Techniques to Increase Twitter Follower Base
By Allison Goetzmann
As an intern working for Singlebrook this summer, much of my time has been spent promoting our Free iPhone App contest, especially through Twitter. A few short months ago, I would not have been able to tell you one thing about hashtags, retweets, followers, or the proper use of @ in tweeting. However, over the course of the summer I’ve found myself delving deeper and deeper into the Twitter world. I’m no expert, but I have discovered several tools that I feel might be useful to anyone trying to increase their impact and navigate the seemingly convoluted realm of Twitter.
1. Local Tweeps – This is a zip code level directory sponsored by SMBtweet. I typed in 14850, and the site brought up other Twitter users from Ithaca, each with a “follow” button. In addition to finding local people to follow, the site also allows you to add yourself or your company to this list to gain more followers.
2. Just Tweet It – Just Tweet It boasts the ability to “find twitter users like you” by encouraging you to join up to 3 categories. Joining a category means adding your name and information to the group, and seeing/following anyone (or everyone) else in the group. Most groups have several hundred followers. Sample categories include "technology" and "web developers."
3. Twitter Groups – Twitter Groups is similar to Just Tweet It; the website has “twibes," which are simply groups of twitter people with common interests. Different twibes that Singlebrook has considered joining include web-development, non-profit, and greenbusiness.
4. Twitterfall – This site allows you to type in hashtags, which then prompts recent twitter posts with that tag to pop up one at a time and move down the screen (like a waterfall, hence the name). I think this can be effective if you come up with the right hashtags to track. There is no limit on the number of hashtags you can follow; they’re easy to add and delete.
5. Tweetchat – This site is much like Twitterfall; it allows you to choose a hashtag to follow, then directs you to a Tweetchat room, where posts with the hashtag are auto-updated. You can pause the list, and utilize the user controls to weed out spammers and feature people you like.
6. #CharityTuesday – This is a very popular hashtag that is used on Twitter every Tuesday to encourage tweeting about favorite charities, projects and causes. It seems especially helpful in reaching out to non-profits.
Happy Tweeting!
