I spend all day in front of the computer reading posts on all sorts of subjects here on ActiveRain. One of the ways I enjoy finding the newest and latest posts on ActiveRain is to use Tweetgrid. I usually keep a few columns open with different keyword terms i want to keep track of during the day. Of course, one column that always is open is ActiveRain. I noticed though the other day a recurring theme from many of our members on the network.
In September, 2008 ActiveRain added a feature that as Brad said, "Mark this day as another that will go down in History as an AWESOME NEW FEATURE added to the ActiveRain Network" When ActiveRain introduced the feature that allows you to send your posts straight to your twitter stream, that was the intention. To help grow your social network on twitter and also integrate your ActiveRain blog into your twitter stream. But, what many have missed is how to use the function effectively. To the right you will see a screen shot of a member on ActiveRain. I don't remember who that member was, because I had looked at so many member's twitter streams that all it was pages & pages of tweets that were Just posted on ActiveRain:. Unfortunately, these members are actually doing harm to their social networking instead of help.
If the only thing that gets fed to your Twitter account is the auto update from ActiveRain, then you are missing the point of Twitter. Twitter is a micro-blogging platform that allows you to share with your network in 140 characters or less what you are doing. It was designed to engage others in conversation.
A few months back Rain Radio did a show titled Twitter Gone Wild. I was privileged to be a guest speaker on that show with @kimwood who explained how she rarely talks about real estate on her twitter page. At first thought, the real estate agent in me thought WHAT?!? Don't we constantly need to remind our followers that we are a Real Estate Agent and to ask "the question" Do you know anyone looking to buy or sell real estate? I mean, that is what was ingrained in me when I was going for my license.
If you listen to the show in it's entirety, you will learn what I did that day. People do not need you to constantly shove your career in front of them. Her followers on twitter know exactly what she does for a living and know how to read her information. She does sprinkle in her posts, but they come through so rarely in comparison to everything else on her stream. For her, it has been extremely productive as she can now accredit several real estate transactions straight from her twitter account.
After that conversation on the show, I began to really rethink the way I use twitter. I still use the auto update for my posts. But, I write 4-6 posts per week. Right now I am averaging over 75-100 tweets per day. This is a way more effective way to use this feature. As you are using twitter to actually engage in social networking, you will engage your followers into reading your blog posts. I compare this to the person who starts a blog, but all that is ever posted is their new listings. It is obvious right away that they are not understanding the purpose of a blog is to share quality content with consumers about specific areas that you are an expert on.
"How's it working for ya Jeremy?"
Well I am glad you asked! Personally, I believe it is starting to really pay off in great dividends. I see a higher amount of traffic visiting my blog on a regular basis and each of my posts is starting to average more and more comments. By the screen shot to the left, you can see that I am averaging a good amount of traffic. The first column is number of comments. Column 2 is views of the post, column 3 is #of clicks in the post.
On top of this, the part that is difficult to show is the amount of traffic my posts are receiving and comments and conversations that are taking place on both Facebook & Twitter! At the time of writing this post, I had received 461 direct messages and well over 1,000 replies on twitter and have also had several posts re-tweeted..
What is your Point?
My point is that to optimize the use of the automated tweet of your ActiveRain posts you need to do more than just set it up. You need to engage your followers in a communication stream that consists of more than just "Just Posted on ActiveRain" type tweets. You don't have to be on it 24/7 tweeting like some, but you do need to give it some attention. If you are guilty of what I have been talking about throughout this post that you change your plan of action to one of the two listed below:
- Begin using twitter more often and start interacting with your followers. I wrote last week some easy ways to use twitter from your phone, so it is now easier than ever to begin using the social network.
- Stop using the auto update feature on your ActiveRain Blog. I know it seems harsh, but the reality is, using the function improperly can have a huge negative impact on your social media presence that harms your efforts more than it helps!
Option 1 is definitely a better idea and the amount of business that can come will blow your mind away! So, start tweeting today! To see what I am talking about, follow a few of our fellow members who have mastered twitter:
- @jasoncrouch
- @kimwood
- @ines
- @housechick
- @lesleylambert
- @heyamaretto
- and of course myself @myrtlebeachblog
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I am the Co-Founder of 210 Consulting- Social Media Advisors. If you would like more information on any of the topics discussed in this blog, please contact me directly.
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