Twitter for You and I in ‘09 - The Post You’ve Been Waiting For ;)
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Hello everyone! I promised this post would be out “this week” before the new year, however I just realized it’s already the 28th! (For craps sake, where does it go?)
For those that have no idea what I’m talking about, the title really isn’t meant to be “bait” of any kind; there really are a BUNCH of people on the look out for this post. These are the readers that have (understandably) asked me questions like, “Why do you have your Twitter link above the fold?”, “Why are you giving incentives to follow you?”, etc and so forth…..
…..WHEN YOU HAVEN’T STARTED TWEETING YET!! Plus the fact that I’m only following one person so far. (Mitch “busted” me on that one, thanks for the comment buddy. 
)
As I said, they are very understandable/logical questions. At the time of this writing, I have exactly 8 tweet updates, 3 of which were made when I first opened the account LAST December! Well, here’s the scoop…
You may or may not remember my moan about signing on to any social network I could find, and doing absolutely nothing with them; thus ending up totally overwhelmed. I decided first, come the new year I would go back over them one-by-one, using only one at a time until it became second nature. I decided next that Twitter would be the first (hey it IS the easiest, right?).
As for the links and incentives, etc., well lets face it, people like to be in on the “ground floor” of things, right? LOL. So I decided to try and get as many followers as I could before busting out hard-core on the silly thing 
. Make sense?
Two things I’d like to mention now about my tweeting habits; I can’t say I will never tweet something totally useless lol, although trying as I am to stay focused and on target, it will be rare. And for the time being at least, I have NO plans to tweet every single article I post to the blog.
No offense intended to those that do; really. I just find it personally annoying (read:frustrating/distracting), unless you also tweet plenty of good non-promotional stuff. Add to that the fact that I may never follow anyone that I don’t already subscribe too…..this would mean double posts.
To each their own though, as I said this is just my take on it .
This is why my permanent backlink incentive page has the option for both blog subscribing via email and/or following along on Twitter. Ya don’t wanna miss nuthin, do ya?
Well there ya have it; the method to my madness, what you can and can’t look forward to (part of that at least) and some things in between…
Whatcha think?
Looking forward to the addiction!
Dennis
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Tags: blog subscription, email subscription, Link Incentives, Permanent Backlink, Social Networking, Twitter
Jaq @ Net Age Web Design
Kev
Latief@AnotherBlogger
sherry
December 28th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Dennis,
You make a good point about signing up for every social site under the sun. It’s difficult if not impossible to use them effectively if you are trying to utilize and learn many at once. Personally Twitter and StumbleUpon are my two favorite out there. They both have a lot of great benefits and are also really fun to use which is key.
Regarding tweeting your own articles, I think it’s ok as long as you aren’t bombing only your own artilces. Then you might come across spammy. i.e. I’ll tweet every article I post but I’ll tweet many quality articles from all over the web so I might tweet one of my articles one out of every 50 tweet for5 example. People are receptive as long as you add value and contribute to the community.
Regarding the backlinks page is that up yet?
Thanks.
Gerald Weber SEM Group´s last blog post..Is Your Captcha Killing Your Business?
December 28th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Oh I’ll tweet my own lol, I just don’t have any plans for like installing the auto-tweet plugins…..they will be on my schedule so as not to over tweet.
The page is/was ready eight on schedule and I add names to it daily….just a few tweakage issues in trying to get everything to fit on the Nav. bar.
December 28th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
In fact, I am learning to use twitter as a marketing tool. As for now, I have yet to prove Twitter as an effective tool for marketing. I am eager to see how you could leverage from Twitter since you are a new user like me.
Wei Liang
Wei Liang | ABloggerBlog´s last blog post..Lesson 22: E-Book Marketing
December 29th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Dude, just jump in and have fun, you make too much of a big deal out of it!
I’m just kidding, good luck with the twitter addiction.
I also agree with using just a couple of carefully selected social networks, otherwise it ends up being a waste of time!
Ben Tremblay´s last blog post..Google for webmasters by Google
December 29th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Yes, good luck with the addiction as well. And yes, you get the most out of social networks when you select a few to focus on. If you sign up for all of them then they are no going to be effective…
As for Twitter, I’ve been slow starting myself, but when I first started, I immediately saw the value… It’s just so easy to network and update because so little is expected of you.
Shirley´s last blog post..Why The Alexa Widget Is BAD For Your Website
December 29th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Wei - no worries my friend, I will definitely blog my discoveries as I come upon them…you do the same.
December 29th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Ben - dude you need to click some links. Jumping in is what landed me in a mess to begin with! LOL
Besides, the “big deal” has netted me 90 awesome followers.
Most importantly - readers asked, so I answered.
December 29th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
It’s just so easy to network and update because so little is expected of you.
Amen to that Shirley! I figure it will be a good confidence booster to continue on to the other networks.
Welcome aboard and thanks so much for the comments. I hope to see you around more!
December 29th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
After reading about John Chow’s Digg delima I signed up to my fair share of social networks as well only to acomplish: NOTHING!
Some trickles of traffic came,but it wasn’t enough for me to stick with it. So I just went with OnlyWire which bookmarks my posts to several networks at once.
As for twiiter: ppl keep posting why I should be tweeting yet I can’t seem to find the time to try it out for myself…it seems like you have to gather alot of followers and I’m not sure if I have enough visitors yet?
Caleb´s last blog post..Enter This Contest And Win A NEW Corvette!
December 29th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Hey Caleb - I’ve never read JC’s dilema nor have I ever used digg (or really ever plan too) but I understand the rest! LOL
As for followers, just keep promoting it softly but visibly and they WILL come. Also you won’t just pick up direct followers…the followers of those following you may see your name and decide to follow you as well…it goes round and round.
I don’t think there is a set number to start, just see what happens.
December 29th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Great post. I love using twitter. I do send out tweets once in a while for new post. But I enjoy the social site of it. You get tons of information in a short and you can get traffic just as instantly. You have a great site here!
Laura-Whateverebay´s last blog post..Welcome to FeedBurner
December 29th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
OK Dennis, you are making this all too hard for me mate. Where is the little blue bird, so that I can follow you?
Also, you should consider adding the Tweet My Blog plugin so that all your followers will get instant notification, via tweet, of all your new posts.
Damn, I suppose I shall have to use the link within the post, although I much prefer sticking it to the bird.
Sire´s last blog post..Blog No Evil,The Fourth Wise Monkey
December 29th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Good evening, Dennis.
I agree with you that getting involved in too many social networking sites can be distracting and ineffective.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve signed up for many of them and tested to see which worked for me. Now, I’ve narrowed my focus to just a few and I’m finding a real synergy when they interact to reinforce each other.
For example, using MyBlogLog or FriendFeed to syndicate what I write on various blogs and Twitter. It makes it easy to syndicate it all in one stream on various of my websites.
Twitter has become one of my favorites, but I turn Twitterrific off when I’m really concentrating on writing something. When I’m checking email and doing basic updates, I enjoy reading what my Twitter friends have to say, so I turn it back on. I’ve found great sites I never would have seen otherwise and I’ve participated in a variety of conversations BECAUSE someone tweeted whenever they updated their blog.
For me, I think it was a necessary step to try a lot of things so I could identify what works best for me. That may not be true for everyone.
Act on your dream!
JD
John Dilbeck´s last blog post..Small towns, social networks, and communicating
December 30th, 2008 at 12:53 am
I’ve been on Twitter for over a year, but I am just now getting the hang of it. I am also starting to Tweet other websites and blog posts. I only really use Twitter, Facebook and StumbleUpon. I dont really have time or energy for too much more!
Carla´s last blog post..Homemade Reusable Grocery Store Bags
December 30th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Thanks Laura! Perhaps we’ll run into each other.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:28 am
although I much prefer sticking it to the bird.
Dang Sire, this is a family blog dude. LOL.
As stated in the post, I have no plans to install those plugins. My main fear I suppose is not enough time to balance out my tweets and I end up with 90% post promotion and 10% chat.
That sucks for everyone and loses followers. Perhaps once I get into it and see what’s what with my habit, I might install it…..in the future.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Hey John, very good planning doing it step by step like that.
For now, I’m just using the web form. I will shortly be spending some time going over saved posts checking out the different plugins and such to make my twittering easier.
December 30th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Hey Carla, I’m sure we’ll run into each other! Good to hear you’re getting used to it.
December 30th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I only just started with twitter, but I am now following you
Tom - StandOutBlogger.com´s last blog post..I Need People To Review My New Blog Design Before It’s Coded….
December 30th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Hey thanks Tom! Don’t forget to give me your info for a permanent backlink (or two).
http://www.directsaleswebmarketing.com/update-free-backlinks-email-subscribers-or-following-me-on-twitter/
December 30th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
No worries Dennis. I suppose, seeing how you post so damn much, that having that plugin would only cause people to tire of all your continuous tweeting.
Sire´s last blog post..Aussies, How Much Are The Banks Overcharging You?
December 31st, 2008 at 11:39 am
LOL Exactumundo Sire!
Who knows, if I do find myself able to tweet enough other stuff, I may add the plugin.
December 31st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Twitter is great fun! And aslwell as the obvious meeting new people, ect ect, I find its the biggest refer of traffic, I do tweet about my new posts, I twwet my own horn, but I use it more so to keep in touch with my friends and readers.
I was like you, I signed up for every social network, then promptly lost interest and my passwords
Webdesi3´s last blog post..Fireworks for your Blog over New Year
December 31st, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Hey Desi, what other networks did you stick with, if any?
Feel free to leave your links here…
http://www.directsaleswebmarketing.com/what-are-your-favorite-social-networks-and-why/
December 31st, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Resistance may be futile, but I’m holding out for now
Nick´s last blog post..I Found Two More Feeds To Subscribe To
December 31st, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I’m glad you finally shared your plan with us. I completely understand about getting overwhelmed with social sites. I’m right there in the middle of that right now. There’s simply not enough time in a day to do it all.
I’m guilty of Tweeting my blog posts but I still expect you to be my Twitter friend
I use the TweetMyBlog plugin that sends the tweet when I post. That’s just a few a week. I hope you are having a blast bringing in the New Year.
Brian D. Hawkins´s last blog post..Just Ask - Ken Needs Targeted Traffic
January 1st, 2009 at 3:01 am
[...] Twitter For You and I in 2009 - Dennis Edell [...]
January 1st, 2009 at 10:36 am
LOL Nick, I could stand out no longer!
January 1st, 2009 at 10:37 am
Ahh we shall see Brian, we shall see.
January 1st, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I totally agree with you on choosing the best blog posts to tweet, etc. Although, I do get caught up in a useless conversation thread on Twitter now and then. However, I’ll remove anyone from my list who posts something like “brushing teeth”, or “peeling potatoes”. I simply don’t have the time to process and/or scroll through stuff like that. lol
Honestly though, I don’t put too much thought into Twitter. I turn it on when I feel like it and keep it off when I’m busy doing tasks that make me $$. (oooh! the crowd goes wild, screaming how Twitter can help make you money!).
I’ll catch you on there. Looking forward to getting your stunning bi-monthly tweets!
Cheers!
Jay
SuiteJ´s last blog post..Goodnight 2008 And Good Morning 2009
January 1st, 2009 at 10:16 pm
“I’ll remove anyone from my list who posts something like “brushing teeth”, or “peeling potatoes”
Amen to that J. As far as time spent is concerned, we shall see. Perhaps a few more then bi-monthly.LOL
January 2nd, 2009 at 4:44 am
I’m just wondering how to use Twitter effectively! I’m not utilizing it to the extent that it should be.
Arun´s last blog post..Yahoo! Mail’s new smarter Inbox
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:03 am
Hey Arun, lets start at the top. How are you using it now?
How many followers do you currently have?
(As a brand new user myself, I’m finding out fast that this is a big factor in it’s effectiveness.)
January 11th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
First, thanks for the mention, but I did have to bust you on it. I promise that when you get to at least 10 posts that I’ll hook up with you on Twitter, even though your follow/following ratio would be one I’d normally stay away from. I think, once you get into it, you’re going to really enjoy Twitter.
By the way, I do Tweet every blog post I make, on all 3 blogs, but it’s not as intrusive as you might think it is. If you’re following a bunch of people, or a bunch of people are following you, most of the time while you’re on Twitter it’s a hit or miss as to whether anyone else is on at the time. And the threads move so fast that your post might never be seen by most people. So, I have no qualms about it whatsoever. From the first time I did it, my blog started seeing more traffic, and since that’s what I want, I don’t see it as a bad thing.
Mitch´s last blog post..My Big RSS Subscriber Contest!
Dennis Edell Reply:
January 11th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
@Mitch,
Actually, I was kidding in the post and just wanted to give you a link. There really was no “bust”.
I fully intended to follow no one until I started tweeting. I only picked up Ben because it was part of a contest he was running.
Even now, as i get more and more into it, I will follow on a very carefully planned basis.
Mitch Reply:
January 11th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
@Dennis Edell, Oh, I knew you were kidding, as was I when I mentioned it to begin with; kind of. LOL
I had plans for how I was initially going to use Twitter myself; those are long gone at this point.
Mitch´s last blog post..Cute Things Falling Asleep
Dennis Edell Reply:
January 11th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
@Mitch, LOL I hear ya, although I can’t afford to let these plans go astray this time. I need to get more into thee “social scene” and can’t let myself get into the whole too much too fast thing again.
June 13th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
i’ll follow you all in twitter!