subject: Why You're Not Getting More Followers On Twitter [print this page] Business owners are beginning to realize the potential of social marketing to build relationships. However, to make these tools work effectively, you need to make direct connections. On Twitter, you have to get people to follow you.
Often we see Twitter profiles of business owners who are following many people, but getting few followers in return. This imbalance will be fine in the early stages. Later, as you want to create more impact, you need to keep a ratio of followers to follows that's close to 50-50.
Here are some reasons you may not be getting all the followers you want and deserve.
(1) Your bio (and maybe some of your tweets) used language thats potentially offensive. Many of us would not be offended by this language if we were good friends hanging out in a bar. We wouldnt mind if you were writing a script for the return of the Sopranos. But on Twitter? No thanks. If you are promoting a business, it's important to write professionally.
(2) Your Twitter page includes the same Tweet, over and over. Maybe you are selling. Maybe you are just re-tweeting. Regardless, this content goes beyond boring. Your readers want to learn from you. They want to exchange information, ideas and yes, an occasional chuckle.
(3) You have a 29,323 people following you. You follow 101 people. When you enjoy this type of ratio, you do have lots of power in the Twittosphere. At the same time, people may avoid following you. It's likely that you won't follow back.
Among other reasons, Twitter requires that you follow up to 10% more people than are following you. Therefore, Twitter users can afford to follow just a small number of people who are not following back.
(4) You need to follow Twitter etiquette. For example, let's say you want X to follow you. You follow X, knowing that X will probably reciprocate. Then you immediately unfollow X. Now X will be following you but you are not reciprocating. Not nice.
(5) You dont have a photo. Or you have a photo of your child, your pet (without you), your dandelion patch, or a scenic picture that viewers cant understand.
(6) You are doing everything right, but we are just not a good fit. Not everyone will connect with your product, service or spiritual orientation. Maybe it's obvious that your Twitter account has been set up to interact with personal friends, so a business contact won't want to follow you.
The bottom line: Writing for Twitter is another form of copywriting - promotional writing to motivate buyers. Even a few small tweaks can have a huge impact.
