How To Make Sure Twitter Isn’t a Drain On Your Time (Hint – Time Management!)
Over the past few years, there’s no denying that Twitter has become a valuable tool in the business world. Social media as a whole has allowed us to reach out to so many different people, many of whom we may not have been able to reach using traditional methods.
But, as with everything good, Twitter has its dark side. Amidst its constant stream of tweets, millions of tweeters, and a world of links, it’s all too easy to get distracted.
Ensuring that Twitter isn’t a drain on your time therefore is essential.
To help you make the right moves, here are a few quick pointers that will go a long way to making your time on Twitter that much more productive.
1. Create a schedule, and stick to it
Yes, yes, everybody knows the importance of schedules in the working world. We’ve had it installed in to us since time immemorial. Why then do so many of us suck at sticking to a schedule? Twitter is going to eat into your working hours so you need to get it in check early. Schedule specific times to deal with Twitter then, at the end of that time, put it to bed and get on with something else important.
2. Know exactly what you need to do
With your Twitter time scheduled, take the time to plan how you will use it. What do you need to do? Most likely you’ll need to respond to followers, tweets, and retweets. No problem. However, remember that there are some things you can do without actively being on Twitter. You can plan your posts, create info-graphics and images, and consider your next move. With all of that loaded and ready, login and fire away.
3. Know exactly who is doing what
So, you know what needs doing. Now, who’s doing it? If you’re going to have more than one person managing your Twitter account, make sure that you schedule it so only one person is administrating at any one time. This will eliminate duplication.
4. Take (the right kind) of shortcuts
As with most modern technology, Twitter has a host of shortcuts to make life easy. Bill Gates once said that “a lazy person will find an easy way to do a hard job.” Here’re some of the lazy person’s Twitter tricks:
Notifications: if you’re expecting important communication, set up your account to send notifications to your email address. It’s quicker than sifting through hundreds of tweets and more efficient than waiting for the response.
Mentions: the Twitter ‘mentions’ function allows you to see every tweet that mentions you. Again, quicker than trawling through the Twitter quagmire.
Schedule Tweets: if you know what you want to say, use an app like HootSuite to schedule your tweets. You needn’t worry about missing posting that all-important tweet while you’re in a meeting.
Twitter Lists: the lists function on Twitter means you can group your followers, which in turn means you can create a list of those that are more important.
Advanced/Saved Search: if you’re looking for the latest news, new followers, or anything else, the Twitter search function makes life that much easier. Use it to minimize the time you waste on Twitter.
5. Entice your followers away from Twitter
Always remember, Twitter is a tool you use to make your business better. Twitter is not your business. If you’ve made contact with a follower that is looking to aid your company (be it by purchasing a product, offering a service, or anything), migrate them over to your email. Conduct your business using traditional methods, not Twitter’s private message system. There are a multitude of reasons for this but let’s stick with just one; it’s far more professional.
As far as maximising your time spent on Twitter, the above is just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of little tweaks you can do to make the world of tweeting work for you. As you continue down the Twitter path you’ll learn more and more of these.
For now though, remember, like any tool Twitter best serves those that use it properly. Take the time to learn how it works and then you put yourself in a better position to make better ensure that Twitter isn’t a drain on your time.