Okay, so I'm probably the last person on the world wide web to join Twitter, but that's exactly what I did yesterday: I set up my Twitter account.
"Go, Lynn!" right? LOL 😛 You'll find it at: http://twitter.com/lynnterry
I've heard quite a bit about Twitter, as I'm sure you have, but I havent seen a huge need to join in on the twittering. In fact, from what I could tell it appeared to be another one of those things that would eat up a lot of the free time I simply dont have. So why am I 'twittering' now? And what exactly is twitter?...
What is Twitter?
Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send "updates" (or "tweets"; text-based posts, up to 140 characters long) to the Twitter website, via short message service (e.g. on a cell phone), instant messaging, or a third-party application. source
Basically you set up an account and at any given time you answer the question "What Are You Doing" in 140 characters or less. To get a visual demonstration, see this video by Lee LeFever:
How do you Twitter?
Actually, I think its called "tweet", but I am still learning the twitter-language. If you need a quick run-down of the twitter terms yourself, see the Twitter Glossary so you dont look like a twit when you're supposed to be a tweeter 😉 .
At any rate, I'm finding there are multiple ways to tweet and I am currently using two of them: on the web, by logging into twitter.com and via cell phone by sending a text message to twitter (which I just tested).
Its all very simple. Whether you are using your cell phone or mobile device, or sitting at your computer, you simply type in "what you are doing" at any given time... that's it.
Pointless?
Yes and No. Its yet another way to network, make friends and gain exposure online... but its more of a short-n-sweet social atmosphere than it is a marketing tool. That said, there is certainly some marketing potential. According to Chris Brogan its an easy way to double your blog traffic.
And Darren Rowse, Mr Problogger himself, obviously sees some potential in it as he just launched Pay-Per-Tweet.
That was of course launched on April Fool's Day 😉
Seriously though, with millions of users already 'tweeting'... there must be something to it. And consider the number of phonecalls you get where someone asks What are you doing? or Hows it going? or Whatcha into?. Maybe people really do want to know what we are doing...
During the webinar yesterday, Rick called it permission-based stalking 😆 .
But it begs the question, particularly when used for business networking or marketing: just how much do people want to know? Should you share the details of your entire day, minute for minute, or simply make ocassional updates about your business only?
I am going test Twitter throughout the month of April, and will let you know what I discover along the way. I will use the site as intended, giving daily updates about "what I am doing" with a mix of both personal and business updates. It seems like a great way to connect with like-minded people, and an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other on a more personal and fun level... while still sharing links and updates about your online business.
Are there Twitter Widgets?
Yes, yes and yes! One that has already been recommended to me is http://www.twhirl.org/ (thanks Katherine!) which is a desktop application that makes being a TWIT super easy (comes easy enough for some people!). Oops - again, I think its "tweeter" - not "twit" - but I get this image of Cowboy Tweeter in my head every time I say that 😆 ... Please dont make me tell you that story 😛
For more cool twitter widgets, see: http://twitter.pbwiki.com/Apps
Twitter Tips and Tricks
Since I am a new Tweeter (haha, still laughing) I'll refer you to some of the top twitter tip sheets (say that real fast!) I found across the web:
- Tips for Bloggers on How to Use Twitter
- 35 Twitter Tips from 35 Twitter Users
- 10 Ways Twitter Can Boost Your Social News Profile
If you tweet, be sure to include your Twitter URL below when you leave a comment. That way we can all stalk follow each other! 😉
Happy Tweeting!
About Lynn Terry
Hi Lynn
http://www.twitter.com/nar321
Or if the www is a no no. http://twitter.com/nar321. Glad you have decided to be a Tweeter
Must have something to do with how you set it up as the www is needed in my case
Glad to see you tweeting. 🙂 I'm going to follow you now.
http://twitter.com/singlewahm
Another cool site for twitter is http://quotably.com/ - it attempts to gather up linked tweets so that you can follow the conversation from start to finish - it is not perfect but when you see only one side of an intriguing conversation it provides you with most of the other half.
Lynn,
My thinking was along the lines of yours. I kept thinking "Oh just something else to take up my time" lol
So when we were on the webinar yesterday, I decided to just try it out. I set up my account, did a few little tweaks to it and it's not so bad 🙂
I'm still not sure how I'm going to use it or what I need to do with it, but I'm like you I'm going to give a shot.
You can check me out at: http://twitter.com/StacieBennett
Definitely will be checking out those links you got up there, lol.
Hi Lynn!
Know what? I actually kinda like the Twitter. I'm not that good of a "blooger" but what is so kool about Twitter is that it's 140 characters per post.
Kool for me as I'm not a really good writer. But I don't putting ups few lines of comments every now and then. C'mon ... How EZ is it to pop a few short comments on the Twitter?
I look at this as a "fun" thing but IF you can resonate with people here you can have a potentionally KEWL way to show yer stuff in a "low key" atmosphere.
Short & sweet, I say! JUST Have "FUN" with it! heh heh
Are the Patios open yet? LOL
Rick Wilson aka CorpRebel 😎
http://twitter.com/corprebel
Hi Lynn, I like to use the firefox plugin (or what ever it's called) for twitter, you can post a link you are browsing, your own or someone else's by typing your comment into the browser window with the url and clicking a button.
Or you can delete the link and just post a tweet. I end up signing in anyway usually but it is quick.
My twitter address is http://twitter.com/queenofkaos
Thanks Katherine! I'll check that out 😀
I just figured out how to see replies earlier today lol. Of course, everyone in my house is twittering now - what a riot! Next I'll have to figure out how to set up a custom background or layout.
Great comments & tips here so far. I'm off to check out your pages...
I absolutely adore Twitter! One must be careful of the time-suckage-factor, though - it is quite addictive! 😉
If you have a data plan on your cell phone http://m.twitter.com is much better for mobile twitting. The text messages are kinda lame...IMHO, of course.
I'm abit of a late bloomer with these things, even with blogging I'm only just now getting consistent with it.
I like that - 'beware the time suckage factor!' Yes, that's a biggie for me, although Twitter keeps my sentences short n sweet, and that's good.
It also makes me accountable for what I'm saying I'm doing, ha...
Thanks for the experiment, Lynn, and to all who are tweeting, let's see where it goes.
"twit" reminds me of Monty Python and makes me laugh. That's always good!
Best,
Mary
Lynn,
In answer to your question, I would say, "No." I like having insight into your personal life, as you open it up to us in bits and pieces: Making spaghetti for the neighborhood kids, riding in a car with your 17-year-old and tweeting at the same time, and so on. That's neat information for those of us who know you through your online business.
BUT, what you've been tweeting about these past two days on your micro blog at Twitter is only part of the equation. What I crave is a peek behind the scenes at Lynn Terry, the business mogul, in action.
In that case, you really need two Twitter accounts. LynnTerry and, say, LynnTerryBiz or some such moniker. This keeps your name out there but also tells us definitively that this is all about biz, not, well...spaghetti or what gorgeous hunk you just met playing darts, for example. *grin* Just be sure to let us know about the latter on your PERSONAL Twitter page!
So before you head off for the weekend, I recommend you open another Twitter account (you'll have to use a different email address) that you'll use exclusively for business, and send us tweets from THAT one for your weekend in GA on what's happening - including all the gurus, interesting presenters, hints at top secret content that'll make us crazy wondering what it is, and networking gossip you want to dish.
This will get eyeballs on your blog each time a tweet says, "posting to my Clicknewz.com blog." Or "starting my weekly webinar at _______." And "catching up on my forum messages at _____" or "posting the webinar mp3 archives." (Hint. Hint.)
You get the idea.
Hope this answer the question for you.
Can't wait until your 30 days are up.
Deb Gallardo
I often use the manual way for submission at http://www.onlywire.com for social bookmarking sites.
I found that feedburner also accepts Twitter widget too!
Best,
Stephen Cornelli
http://www.squidoo.com/internetmarketingcampaign
Hey Lynn,
I never understood twitter until I started using it. Now I love it.
Here's a few Twitter ppl that you might want to follow (or not, lol):
http://www.twitter.com/Ed_Dale
http://www.twitter.com/DanRaine
http://www.twitter.com/joelcomm
http:// http://www.twitter.com/ShannonCole 😉
Here's a huge list of more Internet Marketing "gurus" that are using twitter
http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2008/01/internet-marketing-experts-twitter.html
and lastly, I have a site that allows to schedule tweets to post. So if you need to have something post after x hours you can do it with TwitResponse. http://www.twitresponse.com
That's it.. Enjoy twitter and I look forward to following you on twitter.
~Shannon
"Next I’ll have to figure out how to set up a custom background or layout."
A really easy way to create really nice backgrounds for twitter is use a powerpoint presentatation background image. I have a CD full of them, but I'm sure you can find plenty if you do a google image search. 🙂
Because the background image doesn't move, they are the perfect image for this.
~Shannon
You guys are so resourceful!! Thanks for the additional links - lots of fun stuff to check out 😉
Deb - I believe Roy suggested the same thing, but I am going to stick to the one account for now and get a feel for it all. I like the idea of having a mix of personal & business ("me").
But just out of curiosity - how many of you have multiple accounts on Twitter?
I don't, I think that a combo of biz and personal on the same account is fine. But I do like the idea of having focused twitter groups based on areas of interest, I think there are some good possibilities there.
Wow, Shannon - Awesome! Thank you 😀
Keep the tips, ideas & links coming. I'll be checking in throughout the weekend from my laptop, and look forward to tweeting about the trip!
Extra Extra Read All About ItLynn Terry Decides to Become aFOLLOWER After Only 2 Days
Okay Lynn, I'm really glad to see that you "broke down" after only 2 days of your 30 day no follow experience with Twitter.
Correct me if I'm wrong Lynn, but one-way tweeting isn't all that much fun is it? The fact that Twitter is a social thing and that conversations are possible and that you can get glimpses of people's lives is really what this microblogging experience is all about isn't it?
The original advice I gave Lynn was not to follow anyone for 30 to 60 days or so.
That way it would not add any additional work to her already busy schedule and all she had to do was send out an occasional tweet (Twitter updates as they call them) or two to the people who would be eager to follow her to learn what she was doing.
My game plan and advice for Lynn was to test out Twitter with as little additional work as possible and the no follow advice would certainly accomplish that.
I already knew that many people tweet several times per day and that once Lynn started following these "power tweeters" an additional hour or two or more of her time could easily be involved.
So hey, a BIG shout out and congratulations to Jared M Lee http://twitter.com/JaredMlee/ for being the FIRST person that Lynn has decided to follow. WOO HOO!
After looking at Jared's Twitter page it appears that Lynn won't have to devote too much extra time to reading her tweets so far, which is a good thing.
A little behind the scenes information for you about Lynn and why I think she started Twittering on April 1st instead of 2 weeks earlier when I first encouraged her to open up HER account at http://twitter.com/LynnTerry/ but Lynn will correct me if I'm wrong in my assumption.
Two weeks earlier, on St. Patrick's Day, I mentioned that even if she wasn't all that eager to start her Twittering career right now that the least she should do is to open her account before any of the other Lynn Terry's decided to. That way her account would be ready and waiting for her when she would finally decide to start tweeting.
Thinking that she would open HER account right away I checked for the first few days and still no account was opened. I decided to not "bug" her about it any further. But then on March 31st I thought about Lynn again and checked to see if she had opened her account yet. Nope, not yet. Well, that was it for me. I decided to let her know what I was thinking and feeling inside, so I wrote the following.
So, I believe that was all Lynn needed to hear from me to open HER account. LOL
Well, early in the morning on April 1st, 2008 she send me an eMail letting me know that she had just set up her account. I immediately clicked over to her account to click on the "follow" link and saw that she already had sent out 2 tweets.
"Last Minute Lynn" was now a bona-fide tweeter.
Now, for my call to action.
I'm a man on a mission to help spread the word that my friend Lynn is now available to be followed.
I've been waiting for sometime now but no dice, so a little gentle persuading for the last couple of weeks seems to have paid off and now the entire world can learn more about this AMAZING woman that I am proud to call my friend!
Please follow Lynn (click the link below) and tell all of your friends and colleagues to follow her as well, that is if they are interested to learn more about Internet marketing and the fine art of networking and relationship building.
http://twitter.com/LynnTerry/
I'll be back here with another comment that includes a few screenshots that document my Twitter case study with Lynn as one of my featured tweeters.
Be sure to follow me if you'd like to learn more as I learn more about the wonderful world of Twitter.
Your Friend,
Roy Montero, The SEO & Blog Guy
http://twitter.com/RoyMontero/
Great post, once again, Lynn!
Twitter is a double-edged sword that really should be used carefully... rather than jumping in and wasting time. Your tips are great!
http://twitter.com/mreyesmcdavis
I've connected to you and can't wait to see what you do 🙂
Wow... I heard Lynn talking about Twitter a couple weeks ago and I basically just put it on the back burner, but I can see where this might be addicting and start to get a little FUN!
http://twitter.com/ScottOBrien
Hey Lynn, great to see you on twitter. I find it fun and have only recently crossed over the line of casual twitter, to the point of no return. LOL. Seriously, it's great fun and find it a great instant way to connect with my online friends.
I'm completely and uncurably addicted 😀
Stacie- great post at The No Hype Zone! I tried to leave a comment but couldnt register and log in since I dont have email access from here. Bummer! Anyway, I'll try to remember to come back and leave my comment when I return on Monday evening 😉
Lynn I'm happy to have you on Twitter and I know you will love it. I do not find it to be time consuming at all. I look when I want to look and I leave it when I don't have time.
I love that I can create the Twitter experience that suits me. I don't follow those who use Twitter in a way that I don't enjoy and I don't ever feel like I have to 'catch up' on Tweets that occur when I'm offline.
I just treat it like the water cooler. Sometimes you stop by for a drink and some chatter and sometime you don't 🙂
Catch you next time we're both thirsty!
Well, well, well - look who has shown up to thew Tweeterverse 🙂
I love Twitter and find it invaluable as a marketing tool in all honesty - it is the only social network that my participation in has made me money.
http://www.twitter.com/sugarrae of course 🙂
Also, if you have a BlackBerry, here's a tutorial to TwitterBerry - the app for the BB
See you there, Kelly! 😉
Rae - I am sitting in Atlanta at a conference and your name came up in conversation with Dan Thies earlier today. Back on topic, I'd love to hear more about your experience with Twitter. Can I interview you? And back off topic again - Will you be at the next PubCon event? Would love to catch up with you!
Ok Lynn! Your blog post and one from Michael Martine have convinced me to give Twitter a real try. 🙂
Great, Christine! What's your Twitter URL?
Lynn,
Looks like you had some fun with Twitter down there in Atlanta! Been reading your twits OR tweets (?) heh heh
As I get the hang of it, I'm liking it more and more.
Have Fun!
Rick Wilson
http://twitter.com/corprebel
Hi Lynn! My address is http://twitter.com/selfmadechick
I haven't posted anything yet... still trying to observe and figure out how this whole thing works! But I know that you are now "about 30 miles outside of chattanooga having a Mr Goodbar & jammin to Pink" - how cool!
Lynn, sure on the interview... always glad to help anyone out if ever possible 🙂
Hi Lynn,
Well, the fact that you are getting replies seconds/minutes after you send out a message to us who follow you and that I for one see it RIGHT AWAY because is comes up in a text box on the right side of my screen (see the screenshot below) for me to be able to read your message in full, shows me that Twitter is a "Valuable Marketing Tool" and maybe THE most valuable once EVERYONE has claimed their Twitter account (notice that I said THEIR Twitter account and not just a Twitter account).
So since I don't need to do anything but glance over at my screen to see and read your tweet (your entire Twitter message) I WILL read your message NOW, but if you send me an eMail I have to wait until I check my eMail to see any messages from you. And since I don't live in my eMail box it could be hours before I read your messages.
Twitter is valuable for marketing, no doubt about it!
Lynn,
After attending your web seminar today, I signed up with twitter. Guess I need your 11 yr old daughter to help me figure out what to do next.
I've checked into the faq's, but I''ll have to read your posts to understand how to find people and what to do with it. Right now I'm clueless.
I'm http://twitter.com/karenfromkc
LOL Christine - Pretty fun, eh? I just added you to my 'do follow' list 😉
Thanks, Rae 😉 Will catch up with you when you return from Tampa!
Karen - It took me a good day of playing with it to really "get it", but its fairly simple. I just set up a Social Marketing category at the forum so feel free to stop by there for help too.
Its easiest to just start by posting regular updates. Then do a search for people you know to see if you find them - and if so, click the Follow button below their photo. Then check out who they follow - because that's a great place to add to your network 😉
Twit short: http://twitter.com/marygallagher
It's nice to be in such good company here! Learning a lot, doing a lot, I'm considering the tagline, Discover it, Do it!
Best,
Mary
It's nice to see you twittering!
I'm following you now. My twitter address is http://www.twitter.com/tishialee
Hey Tishia! Thx - I'm following you as well 😉
I have just joined the Twitter community. Follow me at http://twitter.com/adelamidi.
this is an old post, yet I am looking through some of Lynn's blog posts for further insight. I am on myspace, finally did facebook [still learning how to use this for promotion] and soon will try twitter. thanks,
btw just checked and lynn has 14,000 followers. good job
Lynn, you're not the last person on the WWW to tweet and twitter. That would be me. I'm absolutely sure no one wants to know what I'm doing every 10 minutes.
I'm typing this sentence now, and here comes the period.
Ok, I'm on a new sentence again, and things are going pretty well, oops, here comes another period.
I decided to start a third sentence, just to see if you're still reading!
Man this is exciting!!
Don't you think?
Do you?
Hello.....?
Anybody there.....?
LOL Phil 😉
Twitter has turned out to be a much more valuable tool than I ever imagined - particularly for communication & networking. You can see how I use it by following the tweets on my account at http://www.twitter.com/lynnterry
Hi Lynn, I loved the video of Chloe. what self respecting animal lover wouldn't. Brilliant! Now, if only humans would be so gentle and accepting.
I'm new to Twitter, thanks to you and others for sharing your thoughts.
Happy Valentines Day, best, Joan
Ok Lynn, I'm on to your every move now! 🙂
I'm kinda just a little bit mad at you though. Dang, you haven't tweeted in the last few minutes! What's up with that?? I'm waiting, I'm waiting... 🙂
Ok, this must be one of those teaching old dogs new tricks things. I'll listen, and maybe learn, and who knows, maybe become a tweety bird.
Thanks for the article.
LOL I tweet heaviest in the morning hours usually 😉 If you sign up be sure to follow me so I'll see you there and can follow you back. You'll love it!
I don't want to know what you being a heavy tweeter means Lynn, it's really none of my business. 🙂
Maybe Twitter arrives at a bad time for me.
I find what interests me most now is user generated content that heads in the direction of old fashioned publishing. Editors, editing, moderation, standards, thoughtful article style posts with some meat on the bones.
I think I've read one too many one line posts around the Net in recent years, and am in some stage of rebellion.
I'd better get my Twitter set up so I can let you know immediately if I emerge from this phase.
Thanks for the chat. This tweety zone is fun enough for me.
It just means that's when I am on Twitter & talking the most. It has been a great tool for me to meet publishers and influencers in my industry, which has in turn resulted in some of that meaty content you're referring to. You just might get converted... like I did 😉
I am still stuck on whether Twitter is a huge waste of time or if it has marketing value. It only has value when your followers follow just a few people. But, so many people, now, are following thousands of people.
REALLY?
Can you keep up with what thousands of people are doing to the point that it makes any coherent sense?
Here's the way I see Twitter. You have 4 basic kinds of people on Twitter: (1) Those that are using Twitter as a marketing tool and really don't care to listen to anyone else, (2) Those with a few friends but who so infrequently check their Twitter account that they are - for all purposes - Twitter worthless (3) Those with so many friends that their page changes every 5 seconds... e.g., worthless and (4) ... the very small minority who actually use the thing the way that Ev Williams wants it to be used.... the hype keeps this thing in business... and the thought of the potential that will never be achieved.
I disagree with most of your points. See:
http://www.clicknewz.com/1953/twitter-marketing/
Lynn, thanks... very thought provoking post you did. When I saw this article today on BusinessInsider.com, I was reminded of this discussion... pretty interesting stuff concerning how people are using Twitter:
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-truth-about-how-people-use-twitter-2009-9
The statistic that 75% hardly use it at all actually surprised me. I thought it would be higher.