I’m hoping curiosity got you this far — far enough to scan the first few lines of this post. That’s because I have decided in regard to Twitter chats there are three categories of writers and marketers: those who love Twitter chats, those who hate Twitter chats, and those who haven’t tried them yet. I write this post for those of you in that last (and large) group of chat neophytes.
The why of Twitter chats for writers and marketers
First (as always) is the WHY. You know only too well how limited your time is. Let me share just a few ways Twitter chats can help you do what you do better, faster, and with more fun:
- Get an overview of an industry, region, or subject new to you in one hour
- Identify (and meet) key leaders in an industry, who are often ‘celebrity guests’ you might otherwise not be able to connect with
- Pick up language and terms used by those (generally) more knowledgeable about a subject
- Identify valuable resources on a topic (via shared links, hashtags, names of organizations or people)
- Competitive intelligence (for yourself or clients)
- Meet and connect with others interested in the same topic (and build relationships if you return)
- Higher cognitive functioning (aka, laughter and fun)
What are chats anyway?
Chats are group conversations usually scheduled weekly, for one hour, on the same day and at the same time. For example, #BlogChat (about blogging) is always Sundays at 8pm CT. (See several lists with hundreds of scheduled chats below.)
How do you join?
To join a chat, simply log into Twitter a few minutes before the designated time and search for the chat’s hashtag, e.g., #PinChat (about Pinterest). Many people only lurk like this for a while until they are comfortable joining in the conversation. Since each chat tends to have its own culture and guidelines — some moderators put up pre-chat posts about the topic for the week, some ask you to introduce yourself each week while others only do that once, some have guests nearly every week and others do not, questions can be controlled or open-ended, most have transcripts afterwards, etc. — you want to get a feel for the conversation and culture, just as you would in real life, before you dive in and start talking.
When you are ready to contribute to the conversation you write a tweet as usual only you must add the chat hashtag to be included in the chat! No one else in the chat will see you have joined unless you include the chat hashtag.
It can help to use one of the easy to use third-party applications so you remember to include the chat hashtag and keep up with what can seem like an overwhelming volume of tweets in some of the larger chats. Both Twubs and newly re-launched TweetChat let you sign in with your Twitter credentials, enter the hashtag ONCE, participate in the chat and adjust the speed of the chat stream to your liking. You can also create a search column for the chat and continue to use your preferred Twitter client, such as HootSuite or TweetDeck — but don’t forget to add that chat hashtag to every tweet.
Connect with the right people
You want to grow both the quantity and the quality of your online community, and chats are a great way to connect with the right people. Twitter chats make it easy to find people that are relevant to your or your client’s industry. Just try a Google search for “twitter chats” in your niche. For example, “books twitter chats” or try writers, foodies, or travel.
How to hide your hashtag chat from followers?
While you are actively participating in a Twitter chat, you want to avoid overwhelming your existing followers who are not participating. Begin any tweet you want to “hide” with @HideChat or (one character shorter) @HideTag. NOTE: This also works when live-tweeting events or shows.
Go forth and explore
There are several lists of Twitter chats, some more current than others. Here’s a collection of wikis, with one by day of the week, one by topic, etc.
http://www.gnosisarts.com/home/Tweetchat_Wiki/By_Day
And here’s a schedule that can be sorted by day of the week, time and topic — so you can sample whatever appeals in a few spare moments if you’re stranded at the airport or in a doctor’s waiting room.
http://tweetreports.com/twitter-chat-schedule/
And here’s a reminder of why this is all so good for you. Go forth. Learn. Meet people. Have fun!
Humor Theories and the Physiological Benefits of Laughter
