On the last part I described how to use twitter search to know what happened, getting news and to get help; on this part I’ll give you some tips to become an active twitterer with some cool tools. Unlike any other social websites, twitter has its own community. If you want to bring something out from twitter, then you have to update, follow, share and contribute.
The more time you spend on twitter to connect with others, the more your friends will know you and they will be interested. So before you dive into the community, you must have a plan using twitter.
First set some goals
- What you want from twitter? (traffic, fun or some business contacts)
- What kind of information you want from others? (friends, companies or professionals)
- Do you want them to get interested in you? (as a customer, reader or associate)
- What kind of profile you want to create? (as a consultant, service provider or a creator)
The main key with twitter is activity. When you’ll start to follow few people, some other people will follow you too. Now using twitter with the website or from your mobile will not help you to keep in touch all time. For this you can install some cool applications.
For desktop
If you spend more time doing projects on your computer, then use desktop twitter clients. These two twitter clients uses Adobe air platform,
Twhirl
Twhirl is a simple application which will allow you to use twitter on your desktop. You can see your friend’s timeline, direct messages, @replies. You’ll get notification of tweets every time there’s a new message. This way you can keep in touch with your friends all the time. You can also use multiple twitter accounts with twhirl.
TweetDeck
TweetDeck is a service similar to Twhirl. It’s huge and has lots of features. You can search twitter for people and topics with this software. You can also see the most tweeted keywords from TweetDeck.
For firefox
I spend a lot of time surfing websites with my browser. This is why I prefer using twitter from my browser.
TwitterFox
TwitterFox is a firefox plugin which is light and easy to use. You can see your friend’s timeline, messages, @replies. You can also post links to twitter just from your browser. TwitterFox made my twitter life faster.
TwitterBar
TwitterBar is a simple extension for firefox, no fancy! You can use this to post twitter updates just from your address bar.
Being an active user in twitter
Post expressions and interesting tweets: Like what happened on your work, your feelings, emotions about some matter etc. Personal tweets makes others see your life and they will know what kind of personality you have.
Post achievements: Like what you did today, how was your day, how you made this and that and every small joys of your life and work. People love to read other people’s achievement and it inspires them a lot.
Post questions: I post question when ever I get into any trouble with my blog. I asked my twitter friends if my site is loading or not from their server and they replied! -that’s the true power of twitter.
As an instant messenger: Twitter works just like an instant messenger. With my twitterfox, I connect with my friends and readers almost in real time. While writing this series, I had a serious discussion with one of my friend, @stwange and he gave a lot of tips to improve it.
Direct messages, replaces email: I send more direct messages than emails. I don’t send an email if I had to say a few words. And twitter. Whenever I connect with a new person, I instantly follow them on twitter for instant communication.
Add value: Don’t just put updates like, “I had breakfast; going for shopping or playing games, etc” write some tweets that will help others. Like if you have a latest news update, something you discovered, some tips, anything which will help a lot of people.
Stay updated for the next part of this series and Grab the RSS feed to get it first.
Have your say
- How many twitter updates you post a day?
- Do you use any desktop or browser client for twitter, which one?
- How much you twitter?
Please do follow me on twitter, @tamalanwar and promote this article by using the share/save button!
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I use twibble as a mobile twitter client. Works very well for me.
@krjx: Thanks for sharing, I’ll check out twibble and let’s see if I can cover it on the next part. By the way, is it your twitter ID? because I’m going to follow you!
Essays like this are so important to broeadnnig people’s horizons.