Twitter is not for Twits

I used to believe that Twitter was for twits. Once I became more involved in social media management, I realized I was the twit.

I created a Twitter profile not long after it debuted. I was in high school, so it's not like I had anything to tweet about! I didn't understand how it worked, and I followed some ridiculous people. Since that beginning, I came and left Twitter a few times. I got easily annoyed by the Tweets on my feed and bored by the content. Most new phones come loaded with Twitter, and that drove me nuts! For a while, I used my Twitter as the place for an angry status I didn't want to put on Facebook. 

It was useless to me. Totally useless. 

I took over social media duties at the credit union, and realized I would have to come to terms with my feelings about Twitter. I had to suck it up, learn how it worked, and why people even gave two rats about it. I cleaned up my personal feed and started following some of the same people that the credit union follows. I figured I'd use my profile as practice, leaving less mistakes to occur with the CU's Twitter. 

What happened next amazed me: I started learning.

Whaaaaaaat?! Learning? From Twitter?!

No joke. Twitter has become my best resource for current news, credit union events, social media management tips, and marketing advice. I still have a ways to go, but what I've been able to attain thus far in any social media management or marketing has a lot to do with the information I've found scrolling through my feed. The list of people I'd like to mention is too long, so I invite you to look through my "following" list on Twitter.

It's also shaped my financial choices. With no shame, I plug @DebtFreeGuys , @moneyaftergrad , and @HalfPennyBlog --because it's the honest and straightforward content from these Tweeters that has helped me improve my financial situation. 

As you can see, Twitter is a lot about who you follow. Finding the right people or business that offer the right kind of information is the initial challenge you face as you enter the Twitter-verse. If you're struggling with who you'd like to follow, I offer you these two pieces of  advice: 

Think about what you want to read about, and then find people who give you that content. I follow local places, like financial institutions, cities, and some community resources and hot-spots. Local and national news outlets, as well as your local weather station, are nice to have too. 

Follow your passions. Consider your hobbies and/or favorite bands, and search to see if they have a Twitter account. Perhaps you are particularly passionate about an issue--I'm sure there are many people on Twitter who feel the same!

Yup, I was completely starstruck.
Power of Twitter #1: Talk to rock stars :D

People have written books on how to properly operate Twitter, so don't feel bad if you're not getting it right away. Use your resources and observe others, and you'll figure it out over time. I'm still learning too! The best advice I have is RESPOND. If you're mentioned or something of yours is re-tweeted, react with a favorite or re-tweet. I've had the most success with Twitter interactions when I reciprocate. Also: for the love of all that is holy, I ask that you shorten your urls and keep it under 140 characters. Your tweets will be easier to read and understand, and you'll have more room for commentary with shorter urls.

I wholeheartedly advise you to set up a Twitter profile and start tweeting, re-tweeting, and following what inspires you. If you're already on Twitter, do you have any advice? Reply to @Violet_Lyte or in the comment section! I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions!