Don't be a nit twit: 5 ways to get the most out of Twitter...

**ScottPalmer** · 09-21-2010 04:15 PM

Twitter has been abuzz with talk about its new and improved website, which boast a faster, easier and richer user interface. With all this excitement in the air, it seems like a good time to reflect – not too deeply, though – and review some Twitter fundamentals.

Here are five ways you should be using Twitter, today:

#1: Find your niche
A user signs up for Twitter, posts a few tweets and, frustrated by the lack of social penetration, gives up and abandons the account.

Sound familiar? We’ve all seen it happen. Maybe it’s even happened to you. Twitter has made it easy to get connected but, unless you’re Ashton Kutcher or Guy Kawasaki, it’s going to take work to gain a following. Users don’t just come to you – you need a plan and a course of action to effectively engage users.

When you first approach Twitter – or even when you set out to build and expand your network – use the Twitter search feature to build an audience. Find conversations that interest you and follow users engaging in them. Chances are that they’re going to continue having conversations that intrigue you, which will lessen your frustration and increase your curiosity.

#2: Listen up before you speak up
Twitter’s all about engaging in one-on-one discussions. To get retweeted and gain followers, you need to provide useful commentary that engages users as much as they engage you. That’s why you need to listen to what they’re saying, first.

After you’ve identified your target niche, follow their conversations. Learn what information they’re looking for and give it to them. “Social media is all about making connections and providing valuable information to your networks,” says James C. Palmer, CEO of the strategic consulting firm, Palmer Group. “On Twitter, you first need to step back from the conversation and listen to what your niche is saying,” adds Scott Palmer, the agency’s CMO.

#3: Follow through and ask the right questions
How you tweet is just as important as what you tweet. Whether you’re sharing a link, a quote or an update about your personal life, make sure you’re engaging your followers. Ask them questions and give them an opportunity to respond.

“Those new to Twitter may not realize it, but every conversation is important,” says Scott Palmer, “When your name appears on another users feed, it exposes you to an entirely new network of users.”

Keep the conversation going and you’ll increase your odds of gaining new followers.

#4: Tweet and tweet often
Relationship building takes work and Twitter is no exception. When you seek out followers, you need to be willing to work at keeping their attention.

This means that you should make it a habit to spend at least 45 minutes a day engaging on Twitter. Here’s the breakdown: take 20 minutes to collect useful and interesting material, 15 minutes to engage with your followers and the last 10 minutes to post your own content.

The best thing is that you don’t need to do this all at once – in fact, it’s better if you space out your engagement throughout your day.

#5: Be visible
If you’re doing all of the above then you’re off to a great start. But there’s a few more tactics that will come in handy when trying to become more than an average Twitter user.

- Always remember to use highly targeted and relevant Hash tags after tweets
- Add yourself to Twitter directories such as wefollow.com and twellow.com
- Add your Twitter URL to your email signature or other social media pages.

Palmer Group is a strategic consulting agency specializing in digital marketing, advertising and development. You can learn more at Palmer Group | We connect businesses with their customers.

Connect with Scott Palmer on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/scottwpalmer