Top Mistakes on Twitter revealed!

The Top Mistakes Businesses are making on Twitter

Twitter is probably the most misunderstood social media platform out there. There is a real fear around it and it's a shame because it's a very powerful tool. The people who usually dismiss Twitter are actually using it wrong anyway. When people say to me 'Ah I don't do Twitter' I ask why and they tell me it didn't work for them. I go and look at their Twitter and I can see straight away why it isn't working. The main reasons Twitter won't work for your business are:

1. Following the wrong people who will not be interested in you or what you do. Following big organizations sometimes can be a waste of time unless they are adding value but don't expect a follow back unless they have a proper Twitter account manager who understands the value of community. Don't expect a Retweet either ....I know from experience. I have tagged many companies and the bigger they are, the less likely they will share your content. (Doesn't have to be like this, they just either don't understand how important it is to make their brand advocates happy or they are not permitted to do so which is usually from someone who doesn't understand social media and how important engagement on social media is. The solution to this would be training so it's all fixable.

Top Twitter tip: Use Twitter lists to segment your audience so you can keep an eye on brand advocates and potential clients. Just don't call your twitter list 'potential customer' as NO ONE wants to go on that list.        

2. Not engaging with others

3. Blasting out tweets like ads e.g. Buy this, check out our special offer (also using capitals is a no no) posting the odd salesy tweet is fine but alternate between giving value, inspiring or educating or humour.

4. Linking Facebook to Twitter and then wondering why no one is following you or engaging with you.

5. Automating messages such as DMs (Direct messages) These are messages sent after someone follows you saying something like this: 'Thanks for following us, please like our Facebook page and check out x or y' er...no I don't want to go to Facebook I barely know you and I am on Twitter. (Instant unfollow)

6. Using lots of hashtags - Twitter is not instagram. Use 2, maximum 3 hashtags on Twitter as the content and message is more important and will be more likely to be retweeted. Twitter recommends using 2 hashtags as best practice - Read more here

7. Tagging lots of people in images constantly. This gets a bit tiring especially when I tag them and they never retweet me. I am always happy to Retweet people if it will give value to my audience. Also members of Women's Inspire Network can tag me anytime they like as part of their membership. But when a company who has never engaged with me or never retweeted me expects a RT it's a bit unfair.

8. Complaining about other Twitter users and bitching about others is never a good look. Keep it positive, keep away from controversy and keep adding value, educating and inspiring.

9. Not Thanking people when they RT you or do something nice like mention you.

I will be speaking at the Women's Inspire Network Conference in Cork on October 5th and giving lots of Twitter tips so come along and learn more top tips. Book your ticket now and let's get a selfie and spread some #Twittermagic

If you want training on Twitter for your team or yourself email me on [email protected] and let's have a chat about how I can make you stand out on Twitter.