Twitter has undoubtably become one of the most popular sites on the internet. Like any site that grows this fast in the social media arena though, it’s open for abuse. If you plan to (and you should) to use Twitter as a way to brand yourself or your business, then remember these simple guidelines.

1. Only tweet 5-8 times per day. Sometimes more is ok, as long as you’re     tweeting good content, and not just spamming a bunch of crap.

2. Tweet things that are interesting. Should be common sense, but you’d be surprised at some of the junk people throw up there.

3. Mix it up. It’s fine to tweet about your own products, services, or blog     posts, but it gets old if that’s all you do.

4. DO NOT send automated direct messages thanking each person who follows you and then also “pitch” them on your stuff. That’s just annoying, and it clogs     up your inbox with a bunch of ads you never asked for.

5. Use the @username feature to reply to others, but DO NOT use it to “pitch” your offers. Again, it’s just annoying, and most people will stop following you.

6. Don’t just tweet about the weather and what you’re eating all the time.

7. Don’t use the public timeline to individually welcome each new person who follows you. Imagine how boring that will be to your followers as they read through all that.

8. Retweet other users tweets as long as they are of value.

9. Be human… Add your picture and add a Bio. Don’t use product pictures or some goofy symbol. Twitter is about relationships.

10. Stay positive, there’s enough negative crap out there, try and spread more things that are helpful

Bottom line, you want to keep it as “natural” as possible. Doing a lot of those spammy tactics will only last for a short time, if they work at all. Plus you will ruin your reputation. For long term success you should always take the natural path. Always put yourself in the frame of mind to “help”, not “pitch”. Like I said, it’s ok to sell your stuff, but don’t make that 100% of your tweets.

If you’d like you can Follow Nate Bianco on Twitter

Talk soon,

Nate Bianco

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