If you want stellar results hosting your first Twitter Chat event, then it's highly recommended not to do what I did. - Please Tweet This!
I hosted my first Twitter Chat last week (2/20/14). The topic was how to focus on your entrepreneurial calling.
If you are already familiar with me, then you will know that I'm a very transparent person.
I share my successes and my mistakes as an entrepreneur.
Today's post will give you some insights of my experience hosting my first Reaching Your Next Level of Greatness Twitter Chat.
I asked a trusted colleague who has experience with hosting successful Twitter Chats. Basically, we broke down what I did wrong and how I can make improvements.
Today, I reveal my three big mistakes from hosting my first Twitter event and how you can steer clear of them.
Ready for my Twitter Chat confessions?
My "diary" is open for you not only read, but to learn.
Mistake #1: I mixed up the date to host the Twitter Chat a week early!
This is a funny one.
I was sending out my promotional messages through my favorite social media platforms to have to my fellow tweeps join me and expand on the discussion of focusing on your entrepreneurial calling.
Here's the problem...
My promotional banners specify that my Twitter chat is every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.
I hosted my Twitter chat on the 3rd Thursday of the month!
Take a look at the image below to see exactly what I am talking about.
< Post by Woman in Leadership.Hmm...
I wondered why I didn't get a bigger turn out. You should have seen my face.
Puzzled!
I only had a couple of people engage during the chat, which is okay. Some engagement is better than none.
You know what I mean?
Actually, even if not one person showed up I would still host my social media event. Building a successful internet business is all about testing.
Here is how you can avoid my first mistake:
- It never hurts to have a test run before massively promoting your social media event.
- Always double or even triple check your information before you launch your Twitter Chat.
Mistake #2: I sent out promotional information through several social media platforms two days before the Twitter Chat.
If you want effective results on Twitter, then it's highly recommended not to do what I did unless you have already picked up momentum from hosting your chat on a regular basis.
Here is how you can avoid my second mistake:
- It's recommended for new hosts (like me) to promote at least two weeks before the Twitter Chat.
Wouldn't you rather feel cool and calm getting the word out, instead of feeling pressured and rushed?
Mistake #3: I sent the information to my email list the same day of the Twitter Chat.
My mentor simply laughed when I gave her scoop on this one. It's okay because I laughed, too.
I'm not a newbie with email marketing.
I know the do's and don'ts of nurturing your valuable subscribers. My third mistake is just another epic "oops" that can be easily corrected.
Here is how you can avoid my third mistake:
- When it comes to email marketing, it is wise to warm up your golden list of subscribers days before your Twitter Chat. Doing so will give them ample time to include the time block into their schedule.
The sooner your list of email subscribers know about your hosted events, the better results you will have for that good old social media engagement on Twitter.
My Final Thoughts About Hosting My First Twitter Chat
I still have a LOT of testing and adjusting to do. I need to continue to test the best days and hours to host a chat according to my audience.
All in all, I know that it will be impossible to know the perfect time to host a chat during the peek hours on Twitter.
Automate for Fellow Your Tweeps
I'm big on automating a lot of my social media workload. Automating some of your social media tasks is one of the perks of running an internet business.
Who wants to spend all day working on tedious tasks? I know you don't.
If you are thinking about hosting your own Twitter Chat or are still going through the motions of getting your event just right, then I have a great suggestion for you.
Provide a way for your fellow tweeps to receive email notifications about upcoming chats.
Now, why would you do such a thing?
Think about this...
Anyone who signs up for your updates about upcoming Twitter Chats is 100% interested in being a part of the action.
I'm in the process of making this a reality on my upcoming events page. Maybe this should be Twitter Chat confession number four. Hee hee!
You can easily set up an opt-in page on your website or blog with an affordable email marketing tool like Aweber.
It's what I use for all of my email marketing and I love it!
Last but not least, consult with someone who has experience with hosting a Twitter Chat on a regular basis. This gives you the opportunity to learn from the best and implement.
Your coach, mentor, or fellow colluege can guide you during your journey of hosting a successful Twitter Chat.
Now, it's all out.
You now know what I did to screw up my first Twitter Chat event. You also learned what you can do to make your Twitter Chat experience a good one.
What about you?
Do you have any suggestions or Twitter Chat confessions to share?
I would love to hear them. All you have to do is leave your comment below. I would like to continue the conversation. Thanks!
Recommended Twitter Resources:
5 Steps to Hosting Successful Twitter Chats: Your Ultimate Guide | Social Media Examiner
3 Useful Twitter Chat Tools plus Bonus Resources | Social Media Today
The Best Resources For Beginning To Learn What Twitter Is All About| Larry Ferlazzo
Image Credits: KawaiiCloud via Compfightcc
About the Contributing Author:
Stacie Walker is the founder of Woman in Leadership. Stacie adores working with professional leaders and entrepreneurs in the small business, home business, and online business industries.
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