subject: Twitter Do's and Don'ts [print this page] Twitter Do's and Don'ts Twitter Do's and Don'ts
If you have been using Twitter for a while, you probably already know that there are right ways and wrong ways to use it. You may have chosen to "unfollow" some people because of their poor tweeting habits. Here are some general dos and don'ts that can help you maintain a thriving Twitter account.
-Do be polite. Twitter users are real people and they should be respected. Don't hide behind a screen and keyboard and get rude with other members. Remember your manners, particularly with your @replies and DMs.
-Do tweet interesting things. Helpful, useful, funny, unique, or newsworthy content should be included in the bulk of your posts. People will want to follow you if you do this.
-Do use links. If you read an interesting blog post or news article, add a link to the source so users can find out more information. You should also link to your own content, but be sure to promote others as much as, or more than, you promote yourself.
-Do show appreciation when you are acknowledged. Thank users for following you or retweeting you. A DM is most appropriate; don't feel that this needs to be done publicly.
-Do not tweet about private, distasteful, or boring subjects. Avoid TMI (too much information). That's a sure way to lose Twitter followers.
-Do not tweet while you are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (legal or not). It's just a bad idea and you will most likely regret it. You can't just erase your tweets the next day; once it's out there, it is OUT THERE.
-Do not tweet excessively. Five or six tweets throughout the day is really all you should post. Your followers are following other people, so try not to dominate the feed. You should space your tweets out by a couple of hours as well. Use a Twitter app like Twuffer to schedule tweets throughout the day rather then sending them all at once.
-Do not spam people. You should not follow everyone just so they will follow you. It is highly inappropriate to send advertisements via direct message to new followers as a "thank you."
Your Twitter account will do well if you follow these simple dos and don'ts.
