Twitter Explained: A Simple Breakdown on Twitter for Beginners – Part 1

Although there is quite a bit written about twitter, not all of it is clear concerning the usage, meaning and purpose of its elements.  I’m going to break down some of the basics so that even a new twitter user can get cranking, from day 1.

This overview will be broken into the main categories of twitter interaction: the account information and the tweets, which we’ll cover in part 2 of this series.

Your UserName

When you sign up for a twitter account, one of the first things you want to consider is the name you will be using to login with (which is different from your ‘actual name’ which you can change once you’ve setup your basic account information).  Sometimes tweeters choose to use several aliases/accounts to cover a variety of niches in their market space, while it may have advantages in some respects, it just adds to the already frustrated task of managing all of your social media outlets.  Stick with one good username for each of your ventures, including your own personal twitter page.   For example, my company, TUPOS, focuses in on several niches of small business marketing, I simply use TUPOS Marketing.

• NOTE: Your username is what users will see on your profile URL (http://www.twitter.com/YOURUSERNAME).

Your More Info URL

Your more info URL is not accessible until you’ve completed the initial setup of your new twitter account.  Once inside, you can click on ’settings’ in the upper right hand corner of the page.  In this view you can scroll down and see the space for your link.  Make sure the link goes to a website that captures the visitors information or at the very least attempts to provide value to the users that click on it, because it will get clicked.

• NOTE: Much like other social media outlets, you want to track the traffic coming from each channel, so be sure to add a Google Analytics code to your landing page or website.

Your One Line Bio

This is where users will be able to identify you as potentially valuable for them and encourage them to follow you on twitter.  Use this space (160 characters currently).  Tell people what you do and what you are about, or your company, of course, depending on the account.

• NOTE: Be as clear as possible, use some of your industry keywords and keep it short (not like you have a choice on twitter!).

Your Location

An often misunderstood tool is your location.   You want to be using the closest metro area as your location for optimal visibility.  It’s not necessary, but studies show that  as much as 40-50% of searches are made with local keywords in them.  Food for thought, and that’s enough for your account items.

• NOTE: One last note on Account Settings.  Please, for the love of pete, don’t protect your updates.  Updates are your tweets, and if you are using twitter to get out into your target market and provide value then why shoot yourself in the foot from the get go?

Speaking of tweets, we’re moving on over to that subject now in part 2 of this series on twitter basics.

I hope you’ve gain some perspective as a new twitter user.

Joshua Jones