Interacting on Twitter

If you have ever heard  one of my social media keynote talks, you have probably heard me say, “Social media is about interaction, not reaction.”

On social media platforms likes Facebook, people have no problem liking photos or commenting on status updates. However, it seems to me that lots of people are afraid to have this same interaction on Twitter. Below are 4 ways to start interacting on Twitter!

1. @replies: When you @reply someone on Twitter (starting a tweet with @ and the person’s username), it does not go out to all your followers. It only shows up on your feed, the person you @replied and anyone that follows both you and the person you @replied to. People are often afraid to @reply because they don’t realize this quick fact.  Now, if someone views your profile or your tweets, they will be able to see your @replies, however they do not clutter up your follower’s feeds. There is a little “reply” button at the bottom of every tweet.
   ex. “@andrewhopun Thanks for sharing that new band, their great!”
2. Mentions: Similar to the @reply, a mention is when you write a message and then “tag” a Twitter user somewhere in your tweet. You include the @ + username somewhere in your tweet instead of at the beginning. Generally speaking a “mention” is not in reply to what someone has said. Your followers are able to see your mentions.
   ex. “I’m @Starbucks enjoying their Tribute Blend!”
3. Retweets: If you really like what someone is saying, let them know by retweeting what they’re saying to your followers. Simply hover over your favorite tweet and click the “retweet” button. It will automatically be sent out to your followers. You can also retweet the old-fashioned way and leave a comment as illustrated below:
   ex. Great quote // RT @ryancvet: “Social media is about interaction, not reaction.”
4. Favorite: Like Facebook you can favorite (or like) someone’s tweet. This does not repost it to your followers. If someone visits your profile, they will be able to see all of your favorited tweets. This is an easy way to say you like what someone is saying without reposting it to your followers!

Those are some quick and easy ways to start interacting on Twitter!