Tweeting? Where do I start?

[RainbowBob]

I am a freelance journo but have been out of work (looking after 3 DCs) for five years. I say 'out of work'... I have been doing freelance work for a website, on a part-time basis, but I have literally been writing copy for one client to their spec. So now the DCs are a little older I want to branch out.

The problem is the Twitter Revolution seems to have taken off in a very big way since I left work five years ago, I have been left right behind and it is becoming worryingly clear that without a handle on this I am going to have zero success. So, I have opened a Twitter account, I am following a few people (mainly other journalists/columnists/newspapers and the odd celeb) but where do I go from here...?

Can anyone give me any tips?!

I think following your peers is a good place to start to see what they Tweet about. The journos I follow seem to mix personal stuff along with work stuff. They also use #journorequest when seeking sources as you may have picked up.

I find it a great source of news and to see what is trending/of interest which should help you with your work too.

Then:

• Start Tweeting. Offer a mix of personal stuff & RTing articles of interest. There is no other way than to just start.

• Interact with others. Start developing relationship with those you know/want to know.

• Make sure your Twitter handle is on your website, LinkedIn profile & email sign off.

Content is king, so ideally you'll be sharing your writing. Without a current portfolio can you/do you blog?

Look at using tools like:

• A phone app (I use Ubersocial) so that it is easy to Tweet
• Scheduling tools like bufferapp.com or hootsuite.com/ so you can still appear active even when you are too busy etc.

HTH?

With links....

bufferapp.com
hootsuite.com/

What Margo said. I would also say that retweeting and commenting on existing conversations is the way to start. Otherwise you're just making comments into an empty room (or so it feels).

Twitter really does seem to be the place for businesses & freelancers to be right now. Twitter do some very good webinars - if you go to the 'me' tab and look at the bottom left had corner you will see a link for businesses. Lots of useful hints there. Also follow @twitter for updates.

Thanks so much for the replies.

MrsMargot (great name!): Thank you for your advice, it is extremely helpful. Despite having many articles published, in all sorts of publications, throughout my career I have an irrational fear of sending a tweet in case I sound like an idiot! I am the same with FB and I haven't even contemplated blogging.... I guess I like the idea of hiding behind my writing and in the past all I've ever done is write hard news and features as a third person, an observer. Tweeting and blogging however, suddenly requires me to unmask and reveal my true persona and opinions.... that is scary! But, I guess I just need to deal with that and move on.

I think, l will start with Margot and "Friendly's* suggestions of retweeting and commenting to begin with... and take it from there.

Stupid question, but can you literally join in the discussion on any topic... even if none of your friends/followers are in on it? Do you need to use the hashtag to do so, or just jump in? (You see I really am a novice).

Try and follow those who you think you could business with - May I also suggest LinkedIn? It may work well for you - you put on your CV or work history and follow those who you think might employ you - It is overwhelming all this social media - takes some getting used to! Good Luck!

Hi there

Join Muck Rack. You can also put your profile on there.

Just go on - you can connect with newspaper editors, writers etc.

It's fun!

Muck Rack looks pretty expensive - am I missing something?