Effective tweets have characteristics that are easy to spot. You’re going to want to take advantage of that and utilize some of the practices that make for popular tweeting if you want to become a reliable tweeter that people can turn to. Here are some Twitter traits that make for effective tweets:
1. Clarity
I have one person I follow who might as well be tweeting in a different language. Of course, he tweets in English, but his word sequence rarely makes sense. There’s always some hidden meaning to what he’s tweeting, and it’s up to his unfortunate followers to figure out what it is. Don’t be like that. Your tweets should be so clear that your followers can see what’s on the other side immediately. Your followers shouldn’t need a decoder ring to figure out what you’re trying to say.
2. Concise
Twitter only allows for 140 characters, and you may think that’s concise enough. It’s not. Ultimately, you should keep your tweets to 120 characters. Why? Well, if you want to get retweeted, you need to leave room for someone to include “RT @YourTwitterName” in their retweet. I find that I retweet much less for people who don’t abide by the 120 character suggestion. Be brief and you’ll have a better chance of being retweeted over and over again.
3. Keywords
You want your tweets to be searchable because that’s how people are going to find you and what you’re tweeting about. Therefore, you have to use proper keywords when tweeting. If your Twitter profile specializes in hockey information, you’ll need to include the words “hockey” or “NHL” somewhere in your tweets, because that’s what people are going to be searching for. Make it as easy as possible to be found.
4. Shorten your links
With those 140 characters being so valuable, you don’t want to waste space by putting an entire hyperlink into your tweet. You should use some popular link shortening services to clear up some space for you. There are plenty out there, but I prefer bit.ly since it gives you a ton of great analytics data on who’s clicking your links. Whichever service you choose, just make sure you’re cutting down on the space your links take up.
5. Use “You”
People want to know how you can provide value to them. Catering to that need is a strategy that works extremely well on Twitter. Tell your followers how the link they’re about to click on will help them. It should come as no surprise that the most commonly retweeted word is “You.” Posting a tweet that utilizes the word “you,” statistically, gives you a better chance of being retweeted.
6. Link to lists
For some reason, people really like to read lists. You’re here reading this one, aren’t you? My Twitter stream is constantly full of people tweeting lists, and I tend to read almost all of them. I’m not the only one. People pay attention to tweets that link to lists, probably because they’re full of easily digestible bits of information that pop. Capitalize on that.
7. Ask questions
When you ask questions, you’ll sometimes feel like you’re just shouting into an empty room. But you’ll be surprised at the response the more you ask them. Engagement is a huge part of using Twitter the right way, and people love to offer help online. If you’ve got a question about something, ask it. You’ll get some really great answers most times, and what’s even better is that your followers will be even more aware of you. Never think your followers have nothing to offer you.
Who are some of your favorite tweeters, and why do you think they’re successful?
I would add – Be Consistent. If you want people to recognize you as an authority in some topic, tweet about that 90% of the time. If you're all over the map, harder to figure out who you are and what you're about.
John, excellent addition to the list! So true, too. I found once I narrowed down my topics to social media and the like, people were more able to find my true Twitter value. Thanks for the comment!
I respect people who tweet about more than 1 aspect of themselves. Scientists who walk their dogs & artists who do their accounts & frown
well…this is great tips, some of them isn't my habit!! i should use it more
Imagine this post was very highly effective that when I shared it using Buffer, it got 862 clicks. You lead by example. Great article on habits of effective tweets.
I would also suggest using hashtags for keywords you would like to highlight in your posts. Don't overdo it though. 1 or 2 at the most per post.
Indeed there is a science to effective use of Twitter, and I appreciate you using such a succinct 'list' to illustrate it. Be consistent, I second that!
This is so concise. I tweeted it! 🙂 Thank you for clarity!
Two successful tweeters – completely different approaches: Chris Brogan & Mitch Joel.
Chris tweets a tremendous amount – like 10-14 tweets per day. A lot of it is personal stuff and 'air', but his community loves it. I think it works for him because he's taken on a bit of a celebrity role.
Mitch, much less – like 2-3 tweets per day. He keeps it very focused on providing value to his target audience of marketers.
Great Twitter traits. And really good explanation about the questions part. It truly feels like shooting in empty room, but that fades away after a while.
Petra
Great info, very helpful and informative. Thank you!
I assume you know that the whole 120 character thing you describe in 2. is not valid anymore? You can now retweet a full 140 character tweet.
I enjoy people who seem genuinely interested in sharing, & responding. People who make me laugh think discover. Lots of favorites. I like lists too & I love to share lists about decorating whys with my clients.
Jennifer Duchene
The Home Makeover Mixtress blending cool & cozy style
http://home-decorating-makeovers.com/
Great habits to be highly effective. Very nice looking website as well.
Great tips. You’re definitely right. I tend to read a lot of lists that I see passing through my stream. I’m going to put that tidbit to use myself.
Thank you for the very useful information. I learned quit a bit very quickly, your a very clear straight to the point writer I like that a lot.
Great tips! Thanks for the article.
Happy! Thanks for the article.
I’ll follow back within 24 hours. In the meantime, fan my junk at @MGShare @vipsponsor @vipspams @MGShare let me know you did and I’ll list you.
Hey, Have You Heard ? Bird is the #WORD ! ! ! 7 Habits of Highly Effective Tweets , this is a great article.
unfollowed the guy retweeting this captain obvious list.
unfollowed the guy retweeting this captain obvious list.
Great Article- lots of good comments!
Loved the 120 character Retweeting tip … #TheMoreYouKnow
great article #StartItUP
Joe Burch
–@Joevburch:twitter
This has nothing to do with this post (although I loved it and tweeted it), but what social sharing tool do you use? I love the way it looks like a little drawer.
I hate YOU…it is actually a word that should not be overly used in writing. It implies everyone….I am male and I hate when they put up a commercial that talks about when YOU are pregnant or YOU have your period, etc. That is a word to be very careful with when posting.
If you want to go even deeper into the psychology and linguistics of successful tweeting then I have some really great insights. I’m working on it right now before I publish but will be very powerful I promise. For now, you could do worse than follow this page and watch the space. http://www.inspirationist.co.uk/2011/twitter-is-like-viagra/
I think I fall into the catagory of tweeting ‘all over the place’ I just cant help it I just have to talk about loads of random stuff!!! Thats just me! xxxReally great points, thankyou so much for sharing!!
I think I fall into the catagory of tweeting ‘all over the place’ I just cant help it I just have to talk about loads of random stuff!!! Thats just me! xxxReally great points, thankyou so much for sharing!!
Thanks for your suggestions , i will consider your recommended stuff. I will look further for more such desirable and essential details ahead.
Love it! Twitter is the biggest networking event on the planet…don’t be quiet ~ Talk to those in your “nest” you will find more support than you ever imagined! Great post…I am off to share! xo
Great post Jay, You make a very valid point about engagement and how people like to offer help online.
Interesting article! Thank you!
This is really rich content I ‘ll share this with a few of my friends looking for tips on twitter thank you.
All great tips. Agree about the lists but they can get tedious after a while…the three most this, ten things you need to know about blah, 6 most blah, blah. Keeping within your main area of interest is also valid although it does tend to get boring if that is the only thing someone talks about, I like to know that a person is real and genuine and not just out to sell something. Twitter is, after all, supposed to be a social networking tool, not a business tool.
I just want to tell you that I am just newbie to blogging and really enjoyed you’re page. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You surely have good article content. Regards for sharing your web site.
I just want to say I am just newbie to weblog and certainly savored your web site. Very likely I’m going to bookmark your website . You definitely have awesome posts. Cheers for revealing your blog site.
Nice post . Thank you for, visiting my blog man! Ill email you again. I did not know that.
When are you going to post again? You really entertain a lot of people!
I happen to be writing to let you understand of the impressive discovery my friend’s child gained studying your web site. She realized lots of issues, which include what it’s like to have an incredible giving mood to get many more completely know precisely specific impossible issues. You actually exceeded visitors’ expected results. Thanks for supplying these valuable, safe, revealing and as well as unique tips on the topic to Tanya.
Dude! This site is amazing! How did you make it look like this !
Do youve a spam issue on this internet site; I also am a blogger, and I was questioning your scenario; weve got developed some great methods and we are looking to swap solutions with other folks, be positive to blast me an e-mail if serious.
Wanted to drop a remark and let you know your Feed is not working today. I tried adding it to my Google reader account but got absolutely nothing.
Have you considered including some social bookmarking buttons to these sites. At least for twitter.
Brilliant, cheers, I will bookmark you now!
I love that site layout . How do you make it!? It is really nice!
Your style is so unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site. http://nudecelebleaks.com/
Whenever I at first left a comment I clicked on the Notify me any time new comments are added checkbox and now each and every time a remark is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment.
A fascinating topic about casino and betting agencies is definitely worth to comment. I think that you ought to publish more about this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but usually folks don’t talk about these topics.Casino online bets is usually the most reliable and safe means to place your bets as we speak. The first deposit bonuses and special deals are an attractive solution for online poker. Most people will probably never obtain these kinds of choices in any physical casino.
Cool post . Thanks for, commenting on this blog page mate. Ill message you soon. I didnt realise that.
This really answered my problem, thank you!
A cool blog post there mate ! Thank you for the post .
I Will have to return again whenever my course load lets up – nonetheless I am taking your Rss feed so i can read your web blog offline. Thanks.
I was excited to uncover this site. I wanted to thank you for your time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new information on your web site.
Have you given any thought at all with converting your current website in to Chinese? I know a few of translaters here that would certainly help you do it for no cost if you want to contact me personally.
Im having a tiny issue. I cant get my reader to pickup your feed, Im using google reader by the way.
100% all natural solution in order to thyrois issues & pregnancy problems. In case you are focused on your current unborn infant’s wellbeing this is actually the solution to suit your needs
Have you given any kind of consideration at all with converting your blog in to Spanish? I know a small number of translaters here which would certainly help you do it for free if you want to make contact with me.
Virtually all of the responses on this blog site dont make sense.
Re: The person who produced the statement that this was an excellent web site truly needs to get their head examined.
http://www.localseoforlawyers.com/
Hey there, I just hopped over to your web site using StumbleUpon. Not somthing I would usually read, but I liked your thoughts none the less. Thank you for creating some thing worthy of browsing.
Fantastic items from you, man. I have bear in mind your stuff previous to and you are simply extremely fantastic. I actually like what you’ve acquired right here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which by which you assert it. You are making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to learn far more from you. This is really a great website.
Brilliant, thanks, I will subscribe to you RSS later.
When are you going to post again? You really inform a lot of people!
A lot of of the opinions on this particular blog site dont make sense.
Special Hair Care Ways Of Use To Enable Grow Hair Speedy Naturally
I think one of your current advertisements initiated my internet browser to resize, you may well want to get that on your blacklist.
I know this site provides quality depending articles or reviews and additional data, is there any other web page which presents these stuff in quality?
Amazing article, cheers, I will subscribe to you RSS soon!
The Best Way To Grow Long Tresses Fast – Figure Out How To Be The Rapunzel That You Would Like
Hi! I’ve been reading your site for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Houston Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the good job!