Confused by Twitter?

Tweet, Tweet!

I’m a new user to Twitter, and I totally admit to feeling pretty dumb when I first started using it. I’m a pro with Facebook, but only joined Twitter a few months ago. {By the way, you can follow me on Twitter, @sunandsipcups!} I’m still learning, but I thought I’d share a few tips in case there are any of you guys that find it a bit confusing too!

Twitter Basics:

Learn the very basics of getting started with Twitter by checking out their How to Get Started post. Then, if you’re a business or blogger, make sure to read the Best Practices for Business post too!

What the @#!!& do all those symbols mean??

Here are a few definitions:

Hashtag: The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages. When you click on a word with a # in front of it, you can then see other tweets with that same word. So it kinda helps you search for relevant stuff.

Mentions: The @ sign is used to call out usernames in Tweets, like this: Hello @Twitter! When a username is preceded by the @ sign, it becomes a link to a Twitter profile. If you use Facebook, you’re probably familiar with how to tag people in a status update. Same thing.

DM: Direct Message, these Tweets are private between only the sender and recipient. Tweets become DMs when they begin with “d username” to specify who the message is for.

The star symbol: To favorite a Tweet means to mark it as one of your favorites by clicking the yellow star next to the message.

#FF: This stands for “Follow Friday.” Twitter users often suggest who others should follow on Fridays by tweeting with the hashtag #FF.

GFF: Sites that promise to get you more followers if you provide your username and password. After signing up, these sites send spam from your account. Don’t use them.

OH: Most often means “Overheard” in Tweets. Used as a way to quote funny things people overhear.

RT: Abbreviated version of “retweet.” Placed before the retweeted text when users manually retweet a message.

How to I participate in a Twitter Party?

Ok, so this one I’m still learning! If you guys have tips to share on how to make participating in and following a Twitter Party easier, I’d LOVE to hear them!!

To start, use a program like TweetDeck, to make it MUCH simpler to follow the party. Twitter moves SO darn fast, there really isn’t any way {at least not for me!} to join one of these Twitter parties without using an app like this.

To find cool new Twitter parties to join, follow @tweetpartyguide to stay updated. I’ve been using this to join more parties so I can figure this stuff out better!

How to Link to your Site:

This article on Twitter is filled with a ton of info on how to link to Twitter! Check it out, Linking to your blog or website, to learn all of the basics on how to get started with that. You definitely NEED to have this type of connection set up, since it can be such an easy way for people to share your info!

Share your tips!

I’d love to hear your tips, ideas, whatever… Anything Twitter related! Like I said, I’m still learning to maximize Twitter and make it work for me. So I’d love to hear your thoughts :)

{Do you know someone else who would love this info? Feel free to share it with the social buttons below!}