In my book, Twitter Power, I describe a number of different kinds of tweets that twitterers are posting on the site. I talk about news tweets and customer service tweets, random thoughts and feedback, and a whole lot more besides. I explain how businesses are using them, why they work and how to make them work for you. You don't have to use all -- or any -- of those tweet models if you don't want to. But knowing about them should help to get any new twitterer up and running quickly.
I'm going to make it even easier.
Step back a little and it becomes clear that tweets can be divided into two broad categories: broadcast tweets and discussion tweets.
Broadcast tweets are your thoughts shared with your followers. They can consist of a description of what you're doing right now, a note of what's going through your mind or even a link to a blog post or a retweet of someone else's post. They add value to your timeline and they help to make it unique.
Discussion tweets are your responses to other people's posts. They can be made by hitting the reply button or you can just mention the original poster somewhere in the tweet. Sometimes, they'll even be your response to someone else's reply to you.
It's now clear that many of the top twitterers' timelines tend to be about fifty percent broadcast tweets and fifty percent discussion tweets.
There's a good reason for that: both of those kinds of tweets are equally important.
When you first start using Twitter, you'll want to post a few tweets to show who you are and what you have to offer. But then you'll want to leap right in and join the discussions. When you reply to someone else's tweets, they'll reply to you. That will put your name in their timeline, bringing you new followers. It also gives you a new contact and makes you part of the conversation - and part of the community.
And it makes your timeline look interesting too, with plenty of responses and lots of comments.
A fifty-fifty ratio isn't a golden rule. I'd be surprised if there are any golden rules on Twitter. But your timeline should contain a good combination of broadcast tweets that contribute to the party and discussion tweets that keep the party going.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
May 7, 2009 08:51 AM
There is a "golden rule", if we talk about twitter :
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After I read one or two e-books about twitter, I stoped and refrain myself from reading more. Becouse I don't want to look at twitter with pre-made ideas or opinions. And i have this "problem" : I think something (anything is human made, from socks to softwares) have real value if is still intersting after one year or more.
Else, I "see" lot of opportunities and development ways on twitter. I have not enough time and I don't want to change my priorities, but some things are pure and simple awesome .. As example, twitter is a endless source for any blog dayly subject(s) ..
May 7, 2009 09:58 AM
Husband and father of eight, custom Tailor/fashion Designer some real estate
now newbie internet marketer,thanks for that info you send me on my email its really helpful,iam also a new twitterrer.
May 7, 2009 08:58 PM
I think i use the 90/10 rule right now.
I will try to be more involved.
May 8, 2009 05:39 AM
Well said Joel! Going even further one can break down why type of tweets to have in each category, if they are about you, if they are a quick life tip, if they are about others, resources, industry news, etc. Thoughts?
May 8, 2009 04:01 PM
50-50 huh? I know it's not the golden rule. But if that's the ballpark that works for you, my method is more like Paul, 90-10. Thanks for the input Joel. Keep up the good work.
May 10, 2009 01:41 PM
Great advice.. and I'm glad you included NO RULES.
:)
May 10, 2009 08:59 PM
Yea, I do agree that it is great to first broadcast a few tweets. At least after you reply to someone's, you are actually ready to be "checked out". Besides that, you will get a better picture of how people view your stand or whether your field of topics interest the people whom you are trying to reach out to
May 11, 2009 03:13 AM
Make sure your broadcasts are follow-worthy, or else, you'll be surprised by the sudden drop of followers. Keep it short, informative, and engaging.
May 12, 2009 01:11 PM
Wow, everyone is still talking about Twitter! Will it ever end?
May 14, 2009 11:01 AM
I like the 50/50 rule. As long as I start out with the listening rule, which is to hear what the most important issues to my readers are. Then, when I broadcast, I can provide valuable information in my tweeting.
May 19, 2009 08:32 PM
I think as a new person to Twitter it is essential to get your broadcast messages out there first. I would say a few days worth before jumping in to the discussions. I say that because for people to want to follow you they are going to want to know something about you, your background, and what you are currently bringing to the table. This will give them some kind of foundation to know if they want to follow you -- even if you decide to have discussion with them and follow them. Also, I would recommend that you be picky as to who you want to follow, choose people that are in your niche.
:) thanks.
June 18, 2009 08:28 PM
Great post Joel.Keep up the good work
June 23, 2009 11:49 PM
Tell me honestly team.
Do people actually read other peoples tweets?
I have done a couple of exercises and put up tweets for anybody reading the tweet to reply to me by direct message.Very interesting the response.I dont have great no of followers bout 1200,but enough for good research.
The results where unbeleivable.Check my blog at http://blogmarkethelp.blogspot.com/ where i posted results