If you read yesterday’s post, you’re all up to date on why you should be using Twitter. Now here’s the “how:”

1) Start following related businesses that work in and around your service area. This means that as a photographer, I follow graphic designers, stationers, dress designers, bloggers, and other photographers. Start local, then branch out.

2) Respond to their Tweets. If someone posts a blog you found really interesting, tell them! “Hey @johndoephoto- loved that article you wrote on blogging; super helpful!” Getting their attention will create dialogue. Creating dialogue = the foundation for forming a relationship.

3) Tweet at least seven times a day- it contributes to your SEO (Search Engine Optimization, aka Google rankings in short). I know this sounds like a lot, but once you start followers other users, those Tweets come easily. I remember the first time I heard the seven-Tweet rule. I was like “What?? What do I have to talk about that I can Tweet that many times??” My friends, I’ve amassed almost 5,500 Tweets in less than a year. Once you get going, it becomes incredibly easy.

4) ReTweet if someone says they’re looking for someone with a particular talent/something in particular, ie “I’m in need of a hair and make-up artist in the DC area!” They’ll appreciate you for it and it makes it easier to get RTs of things you need, should the occasion arise.

5) If you Tweet photos, don’t say exactly what the image is of. Twitter doesn’t have a “preview” feature- all people will see is your link. If I post a photo of Lily asleep on her back with arms and legs fallen to the sides, I’d accompany the image with a caption like “She’s such a ladylike puppy,” instead of “this is a photo of my puppy sleeping. Isn’t she funny-looking?” You want to create an air of curiosity so that they feel compelled to click on your photo.

6) Use hashtags! I think this is the part that confuses people the most. The purpose of a hashtag is to let Twitter know what topics are hot right now. For example this past Sunday, if you use a # when you talk about the Super Bowl, Twitter will file that Tweet with every other Tweet from around the globe that also references the Super Bowl. You can hashtag anything- #weddingphotography, #RIPSteveJobs, #firstworldproblems. Just make sure you don’t use any spaces or punctuation- it breaks the link.  And try not to over-use the hashtag thing. It get’s confusing when people try to hashtag everything, like “Went on a walk with my dog. #puppytimes #gottagiveheratreat #hatepickinguppoop.” Make sense?

Also, just as a forewarning, don’t EVER click on the links under your mentions if the only thing contain in the Tweet is “@abbygracephoto www.owl.y.456/13wfh.” It’s either a graphic photo or a hacking scam, neither of which you want.

Questions? Sound off in the comment section! I promise to answer!

Happy Thursday!