Since I began using Twitter about a year and a half ago I have found the service to be an essential communication tool. Using Twitter I am able to see latest posts by some of the top SEM bloggers as soon as they are posted, find out news as soon as it happens, and even keep in touch with friends, co-workers and others. In a few cases, I have heard out about major news events long before the mainstream news reported on the story.

If you are using Twitter and you are having a hard time understanding what to post, here are a few tips that will help you get a better understanding of this communication/”micro-blogging” tool.

You Just ate a Muffin? Sorry, But I Don’t Really Care

I follow quite a few people who talk branding all day. They Twitter quite a bit of valuable information. I hate when I get a number of Tweets saying that they are getting a cup of coffee, eating a bagle or sitting on the bus on their way to work. A message saying RDU airport has a security line 2 hours long = GOOD. A Twitter saying you just washed you bought a tuna sandwich = BAD. I’m following you because you know branding, not because I want to know the minutia of your day.

Keep it Simple

Most of the Twitter users I follow are people who write quite a bit of content each day for their blog or website. When they use most of these people use Twitter, they do a good job of letting their followers know when they post and what exactly what the link included is about. The text limit of 140 characters is pretty short, but it is long enough to give a quick summary. Using Twitter really tests your headline writing skills.

Follow Random People

Take a look at who your friends are following and pick a few that may be interesting. I try to pick 3 people to follow each day from a few of the people I follow. This has enabled me to learn about a number of things that I never would have otherwise. It is easy to stop following a person if you find they don’t have anything to say that is interesting or useful (or they just talk about what they eat all day.)

Tools that Are Cool

I rarely use the Twitter web interface. There are a number of great 3rd party apps that make using Twitter simple and actually increase your productivity. Twitteriffic is awesome and is also available on the iPhone so you can stay connected anywhere. Check out a small list of some of the best Twitter tools here. If you can communicate with direct messages or replies quickly you will be able to foster better relationships with your followers.

If you follow these simple tips, you’ll get the most out of Twitter.

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