With so many people using Twitter as a social marketing tool, and the mad obsession to surpass everyone you know with higher numbers of followers, the task of manually following new contacts can be time consuming and aggravating.
TweetLater is a site that helps you manage your time on Twitter with a couple of clever main features. Not everyone is singing its praises because of the rampant spamming that is done using TweetLater. My friend Leesa Barnes opened up a great discussion about TweetLater on her blog a short while back.
The primary feature of TweetLater is the ability to post-date your Tweets, for those times when you’re not online or simply want a break from the addictive nature of micro-blogging. This can come in handy, especially when you want to maintain your visibility without tying up your schedule.
The second feature of TweetLater is the ability to automatically follow others. This saves users hours of time, and it even includes a direct, customized message sent on your behalf.
These components are amazing when used correctly… but unfortunately a few folks out there must have missed Part 2 Lesson 4 of my “How to Get Free Publicity and Attract New Clients with the Power of Social Networking” system, otherwise we wouldn’t be having so much controversy over TweetLater as we are now.
So here is your TweetLater primer, outlining the do’s and don’ts of this tool.
1. Use Tweetlater To Automate Your Social Networking, Not Your Selling.
I know, it’s tempting to put a link back to your site, your free special report, your sales page, etc in an automated reply. After all, didn’t they teach you in Internet Marketing 101 to maximize your signature line everywhere you go? People, that is so 2004. A link in an automated social networking reply stands out like a tacky American tourist in Paris. Resist the temptation to use an auto-reply to promote. It sends the wrong message to your new contacts.
2. Make Your “Thank You” Message Sound Like a Real Person
Hmm, you’re scratching your head now. “If I can’t plug my website, then what the heck do I put in this auto-reply?” How about “Thanks for the follow!” or “Great to connect with you!”. Take off your sales helmet for a moment and release the need to nab a prospect. You have no idea how relationships are going to pan out on Twitter, so slow it down! Remember, it’s called SOCIAL networking for a reason. So go on, be sociable!
3. Be “Real” With Your Post Dated Tweets
I’m not against creating post-dated Tweets, but be careful how you phrase them. Usually when I see a motivational quote with no other conversation around it, or a stand-alone pitch for a sales page, I can tell it’s an automated Tweet and I gloss over it. If you’re going to load up several post-dated Tweets, throw in a few that are not promotional. Send out a Happy Birthday message, or a good morning greeting, or a link to someone else’s blog post. If all your posts are simply pre-loaded marketing pitches, people will not respect you in the world of Web 2.0. You’ll come across as a person who is only there to sell, not a person there to connect.
Remember, successful social networking hinges upon two important concepts: building relationships and building credibility. When you keep your focus on quality- and NOT on amassing numbers for numbers sake- then you’ll discover the “magic secrets” of social networking that can turn your visibility around.
When you comment on this article, let me know if you use TweetLater or any special tips you have for readers.
About Nancy Marmolejo
