April 2016
I decided it was time to update my post from a year ago about Taming Twitter. I've come a long way in 12 months. Still learning and swatting those dazzling fireflies, though. - Cat As a Kid Lit Indie author, I'm on social media for hours daily, but Twitter is the one platform that bedevils me. Being on Twitter feels like having a gazillion lovely fireflies buzzing around my head. There are so many, I can't decide where to focus. And when I finally select one, it connects me to other fascinating fireflies. If I’m not careful, an entire morning can vanish as Twitter pulls me into its evil time-suck vortex. Then there's all those analytics to figure out about when to tweet and who to follow/unfollow daily. I have a hard time feeling warm and fuzzy about a platform that pushes users 'unfollow' people and find the 'right' Tweeps to follow. That feels downright unfriendly and exclusive to me. Despite all, I see Twitter's benefit as a fast way to reach large audiences. This post shares my coping strategies for using micro-blogging and offers a resource list compiled from social media folk in the know. Although aimed at writers, anyone on a Twitter journey can have a read and learn more.
What I Learned About Taming Twitter
1. Start slow
2. Learn Twitter culture
3. Set time limits
4. Work smarter with tech tools
5. Support and share. Limit 'buy my book' tweets.
Learn More: A Resource List
The links below from savvy folk help me tame Twitter. You’ll find time-saving tips to notch up your Tweets and find Tweeps.
6. Mashable's Beginner's Guide to Twitter is a great starting point that walks you through the basics.
7. Sandra Beckworth, publicist and marketer, shares her resource list of Twitter Strategies for Authors. 8. Debbie Ridpath Ohi sets out a definite list of Twitter FAQs in her Twitter Guide for Writers and Illustrators Pick and choose from this smorgasbord of Twitter topics to find exactly what you need. 9. Kristen Oliphant spells out a perfect daily structure for you to engage audiences on twitter in 15 minutes a day on Jane Friedman's blog. 10. Computerhope.com posts a Top 10 Favorite Twitter Tips and Tricks to make Twitter more enjoyable and increase followers. 11. There are a gazillion free analytics to help you tweet more effectively. Many make my eyes glaze over, as I a not a data person, so for me, a little bit of data goes a long way. Check out Frances Caballo's Top 9 Twitter Tools and Apps ....she breaks them down for you. 12. Molly Greene's twitterquette for authors -12 things NOT to do on Twitter - are tongue-in-cheek suggestions from a writer’s perspective. 13. I love Buffer Social’s 7 Counter-intuitive Tips for Twitter, especially its list of the 20 most retweeted words (you, please and Twitter are its top three...who knew?!?!) and advice to retweet your top content just by changing up the format. ![]()
Good luck building your Twitter platform, you hard-working Tweeps. It's a lot to learn at once, but you'll get there. Please let me know how it goes. You'll find me on Twitter at @catmichaelsbook I'm still learning my way and would love to connect with you .... #Gratitude!
Your turn......
What's your best tip for taming Twitter?
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CAT MICHAELSThe writing journey is a long one. And with all that social media and technology in the mix, it's easy to feel overloaded. To make it easier, I share angst-saving tips found along my way. I'm still learning, so please join me. Let's travel this writing journey and learn together. Join Cat's Readers's Room Team
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