Twitter can seem like a black hole for many businesses. It’s easy to say but hard to do. The most common advice is to “talk with other people.” Twitter chats are a great way to do this.
Anatomy of a Twitter chat
Twitter chats, in their simplest form, are organized discussions for a certain date and time. The talks are organized around a theme (businesses, social media, traveling, etc.). They are associated with a hashtag and have a specific piece. They are usually scheduled regularly, but not always — every Tuesday at noon or every first Thursday in the month, for instance.
How to find Twitter chats and their format
Searching for “Twitter Chats” on the Internet will return a list of chats that are categorized primarily by topic. Check the time and make sure the conversation is still running. It is also important to understand the format. The host will ask a question every couple of minutes. The exact interval between queries varies from chat to chat but is usually around every seven to 10 minutes. The question is preceded by “Q” followed by a number to indicate the number of the question. Also, the hashtag for the chat will be added.
Make the most of Twitter chats.
Participating in a Twitter chat is the best way to get the most out of them. It is also useful to observe one first. Take a look at these tips on how to grow your Twitter following organically by using Twitter chats.
- Prepare yourself in advance. Prepare in advance.
- Tweet answers to questions and comments, especially if you do not have the answer to a particular question.
- Regular attendance is key. You’ll be more accepted into the group if you attend more frequently.
- Do not promote yourself too much. It’s okay to mention your company occasionally; more than that, it looks unnecessarily promotional.
- Respond to users who have taken the time to engage with you. Answer users who have taken the time to contact you.
- Find participants who haven’t been retweeted or replied to their answers. Engage with them. You might even gain a new follower.
Doing It Well
Sprout Social hosts a weekly #Sproutchat where everyone, from Social Media Managers and small business owners to anyone interested in social media, can come together to discuss anything. Invite notable guests to cohost your chat and promote it to their networks. This is a great way to increase engagement and get people in touch with your business.