1. True Twit (or any other validation service/platform)
If people have to jump through an extra hoop to connect with you, they’re not going to do it. These validation services set up a wall around your Twitter account.
Yes, you’re keeping out spam. You also risk keeping away people you want to reach with your Twitter account.
2. Auto-DMs
When I follow you, please – for the love of all that is holy – do not send me an automatic direct message to say thank you. You know what you can do?
Talk to me, engage me in real conversation. And if your auto-DM says, “Thanks for the follow. Please go read my blog/buy my book/click my link” I will unfollow and block you. What you’re doing is spamming. Quit it.
3. Auto-Feeds
If every post in your Twitter feed ends with “http://fb.me …” it’s a pretty good indicator that you’re not actually using Twitter. You’re using Facebook (or or Foursquare or whatever) to send that info to Twitter.
This means you will not be around Twitter to listen to me, and you’re not interested in a conversation. Social media is about being social.
If you’re doing any of these things, stop and I guarantee you’ll see an instant change in how you reach people with Twitter.
Remember, Twitter is first and foremost about conversation. If you’re not listening to others, they’re not listening to you.
Photo Credit: Rosaura Ochoa