Using TwitterIt's easy to learn how to use Twitter. Once you get started sending tweets, you will automatically start meeting people on twitter. Start by setting up your Twitter account (Twitter mobile support is also available), and gain Twitter followers by interacting and following other Twitter users. That's really all there is to it! What do I need?To get started with Twitter, all you need is a web browser, an Internet connection, or a mobile phone. It is easy to sign up for a Twitter account at twitter.com. What is the point?In order to get value out of twitter, you have to follow people -or they have to follow you. Primarily people use it to either stay up to date with what other people are talking about, or to promote and share Web links. Use the email address book import tool to add friends from your Yahoo and Google mail. You can also do searches for people by name. Choosing a UsernameThe first account you register should always be in your own name if it is still available. Common names like JohnSmith (there are no spaces in usernames) will have already be taken. However, it is possible to get variations on your own name such as John_Smith, or John_Smith23. You can only use an underscore in a username. Hyphens are not permitted in the field. Should I have a company Twitter handle?You should certainly reserve your formal company handle on Twitter. Use your profile to set the expectations correctly with your followers about what you are going to tweet. A company name could be just fine for support, news, questions and answers. How do I use the terms "Twitter" and "tweet"?Twitter is the name of the service. It is appropriate to ask “Are you on Twitter”. You can use Twitter as a verb, it’s OK to say “I’m Twittering that”. However, it’s more appropriate to say to say, “Did you tweet that?”, or "I'm going to tweet this." Also, Twitter (the company) has trademarked the term "Twitter" and they aren't happy when you use it in your website or company name. However, they are fine if you use the words "tweet". How do I find my friends?Anytime after you set up your account, you can search for people by name or username, import friends from other networks, or invite friends via email. Twitter also provides a list of suggested people to follow. What does it mean to follow someone on Twitter?Following someone just means that their updates will be visible as part of your main "stream". Following is asymmetrical, just because you follow someone doesn't mean they are following you.
Can I put my Twitter updates on my blog?Yes. Twitter (and many other Web sites) offer widget to show your tweets on your blog, MySpace, or Facebook profile. Most of them are very customizable. Can I edit a tweet once I post it?No. Once an update has been sent, you can no longer edit it. However, you can delete an update by clicking the trash icon found near the text of the update. How do I report spam?To report spam, follow @spam (Twitter's spam account), and send a direct message containing the username of the spammer. Also, use the block function to block any spammers you find. Twitter Support watches who gets blocked in order to determine who gets banned. |
Twitter Help >