There probably are precious few freelance writers –particularly those who write online– who haven’t heard about Twitter.   Twitter is described as a micro-blogging site.  Basically, Twitter users announce to their group of “followers” what they are thinking, doing, or thinking about doing, in the space of 140 characters and/or spaces.   These update messages are called “Tweets.”

After registering, Twitter users find other users and “follow” them.  Following another Twitter user means that you’ll receive updates from/about these users.  (For instance, if I follow JimmyFallon), my home page will receive updates from Jimmy as he sends his Tweets to Twitter. )  It’s considered good etiquette to follow someone after you receive notification that they are following you.  And this is how you get followers: by following others, and hoping that they, in turn, will follow you.

Some eHow writers have embraced this site and concept, using Twitter to promote the articles they’ve written.  Their followers receive Tweets, with things like, “My latest article: How to Eat Cheetos in the Rain” (followed by the clickable URL of the article).   What I’ve noticed, however, is that some eHow writer/Twitter users don’t have a grasp of good Twitter etiquette.  Your followers will consider you a spammer if you send too many Tweets promoting your articles… especially if those are the ONLY Tweets you send out.   I recently stopped following one eHower because she sent out twenty-five Tweets in the span of less than fifteen minutes.   They said nothing more than the title of the article and the lnk.

In order to get your Twitter followers to pay attention to your Tweets, give them a glimpse of who you are.  Tweet about your life.  Tweet about your diet.  Tweet your articles with a short intro, such as, “For those who are dieting: How to Lose Weight With Velveeta” (and include the link).  Just as with any other place online, Twitter is simply no place for spam.  And although crowding the place up with every single one of your articles isn’t spam in the tradtional sense, it is annoying and bothersome.   It will result in people canceling their follow on you, or learning to completely ignore anything that you Tweet.    That’s no way to get more readers.  Instead, go the gentle and personable way that I suggest.  It will get you more readers, and will keep other Twitters from avoiding you and your Tweets.