
• Have ongoing, personal conversations with other people in the public timeline. Take these longer chats into the private, DM forum.
• Use automated tweets. They only look like spam and will ensure people click ‘unfollow’.
• Swear. Bad language is not tolerated in real life, so why use it here?
• Obsess about the number of followers. It’s about quality, relevant followers rather than quantity.

If you follow these dos and don’ts, you will be able to build a strong following on Twitter. Remember, Twitter is essentially just people. To get the most out of any social network, it’s important to be human and build relationships. Rest assured, with time, effort and patience you’ll reap the rewards.