All Twitter is Not Created Equal – Avoid Dillweeds

This won’t be too long, I don’t think. Of course, once I get going I can be hard to stop. here’s the thing – and this is aimed at all you schilling social-marketing “gurus” out there trying to bilk people out of money for consultations, e-courses, e-books and Twitter “strategies for success.” Listen up.

Twitter is a microcosm of the world we live in. It has some pretty clear parallels you’ll notice right off the bat. Here’s one. If a person is famous in real life, they are going to be more popular on Twitter. Doesn’t really matter what they post, though if they actually interact and follow back, they’re popularity will go through the roof.

Here’s another parallel; people who are unpopular, rude, or just out for a quick buck in the real world will be unpopular on Twitter as well. And don’t judge this by their numbers. There are sites already selling the “secrets to success,” and all indications are that they CAN get you 16,000 followers in a short period of time. They can also teach you how to automate a lot of twitter “content” so it seems as if your account is really someone posting -though a lot of it is links to articles.

There are some pretty obvious (to me) flaws with this. Popular people on Twitter can make amazing things happen because people LIKE them. Unpopular people can flap their gums until they get bruised lips and nothing much will happen. Don’t be fooled by some guy with a slick website, a bunch of e-books, and 16,000 followers into believing he can help you sell anything. None of those followers are buying anything, they are a Tower of Twabble – accounts serving no purpose other than to build the numbers that will allow them to appear as if they know what they are doing.

So, the answer, David, what’s the answer? Slow and steady. Pick those you follow for what they post, how they act, etc. You won’t get 16,000 followers in 90 days this way unless you already HAVE all those followers in real life and they come in after you. You will see why Twitter is worthwhile, meet fun and interesting people, and avoid a lot of irritation.

I would like to suggest as well that you check @Grader, Mr. Tweet, Twinfluence, and some of the other services that help you sift the shill from the dill (weed). @Grader, in particular, measures the “value” of a person’s following, rather than going by the numbers. Mr. Tweet is built at least in part on the suggestions of people who enjoy reading what others post.

Finally, don’t believe that because some popular, famous, or infamous person did something really cool on Twitter that it will work for you, just because you have an account. It’s what you do with that account that will define your success. One thing Twitter DOES give you is the opportunity to become well known, popular, and even famous, if you are willing to work at it. Don’t be led down dillweed highway by the schills. Build your following yourself; do it as if you were choosing friends in real life.

Now…go out and win one for the Tweeple! Or something. End rant.