Marketing is Easier When Wearing a White Shirt

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Scott — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:59:34 +0000

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Check out ShareBuilder – Tell a Friend

Scott — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:52:58 +0000

Title: ShareBuilder – Tell a Friend
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Naming Yourself on Twitter

Scott — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:41:44 +0000

Imagine if your parents left it up to you to select your name. In 3rd Grade, my circle of friends grew tired of our names and decided to change then. While in the classroom, I was Scott. But on the playground, I became “Steve”, the cool-guy with the much cooler name (likely because the gal who helped me pick the name was one of the most popular and attractive in the class). Eventually, my recess name reverted back to the name my parents had so lovingly bestowed upon me, and there have been few instances that I long to be called Steve.

There’s a reason we leave naming to the parents, as it’s a difficult task for someone to select their own name. Unfortunately, this is exactly what Twitter forces us all to do. And, unfortunately, many simply use a contraction or abbreviation of their real-world name. But should this be the standard? I disagree, and here is why…

My Story
When I first signed up for Twitter, I went with the ol‘ standby: firstnamelastname. Soon, I realized that this meant little to others outside of my real-world circle, and longed for a change.

I opened a second account shortly thereafter, not realizing that I could simply change the name on my current account. Given that I was primarily using Twitter as a traffic driver, I decided to match it to the blog I was currently writing (which I have since abandoned for professional reasons). I quickly discovered that said handle did not translate well to other niche communities.

It wasn’t long until I reverted back to the original name, just as I had done on the playground. However, as I began to seek out more souls to start following, I was quickly overwhelmed with the white-page like lists of names. Of course, there are ways to discover more about these people, as I discussed in my post on Reciproctwity. However, selecting who to investigate becomes arbitrary, and I find myself making my decision wholly off the accompanying Profile Pic (for more on improving here, read The Twitter Profile Pic Part 1 and Part 2).

Now, I am preparing to change my user name yet again. As I have become more involved in the Twitterverse, I see the value in a name.

Lessons Learned:
While the safe route is using a derivative of your first and last name, I believe you are more likely to attract followers if you create a brand. Think of the ways you discovered those you are following:

1. Recommendations from others you are following
2. Real-world Contacts
3. Online Contacts
4. Twitter Searches
5. Scanning the fellow followers of someone you are following

The first 3 could be almost anything (a quick scan of the email addresses in your address book will likely show how irrelevant syntax is if it’s passed to you), but the last two rely on someone noticing you, and also being intrigued enough to learn more about who you are.

Recommendations
Personal
- It needs to serve as an introduction. Your name may be part of it, but so should your personality.

Relevant
- Should provide some insight into the topics you discuss or are interested in.

Unique
- Of course, you’re unable to duplicate another user name, but I’m thinking unique in that it should help you stand out from the crowd.

Easily Understood
- Cryptic names that use creative spellings (sk8_or_die, All_4_Fun) should be avoided unless they directly compliment your personal brand. I enjoy decoding custom license plates while driving down the highway, but I’m not likely to spend the same amount of time trying to decipher someone’s handle.

Memorable
- If you mention your handle in a conversation, is someone going to remember it the next time they sit down at the computer? If the answer is no, I would recommend you try to find something that can be indexed in the mind when they think back to meeting you.

Things to keep in mind:
Shorter Is Better for RT’s – You have 15 characters, but it doesn’t mean you need to use them all!

Don’t Duplicate the Name Field – In many instances, your user name will display in conjunction with your “real” name. Simply showing the same thing with a space doesn’t provide any additional information about who you are and why they should care.

Underscores Aren’t Necessary – We’re all smart enough to decipher what you mean without the underscore, so just skip it.

The Twitter Profile Pic, Part 2- Written All Over Your Face

Scott — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:56:37 +0000

As I discussed in my last post, your Profile Pic is an important part of your Twitter identity. So what type of photos do you have to select from? Below are the options currently being used on Twitter, in no particular order:

Professional Portrait – A professional photo is typically indicative of someone who is a professional of some sort. Examples from those I follow include @problogger, @brandcowboy, @leelefever, and @presentationzen. Not everyone has a professional portrait, which is why this can stand out and lend credibility to your profile. With the technology available in today’s cameras, it’s likely you can replicate a professional portrait (I hear the trick is proper lighting).

Personal Photo – This is the most common Profile Pic you’ll find, and the most difficult to stand out with. Examples are abundant, including myself currently (@ScottHorman).

Avatar – A caricature or Avatar is the accepted portrait in many digital worlds, and is also being used on Twitter. This tends to be a sign that the individual is highly involved in technology, and has had online profiles for far longer than their Twitter profile exists. Examples include @portenint, @moneymatters, and @ChrisPirillo. All three are wise to the workings of the web, and have a solid grasp on the underlying technology.

Icon – My definition of an Icon extends beyond the graphical representations found in website navigation to include caricatures, or inanimate objects. An Icon can be used well, as it is by @SocialMedia411 and @thegirlinyellow (A reminder: be sure that you have permission to use the photo you’re using).

Logo – A logo is indicative of a business of some sort. This can range from large corporate entities, like @INGDirect and @Starbucks, to entrepreneuers like @FrugalDad and @bargainr.

Random Photo – A random photo is often used for it’s entertainment value. As such, it can provide intrigue, but is often limited in providing insight into the topics you discuss. Examples include @stejules and @mivadiva. Those who do find a way to use this form of a Profile Pic constructively are rare, but worth applauding, like @twenforcer.

Default – Using the default image is not recommended, as it shows little commitment to the Twitter community and is often indicative of inactivity. With the proliferation of social networking sites, it’s likely you have a profile picture close by…so use it! Yes, I’m talking to you @atempest.

Doctored Photos – Adding graphics and items to a photo can be a way of crafting your personality onto an image of yourself. Just be certain not to clutter the image beyond recognition. @Pistachio has done this well. Also, doctoring a photo can be a way to keep an image fresh by adapting to the seasons (holiday Pics were popular) and current events (a ribbon indicating your support of a chosen cause).

Animated GIF’s – Those who really want to stand out within a Follower Log have taken to using animated GIF’s for their Profile Pic. The only example I have is a follower, @Astronautics, who is definitely using this image to not only grab attention, but provide insight to content. However, I think the appeal of animated GIFs is comparable to the early flashing banner ads that appeared on the web. I foresee this becoming the route of Twitter Spammers in the not-to-distant future.

Criteria for Selecting a Profile Pic
After determining which type of Profile Pic will best serve your needs, the critieria for determing a great Profile Pic are similar to the criteria used when selecting a diamond:

Cut – You’ll want to select a photo or image that you can crop to fit within the square footprint used by Twitter. If your image is not square, it will display distorted.
Clarity – Make sure your image can be deciphered at smaller sizes. Typically, anything more than a headshot will have you getting lost in the background.
Color - Avoid images that have a lot of activity or interference in the background. A solid color background is preferable, and it should contrast with your image so that it doesn’t blend in or fade.
Carat Weight – Alright, this is where the analogy breaks down, as we don’t measure file sizes in Carats. However, you’ll want to start with a photo with a higher resolution, as you will likely be cropping the image. Ideally, you shouldn’t need to resize the headshot from the original image to fit into the 48 x 48 pixel Profile Pic confines.

Please note that the images referenced in this post are current as of post date, and are subject to change.

The Twitter Profile Pic, Part 1: Your Face to the Twittersphere!

Scott — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:24:33 +0000

While your username is likely the most important piece of your identity on Twitter, the second most important is your Profile Pic. The image you upload will likely become more recognizable by your followers than your handle, and serve as an important element in gaining followers. As Twitter says, “Your Twitter profile pic helps instantly identify you to those following you — and tells those who aren’t more about you.”

Why Your Picture Matters
A Profile Pic does a lot more than simply identify you, it will help you gain attention. Spammers have picked up on this quickly, often using a model-esque face for their Profile Pic. Tweeps looking to find new people to follow will often scan the list of followers of someone they follow. As such, your Profile Pic should be intriguing, insightful, and inviting.

Intriguing – You want to grab their attention, and a great photo will definitely set you apart.
Insightful – Give them a taste of how you use Twitter and the sorts of topics you post on.
Inviting – Make sure your Profile Pic appeals to those you would like as followers.

Twitter Picture Specs
Dimensions = 48 pixels x 48 pixels
File Size = 700k or less
File Types = JPEG or PNG (officially. However, there are instances where Animated GIF files have been used)

Twitter Tips on Profile Pics
You may not have noticed the tips published by Twitter on the Picture tab, so here’s a quick refresher:

A real picture of yourself is encouraged. It adds personableness to your tweets.
Because the images are usually seen in a small version, a crop of your face works best.
People can see the full-sized version when they click on your picture from your profile page. So don’t upload a tiny one — we’ll create the thumbnail for you.
If you want to control exactly how it will be cropped, upload a square picture.
Nudity or obscene images are not allowed.
Be sure you have permission to use the photo you’re using. (And don’t use a celebrity’s picture — unless you’re that celebrity, of course.)

Reciproctwity – Should You Reciprocate the Follow?

Scott — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:42:28 +0000

One of the earliest and most common ways tweeps gain followers is through the principle of reciprocity. In essence, a follower is saying “I’m following you, will you follow me?”

In the early days of Twitter, there was little reason not to return the follow, as the number of users was quite limited. Now, the practice can lead to unmanageable tweet-rolls and frustration from the sheer quantity of conversations.

Here are the steps I follow to determine whether or not I will reciprocate:

1. Visit their Twitter Profile
From the moment you arrive on their profile page, you can get a sense for how involved they are and why there participating.
2. Review their Bio
Quickly look for a name, where they’re located, and read through their bio looking for something that matches your interests.
3. Evaluate their follower / following ratio
I assume that people who have more followers than those they’re following have something to offer. Otherwise, why would others follow them?
4. Subject of Tweets
What are they posting? Does it match the bio you read in step 2? This is where you really see how they’re contributing to the Twitterverse.
5. Visit their Web link
What do they call their homepage? Is it a business? Personal? Those who are contributing content elsewhere through a blog or personal website tend to have more value for their followers.
6. Quantity of Tweets per Day
If I’m still unsure, I quickly scan their recent tweets to get a feel for how many tweets they post per day. Too many, and I’m likely to get frustrated very quickly once I’m following.
7. Timing of Tweets
Still unsure, I see if they post when I’m listening or while I’m asleep. I don’t like to join conversations late, so I rarely
8. Percentage of @Replies
Do they actually converse with others, or is Twitter simply a one-way communication device for them. I prefer two-way.
9. Who They are Following
Usually, I only go this far if they’re new to Twitter, just to see who else they’re trying to engage.
10. Who Follows Them
Typically, I move to this step once I’ve made my decision, just to see if one of their followers might be worth engaging. If nothing else, you can see some creative developments in their @handles.

These 10 steps help me maintain quality among those I very good idea of who this is and whether I could see myself interacting with this person.

Rules to Remember:

Never Blindly Follow Someone – This will just get you into trouble (especially as spammers creep in)
Don’t Reciprocate Out of Obligation – They can still follow you, and even interact with you via @replies, without you following them.
Not Everyone Deserves You Following Them – Your time and attention are valuable, so don’t give them away to just anyone.
You Are Who You Follow – It’s not critical, but it can make a difference…especially if you’re new.
Reserve the Right to Change Your Mind – You can always follow them later.