1. Security- Yeah, it’s important. Choose a password that is safe, sound, and secure. Don’t share it with anyone. Ever.  The damage that can be incurred by a stolen Twitter account username and password can add up quick, with the added danger of RT multipliers. Be careful. Use at least 8 characters, uppercase and lowercase, and numbers. Mix it up, and make it hard.
2. Follow users with similar interests, or at least those that interest you – take a minute to validate the person you’re about to follow.  What is the ratio of interesting vs. uninteresting Tweets? Is this a person you want filling up your Twitter page with tweets? Yeah, you can always cull your list and adjust, but you can save time by paying a bit better attention to who you’re actually following.
3. Thank followers - let them know that you are happy that they’re interested in you and your work. It’s a little courtesy, why not. Better than no response at all. Don’t immediately Direct Message them or auto DM them as soon as they follow you.  That’s bad form, no doubt. Keep DM’s as a special tool.
4. NEVER use a “get a ton of followers” pay service – it’s spammy non-engaged crap, and has proven to mean squat in the real world.
   

   The image from one of my classes...

5. Be polite… – Just because it’s the internet doesn’t mean that there aren’t penalties for acting like a jerk, being rude, or offensive. Humor is one thing. Being a snarky jackass is completely different. Be nice. You’ll get much further. Think about the fact that your Tweets really do have reach, and what you’re saying.
6. RT - Make sure to reference the original author when you RT, and make sure that you say something on your own as opposed to simply RT’ing everyone else all the time.
7. Offer value, provide your own insight -  Is what you’re saying valuable? Engage your followers, and reap the benefits. When you have insight into a certain topic that has been Tweeted, make sure to “@” the author, let them what you think, and make sure to hashtag (#) your post so that you get better reach. Stay on topic.

Overall, these are just a few examples that help make your Twitter account more valuable, and more effective.

Stay honest, offer value, give credit where credit is due, stay engaged; Twitter rocks.

]]> http://rovettidesign.com/notes-events/articles-and-insight/teaching-twitter/feed/ 0 http://rovettidesign.com/notes-events/class-announcement-marketing-basics-for-artists/ http://rovettidesign.com/notes-events/class-announcement-marketing-basics-for-artists/#comments Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:42:26 +0000 Stephen Rovetti http://rovettidesign.com/?p=1189

So it’s time to get rolling on some marketing action, right?  I’m working with the Mount Washington Valley Arts Association to do a  four 2-hour sessions… and they’re going to be fun and informative, no doubt.  Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, websites, marketing basics, email blasts, networking, collateral, integration…. the whole enchilada. 

These sessions are an incredible bargain. Bring your thinking caps, and get yourself  dialed in to better marketing for your craft.  I’ll post more about this later right here on Rovettidesign.
Let’s pack the house…

Members $80; Non-Members $105

Have questions about the class before it starts?  Post them here in the comment form below, and I’ll get back to you!  Let’s get it started!!

Quick Class Description…

BD1: Marketing Basics for Artists
Stephen Rovetti
4 weeks (June 1, 8, 15, 22)
Tuesdays, 6-8PM
Class size 12

In this 4-part series geared specifically for artists of all types, Stephen Rovetti will demystify marketing basics.  Students will learn how to put together a marketing strategy that includes tried and true tactics such as direct mail, advertising and promotion as well as the latest social networking tools (Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr). Also covered will be how to get online with your own website, maximize its reach and make the most of the myriad of free opportunities.
Members $80; Non-Members $105  Register online