Don’t Just Blend In: How to Be Somebody on Twitter
First things first: stop thinking you’re “just” another cog in the social media machine. You are not just a marketer, coach, or virtual assistant. You, my friend, are a unique individual armed with thoughts, ideas, and the occasional genius meme. So grab your coffee—or tea if you’re fancy—and let’s dive into the delightful chaos that is Twitter. Believe me, you can stand out there.
Why Twitter Rocks (And Why You Should Be There)
Twitter is like a worldwide cocktail party where everyone’s shouting and yet somehow also interesting. The magic of this feisty little platform isn’t just about how often you tweet or how huge your follower count is (although let’s face it, we all love a good ego boost). It’s about the *conversations*. Twitter is your backstage pass to ideas, trends, and pithy one-liners that people are buzzing about in real-time.
This means one thing: if you’re not following people who are in the thick of it, you’re missing out on everything from the latest meme debates to groundbreaking insights. And besides, how else will you discover that one hilarious person live-tweeting their crazy cat stories?
Ready to Get Noticed? Let’s Make Some Noise
If you’re ready to stop being an invisible lurker and start being “that Twitter person” everyone wants to follow, I have a handful of tips that will change your tweeting game.
Step 1: Make Your Tweets Conversational
You wouldn’t show up to a party, grab a megaphone, and just shout randomly at people, would you? Well, that’s what a lot of brands do on Twitter. Their tweets are boring, one-sided, and sound more like a dusty old newspaper headline than, you know, a *person*. Avoid doing stuff like:
- Only sharing links to your blog posts with no context
- Throwing out generic inspirational quotes (“Live, laugh, love”… please no)
- Dropping jokes or memes with zero follow-up
Instead, try opening the conversation. Post stuff that invites replies. Ask questions (even if it’s as simple as “Pineapple on pizza: yay or nay?”). Comment on trends with your own spicy take. Post polls. Get people talking. The more approachable your tone, the more people will think, “Hey, I could have a coffee chat with this person.”
Pro Tip:
Whenever possible, respond to comments. Nobody wants one of those “too cool to reply” Tweeters. Be human, even if you’re representing a brand.
Step 2: Embrace Twitter Video—You’ve Got Options!
Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Twitter? Video? Isn’t that Instagram’s job?” But hear me out—video on Twitter is like finding twenty bucks in your pocket. Unexpected, but oh-so-satisfying.
Option 1: Native Videos
Twitter lets you record and share short, snappy videos directly in your tweets. They’re limited to 140 seconds (because obviously, Twitter loves brevity), which makes them perfect for:
- Quick tutorials
- Sharing personal insights or updates
- Showcasing new products or services
- Getting your followers to stop scrolling for a hot second!
Option 2: Periscope (Live Streaming)
Did you know Twitter owns Periscope? Yep, it’s their live-streaming darling, and it integrates seamlessly into Twitter timelines. So when you go live, all your followers see that happening right in their feed. It’s like inviting them to your own private live event without a velvet rope in sight.
Benefits of using Periscope:
- Instant interaction with your audience through live Q&A sessions
- The video stays available even after your stream ends
- Perfect for behind-the-scenes peeks, product launches, or just casually ranting about your Monday
Fun fact? Back in 2016, live video from Twitter partners racked up over 31 million views. So, yes, people are watching—and they’ll watch you too.
Step 3: Tweet During Peak Hours
If you’re yelling into a void at 2 AM, don’t blame Twitter when nobody waves back. Timing is EVERYTHING. Users are more active at certain times, and you want to be there when they’re scrolling like their lives depend on it.
Study Your Audience
Here’s the thing: “peak hours” vary depending on your audience. Are your followers night owls or early risers? Office warriors or weekend wanderers? It’s time to do some detective work. Post at different hours, track engagement, and find your sweet spot.
Some general tips to start with:
- Weekends usually see higher engagement (hello, couch Tweeters!)
- Fridays are gold for click-through rates
- Lunchtimes and evenings often work wonders
Pro Tip:
Use scheduling tools like Buffer so you don’t have to remember to post mid-brunch.
Step 4: Add Images to Your Tweets
Let’s face it: humans are basically magpies—we love shiny things. Adding visuals to your tweets instantly makes them stand out like glitter in a pile of dust.
- *Fact bust*: Tweets with images get 89% more likes. Yes, you read that right.
- Relate your images to the tweet. No random pics of spaghetti unless it actually makes sense.
- Sharing a blog link? Include an image that teases the content—give people a reason to click.
- Creating product buzz? Post a high-quality photo of the product itself. Bonus points for engaging captions.
Not good with design? Don’t worry, there’s help. Use tools like The Web Graphics Creator to whip up professional-looking images for your posts. You’ll thank me later, promise.
Pro Tip:
GIFs also count as images! Don’t be afraid to embrace your gif-tastic side.
FAQs: Your Burning Twitter Questions Answered
How often should I tweet?
Think quality over quantity. Tweeting 10 times a day with zero engagement is useless. Start with 3–5 daily posts that are relevant, engaging, and fun.
Do hashtags really matter?
Yes, but don’t go overboard. One or two targeted hashtags are cool. Fifty hashtags? Not cool.
What’s the best way to grow my following?
Engage. Respond to tweets, join Twitter chats, and share other people’s content. Don’t be the wallflower—jump in!
Is it worth promoting tweets?
If you’ve got something awesome to share and some budget to spare, promoted tweets can expand your reach. Just make sure you’re boosting something worthy of attention.
The Bottom Line
Twitter is not just a place for shouting into the void—it’s a playground of connection, wit, and opportunities. If you’re not on Twitter yet, what are you even doing? Jump in, experiment, and, most importantly, have fun while you carve out your space. Oh, and always remember: when in doubt, tweet a puppy gif. Works every time.
