Top Ten Ways to Tweet Quality Content

So you finally got on Twitter and feel like you have nothing worthwhile to say.  You’re not alone.  I have clients asking me what to say on Twitter all the time.

First off, you really are more interesting than you think.  Just as you’re harder on your physical appearance than others are, you’re harder on what makes you cool too.

Secondly, tweeting (typing and broadcasting up to 140 characters) is like public speaking.  The #1 sin is to bore your audience.  Tweet what you find entertaining or informative and you’ll be adding value to the Twittersphere.

Here are the Top Ten ways to dive deeper into the Twitter conversation:

1.  Follow interesting people and do what they do. If the people you follow on Twitter aren’t educating and informing you then  search out the people who do.  I follow moms, CEO’s, entrepreneurs and high school kids that I learn from and share with.

See what types of conversations you respond to.  If something makes you smile or laugh, it will make other people feel good too.  Start or join those conversations.

2. Become a more conscious observer. Whenever you hear a funny response in your head to something you just saw or heard or felt tweet that.  Again, if it amuses or informs you it will have the same affect on others and they’ll appreciate your sharing it.

3. Comment on current events. If it’s in the news or your friends are talking about it that means people are interested in that topic right now.  Use Twitter Search to see the Top Ten trending topics people are tweeting about at any given moment.

You probably have a unique perspective on things that are happening.  Maybe not and you truly are the most boring person alive, but I doubt it.  Boring people aren’t interested in connecting on Twitter.

4. Write like you’re talking to your best friend after having 2 glasses of wine. This one is tricky.  Tweeting while intoxicated isn’t always a great idea since what’s funny while drunk isn’t always funny when you’re sober, but sharing authentic thoughts is a great way to attract interest.

5. Comment on other conversations. It’s much easier to join a conversation than to start one.  If you have insight or experience or an opionion (and who doesn’t?) then tweet it.

6. Ask questions. People on Twitter love to help.  If you’re having trouble with work, computers, parenting, your car, whatever, mention it.  I had a Time Machine backup problem and @bldngnerd even created a Camtasia video to help me out because it was easy for him.  Now I’m giving him props every time I teach people about Twitter.

7. If it makes you emotional tweet it.  When something makes you pissed off, laugh, cry, vent to your friends or causes celebration in your heart it’s going to connect with others.

8. Link to content you like. Always add a personal comment, but tweet links to blog posts, news articles, YouTube videos, TED talks, this blog post, or any other online content you browse and find value in.

9. Send appreciation to others. Everyone wants to be noticed, understood and acknowledged.  When you read a tweet that moves you reply publicly to that person.

10. Tweet what has your attention. Mention great books, films, TV shows, sporting events, concerts, theater shows, conferences and events that you like.

If you still can’t find ways to add value to the Twittersphere then let me know and I’ll consider starting an annual award for the World’s Most Boring Person and add you as the first nominee.