“Thinking that your follower count and number of Clicks defines your success on Twitter is so 2008”
This quote from Leo Widrich’s blog “Are Your Twitter Efforts in Vain?,” couldn’t be more right. Users nowadays are too strung up on trying to get the most Retweets, followers, and Clicks that they forget why Twitter and other social media networks were developed in the first place; to share meaningful information to friends, to express oneself, and to hold great conversations. Sure, Retweet and follower numbers matter when it comes down to generating income and increasing awareness. However, having engaging and quality content will eventually earn you those numbers and keep followers interested for the long run.
Widrich states that success is the answer to the following questions:
- How many great conversations have you had today on Twitter?
- How many people have you helped today via Twitter?
- Whom have you met or reached that you couldn’t otherwise have reached?
- How many people have you brought together today?
- How much truly great content have you provided for your followers?
Again, right on the dot. Content and quality means everything. It is important to treat your followers like you would treat a good friend. Post helpful content, genuinely develop relationships with followers, and give a reason for followers to stay interested. Your followers will Retweet, reply to your posts, and mention you, increasing your visibility and helping you gain even more followers if they feel like they are equally benefiting from your relationship. When you pay attention to the people, the numbers are sure to follow.
With this new mentality, here are a couple ways to help you become successful on Twitter:
1. Make your Tweets stand out: Stay creative: Don’t just post a link to one of your blogs, try quoting a memorable line from the blog and including that in your tweet as well.
2. Say more than “Thank You”: Show that you appreciate people replying and Retweeting to your post by going beyond just saying “thank you.” Visit their site and if you find something interesting or retweet worthy, do it.
Remember, focus on people and content first. Everything else will come naturally.
