Personal Life

Although Twitter may be considered a simple social network, it can certainly overwhelm you if you’re not prepared for it.  What’s important is to know exactly what are you branding goals.  You don’t want to create an account, be active for the first couple of weeks only to quit right after.

Twitter is a very powerful medium that offers you lots of great ways to help you boost your personal brand.  If you want to be efficient, make sure you use one of these 3 tools.

1. Use BufferApp to curate, manage & schedule content on Twitter

I love Buffer and use it everyday.  I use the premium edition since I’m able to connect up to 1o social profiles.  This tool makes it very easy to schedule content since it comes with its own browser plugin.

2. Use Tweetdeck to manage content & communication on Twitter

 

Tweetdeck was acquired by Twitter and is now available to all users.  It integrates really well with your profile but I honestly don’t use it much.  I prefer Hootsuite.

3. Use Hootsuite to manage content & communication on Twitter and Other Social Networks

Hootsuite is the perfect tool to help you do everything you need to manage not only your content but your communication as well.  I love it because I can connect my other social media profiles and not limited to Twitter only.

 

Conclusion

Whichever tool you decide to go with, start using the basic free versions.  That’s what I did.  I only got the paid versions when I felt I’ve outgrown the current limitations and I somewhat was active on Twitter where I was consistently posting content.

 

Personal branding on Twitter will help you generate lots of awareness as well as interest in what you have to offer.  One way to ruin it is by having an unprofessional Twitter profile.

Whether you’re just starting out on this popular social network or an advanced user, make sure you’re taking advantage of all the features available within your profile options.  It surprises me how many people are simply not taking the time to fully complete and optimize their accounts and yet, complain how Twitter is not generating any interest in their personal brand.

Here are 3 things you need to do in order to have the perfect twitter profile.

1. Boost First Impressions with Your Profile Photo

The first thing people see when they discover you on Twitter is profile pic.  Make sure you’re using one that makes you look good and supports your personal brand.  The last thing you want is having negative first impressions within the first couple of seconds of someone getting in contact with you.

I got mine done with a professional photographer and been using it across all my social networks.  Make sure it’s 400 x 400 pixels at least so it fits perfectly.

You can view my Twitter profile.

 

2. Showcase Your Passion Using the Header Photo

Many users on Twitter aren’t even taking advantage of this feature where you can upload a header photo that’s 1500 X 1500 pixels right above your Twitter profile.

It’s a great way to showcase your passion and simply being creative.  Avoid putting a message in there since it will display differently on mobile devices.  You don’t want to confuse people.  I recommend you use images or a background that supports your interests.

For example, I love my computer and eCommerce. So I chose this background that has a keyboard, mouse and coffee.

3. Optimize Fully Your Profile Info

Name
Make sure to use your full name so that people can find you and realize this is your official account.  The last thing you want is use a name that people don’t recognize.

Bio
Having a well optimized bio is key on Twitter.  Make sure display your valuable proposition by stating who you are, what you do and what differentiates you from the rest out there.  You can mention where you work as well as your position.  You can also mention your interests or passion.  Be creative and keep testing different variations of it.

Location
Specifying your location can open up new local opportunities for you especially when someone discovers you for the first time.  If I know you live in my city and we share similar interests, it increases the chance of me contacting you.

URL
Having your personal website within your profile is very important especially if people want to learn more about you and what it is that you do or offer.  Make sure your the website you’re sending people to is mobile friendly since most of the traffic will come to you from apps or smartphones.

Conclusion

Your personal brand wouldn’t be complete without you being present on Twitter.  It’s one of the least understood social networks, yet the one powerful tool that simply allows you to connect with those you’re trying to target within your branding strategy.

Make sure you have a professional headshot, a creative header photo and a well optimized bio with a link to your website.  Do this and you will notice how easy it is to connect with people who are genuinely interested in you and what it is that you have to offer.

Good luck!