8 Ways to Get More Followers on Twitter
I’m continuing with my recent theme of Twitter-related posts by trying to answer the burning question “What can I do to get more followers on Twitter?” It’s a question I’ve heard a number of times, and it’s worth looking at deeper. After all, the more followers you can get, the more exposure your brand will have.
So, how can you generate a larger base of followers? Here are 8 tips to help you get started.
1. Focus on Tweeple Retention- Before you begin trying to acquire new followers, you need to focus on keeping the ones you already have. Because if you’re like me, you go through the list of people you’re following regularly to see if there is anyone you can weed out. Make sure you’re not one of those people getting dropped by being a valuable member of the community. Engage with your followers, and discuss topics that are interesting to them.
2. Promote Your Twitter Page on Your Website- One way to get more attention for your Twitter profile is to treat it the way you would any other website. You have to promote it. The first step is to link to it from your website and blog. A nice sidebar with a button saying something like “Follow me on Twitter” is an effective way to get visitors from your website to your Twitter profile.
3. Get Listed in Twitter Directories- Just like with your personal website, you want to get your Twitter profile listed in directories also. Sites like Just Tweet It and TwitDir make it easy for you to list your profile in relevant categories. While this won’t generate a sudden surge in followers, it will help you maintain your visibility over time.
4. Add People- If you want to entice people to add you, add them first. Every time you decide to follow someone, a message is sent to their email alerting them of your add. There’s a good chance they’ll visit your profile to check you out, and if they’re interested in what they see, they’ll add you back. Simple enough, right? Of course, you want to make sure you aren’t just blindly adding random people. Remember, you have to follow these people so you want to make sure they’re interesting to you.
5. Tweet Regularly- You can never expect your Twitter profile to gain any attention if you don’t Tweet regularly. I understand that maintaining a Twitter account can be time-consuming, but if you want the benefit of more followers, you have to be willing to post on a regular basis. Post at least a few times a day with quality content to maintain your visibility.
6. Create Tweet Bait- One of the best ways to get a sudden spike in Twitter followers is to create a post that begs to be retweeted. It’s just like link bait, but for Twitter. So, what kind of Tweets are bait worthy? Anything from controversial opinions to open ended compelling questions to Twitter based contests can spread like wildfire in the perfect storm.
7. Be a Resource- If you’re using Twitter for professional reasons, this is something you should already be striving toward. You need to establish yourself as a leading authority in your field. How do you do this? By keeping your Tweets relevant; giving insight into hot industry topics; linking out to other great resources; and engaging thoughtfully into user-generated discussions about your industry.
8. Find a Unique Use for Your Twitter Account- Instead of using your Twitter account just to shoot out occasional meaningless updates, consider finding a unique use for it. For instance, maybe you can use your Twitter profile as a live one-on-one customer service tool. Or, you could use it as a forum for generating public opinion polls for your in-development products. If you can figure out a creative way to make your Twitter account truly unique, you’ll build a solid base of followers.
What do you do to get more followers on Twitter? Add your tips to this list in the replies!
Also, feel free to follow me at Eric_Brantner
November 20th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Great post, I linked it to my twitter account as a RT. Again this is fastly becoming my new favorite blog. Keep up the good work.
November 22nd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I did not know about the Twitter directories I’m going to add my profile there. Thanks for that tip.
I already do the Twitter icon on the website however I also put it anywhere I can put an image or text link. i.e. LinkedIn profile, Myspace as well as my email signature. I do get new followers with similar interests on a regular basis with out having to actually seek people out so it must be working.
November 28th, 2008 at 11:19 am
[...] seeing constant “experts” talk about the proper ways to use Twitter and having one person flip out over my personal use of Twitter, it’s become apparent that [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I also linked it to my twitter account. This is really strange indeed.
January 11th, 2009 at 7:18 am
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Again, Content is worth taking heed to. I love it! Haven’t been using the social network community sites that long, but I’ve surely learned a lot in a short period of time. Thanks Eric B.
August 16th, 2009 at 4:44 am
[...] Brantner (@Eric_Brantner) shares in 8 Ways to Get More Followers on Twitter different ways to grow your follower base. I like his first point which focuses on retaining your [...]
October 26th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Great post, follow me on twitter i post inspiring quotes everyday and other updates of my life. twitter: JeremyMoser
February 11th, 2010 at 5:54 am
Twitter Tools and Tips
People have different reasons for joining Twitter. Whether you want to generate more traffic to your site or you want to increase your social relationships, Twitting is a fun and exciting activity that you can use to achieve your goals.
When having personal conversations, it would be best to do it someplace else. The tweets are sent to all your friends so if you’re having personal conversation, others may choose not to follow you. When others ‘un-follow’ you, it can diminish your presence in Twitter.
So, have you tried using these tools and tips? Start using them now so that you can use Twitter with ease. Make new friends or promote your site through Twitter and have fun.
A 6 Part Video Course Using Twitter
February 16th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
@Lauren_Lawler follow me?
May 10th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
The best tip to get your Twitter presence known is to follow real people and real people that CARE!
Don't just go following anyone and everyone! Not only is that likely to get you banned but you also will have more room to follow genuine people that will help your goal if you follow people who share your opinions instead!
If you'd like to follow me, please do!
I'm raising awareness for Madeleine McCann which many feel is such a great cause!
http://twitter.com/PrayMaddyMcCann
I'll follow you back fast!
x
May 22nd, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Great list of useful things, which you can do to increase the number of your followers
thanks a lot for sharing and keep up great work!
July 15th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Some great tips. As has been said it’s important to engage with people and more than anything be timely.
Often we will leave twitter on all day, checking regularly, to ensure that we are able to respond to tweets as soon as possible.
July 15th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Quality over quantity. Say things people will benefit from.
July 19th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Here's a question – do you think customizing your twitter account to look like your website helps to get more followers OR is it just a waste of time?
Thanks!
Ian
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:47 pm
I follow back everyone. Follow me =) http://twitter.com/leahstarrr
July 24th, 2010 at 6:26 am
Make sure that you are adding people with the same interests as you. They will follow you back. Music, sport etc are good topics