So You Want to Use Twitter But Don't Know How Eh? I'll Tell You!

I've been getting asked a lot of questions about how to use Twitter.

Twitter has started taking off since last year and has gained much popularity thanks to all the people (NERDS! j/k) tweeting away the latest news, trends and sharing ideas and comments.

Initially, when I joined Twitter, I thought it could be used as a job hunting tool. However, I quickly found that it's now the best source of that for professional jobs but more effective if the jobs are more domestic and temporary gigs.

Then, I tried using it as a status updating tool, such as the one Facebook provides. That only lasted about a week... for two reasons. Reason #1: No one's life is that exciting enough to be oversharing every single activity (i.e. "I'm grocery shopping" or "I'm watching XYZ movie"). Reason #2: NO ONE CARES what you are up to every single hour.

After two attempts at trying to use Twitter, I left it alone for a couple of months. Ok, maybe a few months.

Last summer, I had my breakthrough with Twitter! I realized that it could be used to connect with people around the world that share my common interests and taste in music, movies, and all forms of arts. I decided to stick to music since people have their favorite musicians and songs for which they aren't too whimsical with. So I started out narrowing down my favorite musicians (I won't name who they are) and started seeing which ones have strong fan bases on Twitter.

THEN came the passing of the King of Pop (or I would like to call him, King of Music), Michael Jackson. I have always been a big fan of his music and his entire artistry. I also realized he has the strongest fan base in the entire world.

Ever since last summer, I decided to use Twitter to connect with other MJ fans, write about the latest news and simply share my favorite songs, memories and moments with Twitter users.

Granted, it took some time until I started gaining some acknowledgement from other Twitter users, but now, I have a solid number of followers that RT and Reply to my tweets and share my thoughts with others, thus engaging in this huge online community of Michael Jackson around the world. I connect with people in Europe, Asia, South Africa and all over. It's a beautiful thing, indeed.

Some days, I OD on Twitter, but I absolutely love the site and if you know how to use it correctly and effectively, it sure will be one of your favorite sites soon.

Here are the top five tips I can give you that worked for me:

1) Use Twitter not only to share but to LISTEN. You would be amazed at how much information you can obtain from others, and how quickly you get it.

2) Pick a specific area of topic you want to tweet about. This is very important. Having a focused topic is the only way to gain some recognition, get followers and be part of the extensive online community.

3) Be consistent with your tweets. No one wants to follow/connect with others that aren't active and only tweet occasionally.

4) Be responsive to your followers. After all, they are following you to ask you questions and see what you have to say.

5) DO NOT post negative comments of any sort unless they are constructive critiques. Twitter shouldn't be used for your rants. Be smart.


Follow these tips and off you go on Twitter! I will see you there (if you can find me)!