One of most common complaints we hear from new Twitter users is “I have no followers, so there’s no point of me being there”. This leads to a very high dropout rate among newly created accounts. Like many other things in life, we are constantly looking for instant gratification. Unfortunately Twitter does not work quite like that. Before experiencing the benefits from the network, we must first invest in it. In the specific case of Twitter, the biggest investment necessary is time and effort.
I joined Twitter in late February of 2010. I didn’t really put any effort into it for the first few months and, as a result, I did not get much in return. However, I decided in December that I would give Twitter one last shot before I closed my account. I spent more time on the site looking for people that shared my interests, asking questions and engaging with other users. The graph below shows the number of tweets per month I have sent since I joined. There is a clear increase in my tweeting as of December 2010. I made a conscious effort to invest more time in the site and see what kind of results I would get.
The results are extraordinary. In just over a month I have been able to increase my number of followers by over 500%, I have connected with extraordinary people that share my interests and passions, I have discovered very useful sources of information and I have found both personal and professional opportunities that I would have missed otherwise.
So if you are on Twitter and you feel like you are about to give up because you are not growing your following or do not see any benefit from it I have a challenge for you. Give yourself, and the site, one last chance. In the next 30 days make sure you do the following:
- Tweet constantly: The more you tweet, the more chances you have that someone else is going to find you.
- Search and follow people that share your same interests: This is the best way to start growing your network with people you have things in common with.
- Engage with other users: Even if they are not following you. If you have something to say to them, say it! (60% of my tweets are replies to other users)
- Use hashtags for those topics you find interesting: This is a great way for other users with the same interests to find and connect with you. For example: #snowboarding, #running, #soccer, #social media.
- Ask questions: If you have a doubt ask the world. I am sure there will be someone out there that is willing to assist you and answer your question.
I love Twitter. It is an open community full of friendly, “ready-to-help” individuals that will welcome you into their daily lives. Your “Return on Investment” will be fantastic. Then again, you have to make the investment in the first place.
Are there any other ways you found that are useful in growing your Twitter community?
