Use Twitter as a best SEO Tips

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple years, Twitter has become the next best thing in the world of Social Media. Who knew that 140 characters could be so powerful? Both businesses and individuals are tapping into the Twitterstream, but are they doing it effectively or simply contributing to the clutter? Are you a “successful” tweeter, or just another bird on the wire?

Here are FIVE ways you can “up your game” and start soaring above the social media “noise”.

Break Free of Old Beliefs

What did you think of Twitter before you started using it? For me, it was nothing more than a glorified Facebook status update. From the outside looking in, Twitter can seem pretty lame. Why do I want to know about Greg’s Friday night plans to get drunk and make bad decisions, or Sarah’s countdown to “New Moon”? (Sorry Twilight fans)

Eventually I said “What the heck” and dove head-first into the Twitter-sphere. What I found was a powerful networking tool: A way to interact and connect, instantly, with like-minded, interesting, location-relevant people. Not only has it been an integral tool in promoting my own blog, but it’s been a driving force in developing my freelance business, establishing amazing connections, and dare I say, has even led to making “real life” friends.

In order to be a successful and effective tweeter, you gotta’ believe! You have to believe in the medium to be a proponent of it’s effectiveness. Does that mean it’s the optimal tool for everyone? Not at all, and if it isn’t working for you, maybe you should take another approach. Different strokes for different folks.

Interrupt Conversations

In real life, stepping into another person’s conversation is just plain rude. But in the world of Twitter, it’s perfectly normal and even suggested that you do a bit of eavesdropping (Twitter Search is a great place to start) Do a little research and if people are talking about a subject you’re interested in or have a strong opinion about, don’t be bashful – @ reply them and join in the conversation. Odds are, you’ll start chatting back and forth and a connection will undoubtedly be made. What’s the magic formula of “getting more followers”? Step one is being actively involved in multiple conversations.

Become a Resource

If step one to being “follow-worthy” is being a good conversationalist – step two, which goes hand in hand, is in becoming a resource. In short, you want to develop you social media niche (the same goes with your blog). It seems obvious but is often overlooked or avoided by most. We don’t want to pigeon-hole ourselves and become overly defined – but if you start a blog, and when you get on Twitter, there’s a reason behind it. You have to have a vision and purpose, otherwise you’ll be running around the social media jungle like a chicken with its head cut off (are you keeping a tally on the number of bird references in this post?)

If your niche is social media – start tweeting links to relevant blog articles – follow other social media thought leaders and retweet what they have to say. Ask questions (publicly) and initiate conversation with the masses. People may not care about what you’re making for dinner, but over time, as you become a “trusted resource” within your niche, people will develop expectations and they’ll direct others to you as a reliable and compelling source of information.

Be Transparent (Without Giving Everything Away)

Transparency is the name of the game when it comes to social media. Why do you think Ashton Kutcher has nearly four-million followers? Because everyone wants a peek into the personal life of a celebrity. While you may not be married to Demi Moore, if someone follows you on Twitter, they’re obviously interested in what you have to say – so don’t disappoint them once you have their attention. Be relevant, share good information, but above all, be yourself. Your followers will see right through you if you’re trying to be someone you’re not.

Don’t Try to Please Everyone (FYI: You Can’t)

While we have outlined ways to “effectively” use Twitter, ultimately there is no right or wrong. It comes down to you, what you expect to get out of social media, and the way you go about it. If you take away nothing else from this – remember that you can’t, never will, and shouldn’t try to please everyone. Some people will love you and others could probably care less – that’s just the way it goes. Focus on what you’re good at and the (quality) followers will come.

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