Twitter Follows: What’s the big deal?
November 7th, 2008 | Published in Online Marketing, Twitter | 8 Comments
From time to time, I see a buzz on Twitter about follows you know - who’s following you, are you following everyone that follows you, why did that person not follow me back, I just lost followers; what did I do to deserve that… And there are some folks that get really annoyed when the people they follow don’t follow them back.
Really, don’t worry about who’s following you - just worry about who you’re following. Remember - it’s not a numbers game or a contest. It’s social - it’s about relationship building.
If you look at my network, it’s not uber huge - and there’s a reason for that. I’m very careful about who I follow. And not from a “I don’t want to get a bad rep” stand-point. But from a “I’m in this to seriously build relationships, and as a human, I can only get to know so many people at one time” stand-point.
Basically, when someone follows me, I go out and check out their profile. Sometimes, I know right away if I want to follow them back. Other times (like if their profile is new, or if I’m not sure what we have in common), the notification e-mail is filed in my “Online Networking” folder and I’ll circle back and check them out later. Oh and also, sometimes I’m REALLY busy, and just don’t have a second right then to check someone out. So during those times, follow notices are filed as well.
So don’t be offended if I haven’t followed you back right away - I’m just taking my time in one way or another to make sure we are able to build an actual relationship.
Three quick Twitter follow tips:
1. Be very clear about why you’re on Twitter. If it’s for business networking purposes, of course you’re going to want to gear your posts and your profile to that, and yes, being on the lookout for potential clients and partners is part of that. But - do not get out there and harass us with constant self-promotional tweets. Self-promoting is ok, but typical netiquette rules apply.
If you have a clear goal for your purpose on Twitter it’s going to make building your network so much easier.
2. Remember - it’s social, it’s not a contest to see who can have the most follows. The power of Twitter is the power of your network coupled with your purpose.
Follow people who will strengthen your network, and add to your purpose.
3. Follow people that genuinely interest you - and if they don’t follow you back - forget about it. It’s not biggie - really.
If you’re really worried about people following you back - get into their stream, and start building a relationship with them. Sooner or later, they’ll follow you back if you’re genuinely interested in them and what they’re doing.
Twitter is a very powerful networking tool - it’s not an extension of high school popularity contests, don’t treat it as such 
About Jenn Givler
November 7th, 2008 at 3:46 pm (#)
Excellent points Jenn.
I see so many people get offended if someone unfollows them, they question it, they dwell on it…
I say dont worry about it, move on, they weren’t the right person for you if they unfollowed.
I’ve seen others who make it a contest to ensure they have more followers or are following more people than others they know.
I’m more about quality connections and networking than about the numbers and the pondering of why someone may unfollow me.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:48 pm (#)
Very cool J, !!! Specially since I’m learning twitter. The C@z button hates me as it is!
November 7th, 2008 at 4:26 pm (#)
Great points, Jenn! I do the same thing that you do for Twitter followers. Sometimes I can’t figure out why people want to follow me! I am on Twitter for business, and I’ve had a lot of people that I never would have been connected to ask me about it, so I know that I am headed in the right direction with Twitter. I just started following you. Hopefully you follow me back … no pressure, though! LOL
November 7th, 2008 at 5:18 pm (#)
I agree with you about the QUALITY of connections Jenn! I don’t have alot of people as twitter followers but I try to focus on the quality instead of quantity.
Also, it is important to try and create a schedule for twitter…because it can get away from you and then you aren’t able to get those things done you need to get done.
P.S. I also agree about your statement about not worrying about not following you…it will happen if it is suppose to happen. No point in putting energy into wondering why, getting mad about someone choosing not to follow us.
Thanks Jenn!
Sincerely,
Teresa
November 8th, 2008 at 12:07 am (#)
I agree with all you’ve written! but sometimes an ally is in the midst with updates about ie. software, a new concept , something social… so don’t discourage being followed or following either! Over time everyone melts and gets to see who is around an who isn’t!!
Good luck!
November 10th, 2008 at 4:36 pm (#)
Some valid points. Some people might want use Twitter in multiple facets and to increase ones following could be a way to expand ones horizons. If I can learn one thing from an individual it is worth it and vice versa. Nice post!
November 10th, 2008 at 4:41 pm (#)
Such awesome insight from all of you.
Teresa - I agree - I gotta watch the time myself sometimes… Twitter can just be so darn fun
Love what you say Mark about having a multi-purpose for Twitter. I agree - I know some people who have a dual purpose with it… business and social - so they have a very eclectic network.
November 10th, 2008 at 4:50 pm (#)
I agree with you Jenn! I pick people to follow that I believe have something to offer, personally or professionaly. If after a while I find that I am no longer inspired or feel a connection with them, I stop following them and move on to someone else. It’s nothing “personal” or that I don’t think that person has value. Making new friends and connecting at a deeper level is more important than numbers to me!
Thanks!