make some noise with Amy Wood

Subscribe:

I’ve got a Twitter account, now what?

It’s easy to sign up for Twitter on http://www.twitter.com, but then what?  For best results use your real name, so people you know can find you.

If you don’t find people to follow (that means you’ll be able to see their updates on your Twitter home page ) you will be sitting in cyberspace all by your lonesome. And what fun is that!

So how do you “follow” someone?

Log into your Twitter account. Then go to my Twitter page http://www.twitter.com/tvamy and click on the follow button.  If you want my updates to go to your cell phone read below how to connect Twitter to your mobile device.  You can use Twitter from your computer, or from your phone or both.

You can follow Channel Seven http://www.twitter.com/WSPA7 to stay up on the news,

How do I send a message?

On Twitter you can send a message to me, or anyone else,  by clicking home on the tab on the side of your Twitter panel.  Then in the rectangular white box where you write messages,  type @tvamy and then make a space and then type your message.  The @ symbol directs your message to the person you are trying to reach. 

How do I find people to follow that fit my interests?

There is a find people button at the top of Twitter where you can enter peoples names to see if they are on twitter.  Fire off some of your favorite celebrities names and see if they’re on Twitter (some are legit, there are some people who pose as celebs too).  You can also send out invitations to your friends to join you on Twitter if you have their email address.

Twitter is most fun when you find people who share an interest in the kind of information you find helpful.  You can go to sites like http://www.TwitterGrader.com/search and then start searching subjects your interested in.  On that same search tab you can also enter cities, or states and look for the top twitter folks.  You’ll see me on the Greenville list, sometimes I make the top ten!

You will notice when you click on the Twitter name - on the right side of a twitter page there is often a link to the person’s blog. That is the best way to find out more about them and whether what they focus on would be helpful or interesting to you.

I’ve got a message!

When you get a Twitter message, on the right side of Twitter message you’ll see a star and an arrow.  The arrow is what you click to send a reply.  The star let’s you “favorite” a message - which will keep it on your favorites list in case you see something you want to hold onto.

What is a direct message?

Direct messages are private.  They won’t show up on the public pages.  So if there is something more confidential that you need to share, it can be useful. 

I send most of my messages as public replies,  because the more you share info, the more people will have an opportunity to see your “tweets” and get interested in following you. 

A person on Twitter has to be following you for you to be able to send them a direct message. 

You can only follow 2000 people.  I’ve already hit that maximum so you will likely not be able to direct message me.  (You will see people type things like DM me and that is what it means.)

How can I track what people are saying about a certain subject?

If you go to http://search.twitter.com/ you can search for subjects you are interested in, or your town name. Maybe you want to track what people think about the sports game you’re watching, or a big news event, or the latest movie.  This is the perfect place to do that and you may discover new people you would like to follow.

The website Twellow.com allows you to search categories which could lead you to tons of interesting sites.
http://www.twellow.com/search.php?q=tvamy&search_cat=51

What on earth does RT mean?

You will see this alot RT @joeblow and then a message, often with a link to a blog, or article.  RT stands for Re-tweet which means you are passing along someones message to your followers. 

It’s often a message you found helpful, or a piece of information you think they need to see. 

Twitter is all about sharing info and it is completely fine to pass along someones work.  In fact its a huge compliment.  Typing RT and repeating their name (their twitter handle:  @joeblow) gives them the credit they are due.

Get Amy’s updates on my phone

First you need to set up your mobile device. You do that in the settings section on the upper right side of your Twitter page.  Go to devices.  (here is a direct link http://twitter.com/devices) Put in your mobile phone number.

Then, you have to turn on my updates so they reach your mobile phone. You can either go directly to my page http://www.twitter.com/tvamy or you can click on followers and you’ll see me on your list.  When you get to my page, make sure you’re following me.  If not, first click follow.  Then, you will notice that under my name and picture it says following - devices off.  You need to click devices on.

You can do the same thing for the WSPA7 news updates.   

Keep in mind, you will get a lot of updates, so I don’t recommend doing this unless you have an unlimited text message plan.  It would get pretty expensive otherwise.

Hang in there!

So glad you are trying out Twitter.  Give it some time.  Send me a message if you have questions. Just type @tvamy and your question and I’ll be happy to help!

Share this link if you think this can help anyone else -  http://bit.ly/m0gc - perhaps to your friends who you invite to join you on Twitter!

I frequently speak in the community, about the power of social media, public speaking techniques and blogging.  Email me with your requests. Just click here: connect.