Twitter’s usefulness is still debatable but there is no doubt in my mind that Twitter is what you make of it. The generation I belong to still doesn’t seem to get Twitter, they are just happy with Facebook. Twitter is not Facebook, far from it. There are certain things you can do on Twitter that just might not be possible on Facebook.

Here is my list of 5 Ways You Can Get The Most Out of Twitter

1 – Networking

Take out some time to look for people who are popular in your industry and follow them in order to network. This doesn’t include people that Twitter recommends when you first sign up. Don’t be obligated to follow anyone who follows you, choose people you follow carefully. You will soon find few people you really like to monitor. Stay tuned for updates, respond to their questions, look for ideas, ask for advice. The idea here is to be an insider and to gain as much knowledge as possible. The only way you can do this is if you network among people who have the same passion, dream, and goals as yourself.

2 – Update Regularly and Listen

Keep your audience posted regularly, but don’t tweet excessively. People are following you because they are interested in what you have to say, you now have a responsibility. Try to maintain a high ratio of relevant and interesting tweets compared to insignificant details. If you blog, use something like TwitterFeed to update your Twitter stream.

You are not the only one using Twitter, it is a two-way street where people are moving at a fast pace. Observe conversations about brands, websites, products and keep an eye out for people who are talking about you. Never underestimate the power of observation, you might see something that others can’t and that will make you different from the rest of the bunch.

3 – Be yourself, keep it casual

Don’t make things up and force yourself to Tweet. Say what you feel and try to be honest, intimate, and real with your followers. People will really enjoy the candid postings and stay enthralled. Remember that Twitter is the most informal social media service you will ever come across. That’s what makes it so different from other social media sites.

4. Divide and conquer

With the advent of Twitter Lists, it is now easier than ever to keep up with people you really like to monitor. Not everyone you follow is your friend on Twitter, be selective when you create your lists. Create meaningful lists so that you and others who follow your list can get some value out of it. Remember to “take out the trash” once in a while. “Unfollow” people who are not posting positive comments, spammers, or “junk” Twitter friends.

5 – Mind your Language

What you Tweet can be used against you in the court of law, just kidding. Still, that doesn’t mean you lose control of yourself on Twitter and make it a dumpster filled with curse words and negativity. Be respectful to others, post positive tweets, engage in a meaningful debate and if it really has to get out of hands, take it off Twitter. You can never take your words back, same applies for Twitter. Don’t tweet something that you might regret.

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Tagged as: Facebook, Social network, Twitter