Welcome to Day 20 of the Gloucestershire web design A-Z blogging challenge.
We’re on the letter T and it has to be about Twitter, right!?
If you’re new to Twitter, it can feel like a minefield.
I remember my first tweet went along the lines of ‘Well I’m here, now what?’
I could see people using symbols I didn’t understand such as @, RT or #FF and I felt lost in cyber space like a tourist in a foreign country who didn’t speak the language.
But I soon got the hang of it and so can you!
Here is a simply Twitter glossary for beginners. I’ve focused on the absolute basics to get you started.
Twitter glossary for beginners
@
This is the most common symbol used in Twitter.
The @ sign followed by a username is used for mentioning or replying to other users.
Example: Hey @raestrauss have you got any tips on SEO for my WordPress site?
Retweet
If you read something you like you can help spread the message by retweeting.
Use RT @theirtwittername and then copy and paste their tweet.
Example: RT @raestrauss how to use questions to benefit your business https://goo.gl/Y8wcU
Direct Message (DM)
Direct messaging (DM) is a way of contacting a person through Twitter without anyone being able to read it.
To DM someone just put D theirtwittername – note, you can only send DMs to someone who is following you.
Example: D raestrauss thanks for the email – will call later
Hashtags (#)
Hashtags are a bit like tags on your blog posts – they are a way of organising information and other people can find your tweets if they are looking for a particular hashtag.
Simply put #keyword to use a hashtag.
Use https://hashtags.org to see what hashtags are being used in your niche and to find new people to connect with.
Example: 4 ways to reduce plastic waste https://tinyurl.com/6336ztn #eco #recycle
What about you? Is Twitter still a minefield to you? If you need help getting your social media profiles working for you contact Gloucestershire Web Designs or call us on local rate: 0845 45 99 100.
In the meantime, be sure to say Hi on Twitter by following @raestrauss