I love observing how people use Twitter. There’s a million and one ways to use that little update box and create your network. Here’s one example.

I just got a new Twitter follow.

My notification email said that authorj was following 782 people and had 162 people following him. From past experience this usually indicates a spambot. Anyway, I’ve just finished a big job, I’m feeling nice and relaxed and have a bit of time so I went to check out what he was about.

The first post in his stream has authorj wondering how to get people to join his site without looking like a SPAM bot then a link to his site. I followed the link and had a quick look at his site.

Ok authorj here’s some thoughts.

1. Stop following people so quickly.
2. In fact, I would unfollow at least half of your network right now.
3. Start linking out to something other than your website
4. Have a conversation with someone. Have a look through your network and @ someone who has said something you want to reply to
5. Go from there. Grow slowly. You’re wasting your time if you keep the same approach.
6. Locking all the content on your site is a bad idea. I can’t even find out more about you – if I have no connection to you I’ve already pressed the back button.
7. The Kingdom book trailer is interesting but I’m so frustrated that I can’t find out more about you or the book that I’ve stopped watching at 28 seconds
8. I’m persevering here and clicked on the “Join now” link. I reach the signup page and I’m completely confused and still not sure why I would want to join this community. Maybe you’ve already got a thriving reader community but if you’re trying to reach new readers you’ve lost me.
9. Moral of the story – give people who have never heard of you a bit more content to get to know you before they decide if they will signup to your community or not. And have a conversation on Twitter to make connections to new people.
10. Good luck authorj.

Related posts:

1. A peek behind the scenes of twitterguide.com.au & the Twitter for Business E-book
2. Twitter for Business E-book Review
3. Gary Vaynerchuck on how Businesses should be using Twitter
4. Social Media Case Study: U2, You Tube and Twitter
5. Is Following a Business on Twitter the Ultimate Opt-In?

Filed under: Do good business online, Tips, Twitter