If you are not on Twitter, odds are your competition is. If you do not understand Twitter, odds are neither does your competition! Twitter is a very powerful tool but like most powerful tools they are only effective if used properly. Today we are going to touch on how to grow your network of followers. Later we will follow up with how to develop a strategy and the benefits of using twitter.

5 Tips to get started and grow on Twitter

So now you are on Twitter trying to figure out what all the fuss is about, here are a few ways to help build your following.

1. Follow

The first step in our process is to start following other people and businesses. Follow similar businesses, well known individuals, businesses in your industry, your competitors, etc. Follow anyone who you think has similar content or content you may are interested in. Do not worry, you can always unfollow someone later.

2. Listen

You will now start to see a steady stream of tweets each day. You should start by listening. Get the feel for what people say on Twitter, you will start to get a glimpse of these people and businesses you are following.

3. Engage – Retweet and Reply

Now let’s start to engage. If you see someone tweet something you agree with or like try retweeting it (they will appreciate it!). If someone says something or asks something that you have an answer or opinion on try replying to them. Once you start engaging you start opening up the doors for conversation.

4. Contribute – Use Hash Tags and Mentions

Now that you are engaging with your network you should start to contribute content of your own. Did you read a good article? Hear something on the news? Have news you would like to spread? Tweet away my friend. You will start to grow a base of people that are following you. Everyone that follows you will receive your message and possibly retweet it or engage with you!

Another way to get your message in front of more people is to mention other users in your tweets and to use hash tags. These are powerful tools as it allows a lot more users to see your tweets and provides opportunities to grow your network.

5. Rinse and Repeat.

Once you begin to engage with people, follow them and contribute good content people will take notice. Before you know it you will have a great base of Twitter followers!

We plan to write a follow up post were we will discuss developing a Twitter Strategy. In the meantime, follow us on Twitter!