Teaching Twitter: Part DO

As I DO regularly, I went through my Twitter account this week and did some housecleaning.  This included an analysis of my Twitter lists, including my largest one, the “Student Affairs” list.  As I went through the lists, I could not help but feel disappointed in some of the Twitter accounts and how they lacked so much information.  I decided to write a follow up to my original “Teaching Twitter to Higher Education Colleagues” post on what to DO now that you are on Twitter and how to take the next step in your Twitter adventures.

1. DO: Be “Active” on Twitter
It’s important that you stay “active” on Twitter once you sign up for an account.  Don’t let too much time pass between tweets!  As I went through my lists, I unfollowed and unlisted anyone who hadn’t tweeted for more than one month.  My assumption is that if you haven’t tweeted in a month, you probably weren’t using your account anymore.  Twitter is about building community and being active in the ongoing conversations.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s fine to “lurk”, just don’t expect anyone to follow if you don’t tweet every once in a while!

2.  DO: “Unprotect” Your Twitter Stream
Many new Twitter users check that little box under their account settings to “Protect Their Tweets” and I’m not sure why.  By doing this, you turn your Twitter experience into Facebook, part deux.  The power of Twitter lies in its openness and the ability to search Tweets for keywords, hashtags, etc.  Unprotect your tweets and give yourself the opportunity to have a full Twitter experience!

3.  DO: Use Your Real Name as Your Twitter Handle
While this may be about user preference, part of using Twitter is building your own brand… and what is better than your own name?  If your name is already taken on Twitter, try and use another combination of your initials, your name, an underscore, and/or numbers to create your new Twitter handle.  This goes a long way in creating your brand, and once you establish that, use that to brand your Facebook and LinkedIn URL’s for consistency.

4.  DO: Fill Out Your Twitter Profile Completely
I was surprised to see how many Twitter accounts still aren’t completely filled out.  Many are still missing part or all of the four main pieces of information.  Adding your full name, current location, a web site, and bio goes a long way in proving to people you are who you say you are.  Some quick tips about this: 1.  If you don’t have a website, use your LinkedIn or Facebook profile.  2.  When you fill out your bio, make sure you use the term “student affairs” or “Higher Education” so you show up in Twitter profile searches that have those keywords in them!

5.  DO: Use Twitter Lists to Build Connections
What is useful to know about creating Twitter lists is that you don’t have to follow everyone in them. Lists are powerful for two reasons.  First, creating lists shares common interests in one place.  Second, when you click the ones you are listed in, you get a sense as to how people perceive you on Twitter.  Be sure to thank everyone who took the time to add you to one of their lists. UPDATE: Twitter Lists are harder to find in the latest version of Twitter.com.  To access them, go to your profile and look about midway down on the left side for the “lists” tab. A nice feature of lists is that you can list whomever you want without having to follow.

6.  DO: Participate in All Types of Twitter Chats
Once you have actively engaged in any of the Student Affairs chats out there, you have the foundation for participating in other ones!  Introduce yourself to other chats you might find interesting!   Also, don’t be shy to give your opinions on things people tweet about.  Ask questions and challenge their thought processes with your experience and perspective.  Finally, offer to help when given the opportunity. It goes a long way in building your “Whuffie” (online reputation).

7.  DO: Follow AND Unfollow as Necessary
The longer I have been on Twitter the more I have “unfollowed” people, places, and brands.  Sometimes, it has to do with something they said or what they haven’t said (it’s a safe bet that if you haven’t tweeted in over a month, I will unfollow you)  Other times, it’s just because I feel the need to for a variety of random reasons.  If I follow you, it means that I am interested in what you or your brand have to say and I want to get to know you better through your tweets, blog, etc.

Whatever your “Follow/Unfollow” reasons are, remember that Twitter is not a “social network”.  If it were, we would be reciprocating follows everytime we added someone or something new to our Twitter networks.  That would make Twitter look a lot like Facebook.

What other “Twitter DO’s” would you give? How have you taught Twitter to your colleagues and friends?

Ready for more Teaching Twitter? Try Part 3!