Previously, we showed you how to create a brand new Twitter account to promote your radio station. Now, you may be wondering what the most effective way to use your Twitter is, and we're here to suggest some best practices on how to manage your Twitter account!
In terms of function and user experience, Twitter is similar to Facebook in the sense it's meant for posting blocks of text, videos, images, polls, and more. Unlike Instagram, which puts visuals first, Twitter and Facebook are more multifaceted when it comes to content.
However, Twitter is a great place to share the "small" things too. We'll elaborate on that in a bit. For now, let's dive into the guide!
Tweet Content and Updates Regularly
Obviously, the easiest way to build a following on Twitter is to tweet. Because the platform is designed to feature short blocks of text (unless you're posting a massive Twitter thread), it doesn't take much time to post a new tweet. The social media service is designed for easy and regular posting!
Not only is Twitter a great place to share big updates and announcements like you would on Facebook and Instagram, it's also a terrific platform to update your audience about smaller things. For example: if you're in your home studio getting ready to go on air in the next few minutes, you can send a short tweet to your audience alerting them to tune in!
And that's not all: Twitter is a good place to share tiny musings and opinions. If there's an artist whose song you love to play on your station, describe why you adore the song in a tweet and tag the artist! Having some technical difficulties with a piece of equipment? If you're feeling brave, you could voice your frustration in a short tweet. Perhaps one of your audience members will tweet you back some advice. And at the very least, you'll be keeping your tuned-in audience in the know.
Recently, Twitter just implemented voice tweets! They allow you to record up to two minutes and twenty seconds of audio and send it to your audience in the form of a tweet. To create a voice tweet, tap the purple sound wave icon next to the photo icon right below the text box. Use these voice memos to express your thoughts, quickly announce updates, or even share any audio-related content - like a snippet of your talk show!
To put it simply, the more reasons you have to tweet, the more your follower count will grow. So post easily and often, and never forget to have fun with it.
Utilize Tagging
Like Instagram, Twitter also uses hashtags and usernames. If your tweet is about someone or something specific, tag it!
Twitter users can search for content with specific hashtags, meaning they could find your tweet out of the blue. Make sure to include relevant hashtags somewhere in the body of your tweet (for example: #radiostation, #internetradio, or #rockradio). Include as many hashtags as you need, but don't overdo it so as to distract viewers from your content. Remember, you only have 280 characters.
If you're talking about a specific person in your post and they happen to have a Twitter account, you can tag them by typing in the @ sign and then entering in their Twitter username. You can also tag people after you've uploaded a photo.
Additionally, you can tag places! If you're broadcasting in a specific area - Los Angeles, for example - you can tag the city by tapping the "location" button while drafting your tweet (the pin drop icon on the bottom bar: next to the poll icon, to the right).
Encourage Interaction
The best - and really the only way (at least while you're growing your following) - to drum up audience interaction on Twitter is by asking questions. You can do this in two ways: through tweeting a question and having your audience reply with answers, or by asking a question through a poll and collecting responses.
With tweeting a question and collecting responses, be sure to thank your audience for their time in responding. You can reply with a thank you, or keep the conversation going by replying with another tweet.
As for polls, you can create them by hitting the icon with three bars when composing a new tweet. You can set the duration of the poll anywhere from 5 minutes up to 7 days after it's been posted. The winning answer will be shown in bold.
From a marketing perspective, encouraging interaction is important because it makes your audience feel like they have a part to play in your online presence. The more they get to voice their opinions and thoughts, the more connection they will feel to your account, meaning they'll be more likely to stick around. So, find creative ways to encourage your audience to interact, and don't forget to link to your radio station in your Twitter bio so curious users can check out your station and get a sense of what your account is really about!
Be an Active Member of the Community
Besides tagging people, posting, and asking your audience questions, make sure to do your part in the Twittersphere and show some love to other accounts. Follow your favorite artists or fans! Retweet a post you think is funny or relevant to your station. Like and reply to an audience member's tweet! There are lots of ways you can effectively engage with the platform.
Remember: the more you engage with other tweets and accounts, the more likely they are to engage with yours. If someone sees that you replied to their tweet, they might check out your account and find that link to your radio station you popped in your bio! To grow your own following, you must be part of other followings. It's all about give and take!
With these tips, we hope you feel comfortable managing your station's Twitter account. Have fun with it! If you'd like more radio station social media management tips, check out our related articles on How to Manage Your Radio Station's Instagram Page and How to Manage Your Radio Station's Facebook Page. And of course, tweet us @Live365 (or @Broadcast365) if you ever want to engage with us!
Happy tweeting (and broadcasting)!
Ready to start your own station? Contact one of our Product Consultants or visit our website today.
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Article Image: A circular cutout of the Twitter logo (white bird on a baby blue background) against a dark wooden backdrop. (victoreus via DepositPhotos.)
