Twitter has become a very important marketing tools in every industry and every place. The same goes for journalist’s. Actually, Twitter is better use for journalists than it is for many other jobs.
Below are some important tips every journalist should take note of before delving into the world of Twitter!
Lot’s of people use Twitter over traditional RSS feeds which isn’t a good thing. RSS feeds are easily managed and there is a small chance of you missing any major story, unlike Twitter, where the chance of missing major stories is high
Try not to use automated Tweets. I.e. Tweets that are published by blogs and RSS readers as these become recognised immediately and your followers will get fed up with the (large?) number of these tweets staking up their Twitter home feed.
This is very important. Remember that although it may be your personal account, you are indirectly representing your company and thus, one small mistake can affect the image of of the business and and lead to an unfortunate end between yourself and your company.
A quick search on http://search.twitter.com will find people who just witnessed a major event taking place minutes ago. Tweet them and ask for their comments.
If you’re covering a major story then mention this in your Tweet. Also ask for feedback. This will allow you to “fine-tune“ you story and make it all the more interesting.
Twitter users are not going to follow you for nothing. Give something back, be like them and interact with them once in a while. Maybe meet up with them once in a few months at a neutral venue such as a bowling arena etc.
Don’t expect your follower to become good links and good contacts overnight. You have to contact them, ask questions, respond back and even follow people the follow. As a journalist, working to gain a good contact that will be temporary is pointless. You need to ensure it’s long-term for your own advantage.
It’s best to maintain your own account and don’t let anyone else Tweet on it. Simply because a Tweet by someone else might go unnoticed by you and leave a negative image on yourself. Remember, once you’re Twitter profile has a couple of thousand followers, 1 “wrong” Tweet will make it to the eye’s of every journalist in the UK!
If it’s a personal account not associated with your company or any website you own, then a picture will increase the chance users following you first time.
Although Twitter is a good good thing, spending too much time on it will only have negative effects on your career and life.
Although these tips are tailored towards a journalist, many of them will apply to people in every position and career. Just know which one’s to take!
Ahmed Bhula
I'm an SEO Specialist working for Just Search, one of the largest SEO Firms in the UK. I also run Web Designer Online.
Read more about what I do...
Number 2 should be tattooed on people’s foreheads. Automatic Tweeting is the most irritating (non-spam) thing about the service. It’s an automatic unfollow in my book.
Totally agree with you on this one!