As Twitter is exploding, there are a number of issues that arise with using this new medium. One is how you can improve the quality of what's coming in your stream -- and what's going out. Both are of value to you and those who follow you.
A primary consideration is to ask "What is the purpose of my Twitter account?". I run a number of accounts, and each one has it's own purpose.
One is what I call my "learning account". That's where I'm connected with people that I learn from about social media and plenty of other things -- depending upon the interests of those I follow. One is information based and I use it to communicate what I think are helpful items to those who follow it. Another is for a personal interest of mine where I like to share about a particular topic.
What I try to do is keep focusing the stream. Some of that is in my content -- but the other important part is the conversation and followers. There are a number of tools out there that can help you. And some very simple concepts.
These are a few steps I take. These tips may work for you, too.
- I don't automatically follow back anyone who follows me. In fact, I often wait about 3-5 days before following back. Why? Because some of these folks are using automated twitter marketing software that looks for keywords or phrases and then sends a follow request. Sometimes people use these tools well and are very focused -- but the vast majority are not.
- I usually unfollow or do not follow anyone who is following more than a few thousand people and followed by about the same amount. How can you possibly have a "conversation" with that many people?? Marketers. I have no problems with folks who use Twitter for direct marketing, I just don't want them in my streams.
- I automatically unfollow anyone who sends me a Direct Message (DM) after I follow them. In general, I find that people who do this are more interested in marketing themselves than in conversation.
- I monitor my streams and unfollow those whose stream clearly shows a lack of focus or, somtimes, personality. And I unfollow any sort of ad service. (They keep trying to sneak in.)
Yes, sometimes it's a slow tedious process, but it has helped to shape and improve my conversations. You?
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