One of the most asked questions I’ve received from our Social Media Fitness Program participants is in regards to Twitter and how to optimize one’s Twitter page.  I’m glad many of you are taking the initiative to consider social media optimization as part of your strategy.

In this session of Tips from the Trainer, I will go over how to optimize your Twitter profile and your Twitter background.

Optimize Your Twitter Profile

• Think twice about your Twitter username ^[2].  For example, if you are in the PR industry, you might want to consider having “PR” in your username.  Remember, you only have 15 characters.
• In your settings, enter your first and last name in the appropriate box.  You want to be as searchable as possible in Twitter.

^[3]

• Include a location (city and state are ideal).  This allows the user to search for you by location using the advanced Twitter search ^[4] function.
• When including your website, delete the “www” in the URL to maximize the number of characters allowed.
• Fill out your bio and include keywords relevant to what you do.  You want visitors of your Twitter page to understand how you provide value.  You have 160 characters to tell visitors who you are.
• Include a picture.  DO include pictures of yourself or a company logo.  DON’T include spammy pictures like dollar ($) signs or pictures that are irrelevant to what you want to be associated with.  AVOID pictures of your pet or even pictures of your children.
• Use a custom Twitter background.  An example of what one looks like can be found on the Marketwire Twitter page ^[5].

Optimize Your Twitter Background

The perception of having a Twitter background is that it tells visitors you care about using Twitter as a networking tool.  However, there are users who take advantage of custom backgrounds to promote their products and services resulting in a spammy look.  Be sure to personalize your Twitter background, not only for branding consistency with your website, but also, in the static left-hand sidebar, to explain how you can provide value to your followers.

• Type in “free Twitter background” in Google and you’ll find a host of options.
• The background image should be 2048 pixels wide.  The height depends on the amount of information you have on the left-hand sidebar.  Start from 1200 pixels as a basis for height and, from there, manipulate bigger or smaller, depending on your preferences.
• Keep the content in the left-hand sidebar to 115 pixels wide.

What are your thoughts on social media optimization (SMO)?  Have you started implementing SMO?

Thanks to the SM 10X30 participants who submitted their questions. Your dedication and willingness to learn are much appreciated! Keep your questions and feedback coming! Send me an email at nshin [at] marketwire [dot] com.  If you haven’t already, be sure to “LIKE” us on Facebook ^[6] for exclusive tips, photos, and videos.

Related posts:

^[10]