Twitter 101 What’s the Point?

Twitter 101
What’s the Point?
Twitter is an outstanding communication tool for three main reasons:
Twitter enables you to release brief, informational nuggets to a worldwide audience.
Twitter encourages conversations and communication.
Twitter is word-of-mouth marketing – the most successful type of marketing.
Twitter allows you take the pulse of the web and apply what you find to your business
strategies and goals. Not only will you hear what people have to say about you and your
company, you will hear what they’re talking about in general. This allows you a greater
scope of the atmosphere, and a deeper knowledge of your audience. Twitter affords you
the opportunity to build a personal relationship in a public form. It’s not just a message
in the media, it’s a personal message.
What’s the Goal?
Spreading the message.
For people to spread your message, they have to believe you. They have to believe you
are passionate about your business, thoughts and opinions. They have to believe you are
sincere in your comments and responses. They have to know you are authentic. The
same things that make someone a leader in real life, gain the respect of followers in
Twitter. People want to have an Insider—someone they know is telling the truth and
they trust. Basically, the goal and purpose of Twitter is to get people to trust you and
your brand.
How To Tweet
Twitter is a real-time social networking service that allows you to communicate with a
worldwide audience through brief, frequent messages. Listed below are the directions for
tweeting from the Web, tweeting thru text messaging and how to CoTweet, as well as
instructions on adding photos and links to a tweet.
I. Welcome to Twitter! Sign Up
Go to www.Twitter.com to create your account.
Follow the instructions for creating a username, password and profile.
Listen.
Tweet.
II. How To Tweet on the Web
Go to www.twitter.com and sign in.
On your Home page, type your message in the ‘What are you doing’ box.
Click Update .
This message appears on your Profile, as well as your followers’ Home pages.
III. How To Tweet thru Text Messaging
Add your phone number to your account in Twitter Settings.
Send the verification code to the Twitter number assigned to you.
Once your phone is verified, type your message and send it to Twitter at
40404 (US number). Your message will appear on your Profile, as well as your
followers’ Home pages.
IV. How To CoTweet
Go to www.cotweet.com and sign up.
Follow these same steps to add your original Twitter account.
Your Dashboard appears on the left, just as an e-mail inbox.
To post an update, click Update . Select the account you wish to post the
update from, and type your message.
To Schedule a tweet, select Later when posting a message. Select the date and
time of your message, and click Post Update .
Invite other employees by scrolling over their profile, and selecting Invite Others.
These employees will receive an e-vite containing a link to sign up.
Enable CoTags by going to Settings, then General and clicking on
CoTags. Set CoTags in correct format for all users on your account.
On your Home screen, you will see tweets from all accounts. You may
change this and filter the tweets you see in Settings.
To view tweets from a particular account, click on that account profile.
V. How To Add a Photo to a Tweet - TwitPic
Although Twitter does not have a photo application itself, most users use the thirdparty service TwitPic.
Go to www.twitpic.com and sign in using your Twitter username and password (no
set-up required).
Click Upload in the dashboard in the upper right corner of the screen.
Choose the photo you want to upload by clicking Choose File.
Add a tweet in the message box provided.
Click Upload .
To send a photo from your phone, use the e-mail address provided in your TwitPic
account, found in the Upload section.
VI. How To Add a Link to a Tweet – bit.ly
Although you may post a full link in your tweet, most links are too long and take
away valuable characters from your message. Using bit.ly to shorten your link is
highly recommended.
Go to http://bit.ly and sign up.
Enter your Twitter username and password during sign-up (to save in settings).
Enter the long version of the link you want to share in the space provided.
Click Shorten.
Under Options, click on the Twitter bar to chose the Twitter account for which you
choose to tweet this link. (Do not click Post here.)
Scroll down to History, find the link you wish to tweet and click Share .
In the window that appears on the right, add a tweet in the large box provided.
Click Post.
Bit.ly fo r Co- Twee t
Begin by creating a bit.ly account for your CoTweet account.
Click on Account in the dashboard.
Add all Twitter accounts on your CoTweet account here.
Copy the A PI Ke y found in the middle of the Account page.
Return to CoTweet and click on Settings.
Click on Twitter Accounts, then select the account you want to integrate the bit.ly
with, then click Integrations.
Turn the bit.ly account integration on, then enter:
-API Lo gi n (the username you use to log in to bit.ly)
-API Ke y (the key you copied earlier from bit.ly)
Click Save.
Click Post an Update .
To shorten your link, paste the URL in the long box provided.
Chose the account you wish to post under.
Click on the down arrow (this shortens your link and places it in the body of the
message).
Type your message in the large box.
Click Post Update .
PUNCTUATION
@Replies
An @reply is a public message sent from one person to another, distinguished from
normal updates by the @username prefix. If a message begins with @username, we
collect it as a reply. Reply publicly to any update on Twitter by using the @username
format.
Syntax:
@covalentlogic Thanks for the training today!
d (Direct Messages)
Direct messages are private messages sent from one Twitter person to another. You can
only send a direct message to a person who follows you.
Syntax:
d covalentlogic How do I reply privately again?
The difference between an @reply and a direct message
An @reply is a public message sent regardless of follow-ship that anyone can view. A
direct message can only be sent by someone you follow and is a private message that
only the author and recipient can view.
There’s no edit – You can only delete
Once it's out there, you can't edit it. You can delete an update by clicking the trash icon
on the right end of the update on twitter.com, but you can't make changes.
RT (Retweet)
RT is short for retweet, and indicates a re-posting of someone else's tweet. This isn't an
official Twitter command or feature, but people add RT somewhere in a tweet to indicate
that part of their tweet includes something they're re-posting from another person's
tweet, sometimes with a comment of their own. Usually, you use RT and the @username
to show who’s content you’re retweeting.
Syntax:
RT @covalentlogic “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
TwitPic
TwitPic is a third-party photo-hosting site that allows you to share photos on Twitter.
After setting up your TwitPic account at www.twitpic.com, you can upload photos, add a
message and automatically post a tweet containing a link to your photo on your Twitter
account.
Syntax:
http://twitpic.com/c0val3-Introducing our new creative tank: our new office!
bit.ly
Bit.ly is a simple URL shortener. Twitter users take advantage of bit.ly to create a
stronger message – most URLs are long and take up too many characters in a tweet.
Bit.ly shortens your link to give you more room for your message.
Syntax:
Check out Covalent Logic’s Knowledge Base at http://bit.ly/Hno9s
NEW PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Using Twitter to introduce new products and services is extremely beneficial in terms of
outreach and speed. Use the following to guide content for new products and services
tweets:
Use the proper name of the product or service.
Choose one benefit to promote, and speak authentically about it.
Consider asking for feedback.
Add a photo or link.
SAMPLE TWEETS
JetB lue Now selling the All-You-Can-Jet pass: a month of unlimited travel for $599! How
many BlueCities will YOU visit? http://bit.ly/JetPass
Pur e A ved a Rooted in Nature, Proven in Labs. Aveda Green Science Skin Care FREE
Sample: Learn More http://tinyurl.com/dzqto7
co olh un ti ng WK Interact's latest piece, in Ancona, Italy, is 100m long and 7m high. It's
absolutely stunning: http://bit.ly/VfFGg (via @ MarcDSchiller)
G MG one Mad Owner on vacation - Giving the place away! Come and be spoiled - food,
golf, spa, wine, etc. Check it out! http://bit.ly/14G3Fb
BNStudi o New Barnes & Noble iPhone app lets you search for books by snapping photo
of cover. http://bit.ly/r4UaX Augmented reality getting mainstream
JetB Lue We're adding service to Montego Bay from MCO and BOS early 2010! So how do
you say Caribbean? CaRIBBean or CaribbEEan? #ttc
JetB Lue We're (nearly) doubling flights from SFO! Tweet your favorite San Francisco
treat! http://bit.ly/hKVMq
ritua lc offee New Serving Method, New Bag Offerings. Ritual serves up a floating coffee
bar, guerrilla style http://bit.ly/ndeRQ (via @eatrealfest)
UTMed ic alC en ter September is prostate cancer awareness month and we are offering
FREE screenings http://tinyurl.com/pvu2te
STAFF RELATIONS
Whether sharing an accomplishment or expressing gratitude for a job well done, Twitter
is a great tool for praise. From a reader’s perspective, tweeting about staff members, as
a whole or independently, adds personality and authenticity. Use the following to guide
content for staff relation tweets:
State the name of the staff member & their role.
Include what they did and how they did it well.
Show genuine appreciation.
SAMPLE TWEETS
Si mo nFCo op er Very proud of Jennifer Carroll, Chef at Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, taking
control on Top Chef - have a look: http://tinyurl.com/m8qmtg
the bo na ve nture The Westin Bonaventure gets green certified by Green Seal see details
in attached story. Thanks to all our Associates!! http://bit.ly/4cv6OV
Hil_ Da vis I want to thank our corporate team at #Jhilburn. An amazing jo b supporting
our partners behind the scenes. Great people make JH a success!!!
bec asc ho ols BECA 2009-2010 teachers are arriving in Cofradia on July 10. Read about
them! http://bit.ly/2XxfJj
ATLCa di ll ac CONGRATS to Tug who is the Sept KICKS Employee of the Month! Dallas + I
have a special presentation 4 him tom AM @ 6:10. WOW!
bod ybu il din g co m Congrats 2 Brandon Poe! Bodybuilding.com's Fit Employee of the
Month! A guy who's def comfortable rockin a speedo http://tinyurl.com/meyrp2
Sia mH o telsB uzz Wishes all Siam Bayshore and Bayview hotel employees good luck in the
up-coming Thai Hotel Association regional sport competition!
Pa ci fD isa bil ity Ran into state VR counselor today. Weight Watchers is offered as an
em pl oye e benefit. She jumped @ the free opportunity & lost 25lbs in <1yr!
TRAVEL NOTES
Using Twitter for travel notes lets people know where you are, where you were and
where you’re going. And in some cases, what the experience was like. Twitter can be an
extremely informative tool when tweets are directed to followers as a source. Use the
following to guide content for travel tweets:
Include origination, destination and airline – airport codes and abbreviations are
perfectly acceptable. Flight numbers if possible.
Use #flight to enable searches.
Add a positive comment about the flight, or your excitement about your travels
& destination.
SAMPLE TWEETS
uals te wd c Boarding@IAD: UA0219 IAD (02:36 pm LT) - SFO (05:27 pm LT) United
Airlines: Washington - San Francisco #Flight
am d avids on At #sfo for my flight to #pvg. Looks like this is going to be a busy trip.
to m csan ky On Delta transcon JFK to LAX 757 with international first class layout which
will make this much better than usual flight
San dr aKh orr am Waiting for the fl ight @LAX
jc wo ng 86 Depart JFK @ 11:35 am on Flight 204 to Johannesburg. Last american tweet?
dou gb ar nette I'm on Delta today & I'm impressed with how friendly everyone is. Short
18-minute flight to Cincinnati then connect to Charlotte. Ciao!
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Tweeting about hotel accommodations is an effective way to share an experience and
gain customers. The more details the tweet includes, the easier it is for the reader to
paint a picture. Use the following to guide content for hotel tweets:
State the name of the hotel & city.
Use a TwitPic, if possible.
Highlight one feature. We know you love Hilton – tell us why you love *this*
Hilton.
SAMPLE TWEETS
fa ir mo ntho te ls Check out this pic from The Fairmont San Francisco's Penthouse Suite
restoration project. http://www.twitpic.com/fzmpd
Jul ieD Al oiso RT @HGICleveland: Hilton Garden Inn Cleve downtown has the amenities &
location to satisfy the needs of both the leisure & business traveler.
Warne rGe m Just back from a fabulous weekend at Alvaston Hall Hotel
www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk. Entertainment, food & room bill. We'll be back!
sandr ine xga rc ia Going to bed & I'm hoping I'll wake up in my hotel room @ the Venetian!
Amazing hote l, amazing trip! Loved every min of it :')
just1j en Hotel suite at the Palazzo is awesome! Thinking about jumping on the beds
later.
1Rebe cc a MB Slept 2 nights in a Hilton hotel : thx guys for choosing this one, it just
rocks, my fellas & I were like RICHIE PEOPLE there!! WE <3 IT!!!
spac ied ish visiting Hyatt Regency Bonaventure for first time. Beautiful landscape,
comfortable suite and great staff.
frees cul ly Tonight we're staying in a Hilton hotel, first time in my life. The room is
absolutely amazing! So big! I absolutely love it!
Twitter Personalities
No T h a nks
There are many good tweets out there. There are also many bad ones. Below are the
‘people’ you want to avoid being on Twitter.
1. The Screamer: The Screamer uses all caps and just as in email-it’s impolite to do!
2. Don King: Twitter is a community of real people. It is not just free advertising space.
Followers do not want to see promotions constantly. Companies should be aware of this
when promoting their brands. Constant promotional tweets about low prices, the best
deals and so on scream Don King.
3. Mission Impossible: Social Media is like any other form of media. It’s important to set
goals and have a strategy to reach those goals. The poorest strategy is no strategy at
all. #Fail
4. Jack and Jill: Cut down the noise. Followers don’t want to see conversations between
“Jack” and “Jill” on where they’ll be meeting for lunch today. Keep public messages
public and private messages private.
5. Silent Bob: Communicate with the audience—start conversations, engage them. Don’t be
afraid to RT or @ followers. Twitter is about putting the information out there and
creating an online dialogue. Trying to hold a conversation with Silent Bob is no fun.
6. MIA: This one is simple- the more places people can access a Twitter page, the more
chances there are to gain followers. So go ahead and add a “Follow us on Twitter” link!
7. Elvis: Thanking a follower for becoming a new follower, for RTing tweets, or for any
other matter should be done through a D. Thank them; thank them very much, but do it
privately.
8. Howard Stern: Growing up, parents usually suggest there’s three things that should
never be talked about in mixed company. Those three things are probably religion,
politics and sex. Unless the purpose of a company’s tweets are based on one of these
three things, that business should remain stern about not tweeting about them at all.
Twitter Personalities
Yes, Please
While there are many ‘people’ you want to avoid being in Twitter, there are many Twitter
personalities have set great examples. Below are the ‘people’ you want to aspire to be in
Twitter.
1. The Insi der : In real life, people have thoughts, feelings and opinions. These are what
tend to be what attracts friends and followers. In Twitter, it is just the same. People
often chose to follow the Insider because they’re tweets have shown that they have a
real insight and share their thoughts, feelings and opinions. But not too many thoughts,
feelings and opinions.
2. The Ma g net: Wonder why people are on Twitter to begin with? They want to be in the
know. A wealth of knowledge attracts many followers.
3. Linky L ou: People become followers because they want to hear what is being said
about an issue. Tweet your thoughts. Links are bonuses for your followers.
4. Stra wberr y Sh or tc ake : Twitter only allows 140 characters, so when using a link with
an idea, remember to keep it short and sweet.
5. Hea ve nl y Has h (#): Using hash tags frequently will help tweets show up in searches. A
hash tag can be used on any word or phrase. Popular words or phrases to hash out:
#followfriday (list out a few favorite Twitterers with this hash)
#SocMe (SocMe- pronounced “sock me”; a shortened phrase for “social media”)
#fail (used to express disagreement with something or show an idea that failed)
#bangitout (phrase used to let followers know something is so exciting, it needs to be
banged out on the keyboard/mobile device; example tweet: I can’t wait til #Beatles
Rockband is released #bangitout