35 Conversation Starters To Share On Twitter

So, once you build your profile with your bio and spiffy Twitter background, how do you jump in?  One of the most often asked questions I hear from those just starting out in social media marketing is, “What do I talk about?”.

During a recent call I presented the basics of Twitter, from setting up profiles,  building credibility, and marketing with value and then did some q & a at the end of the call.  Several questions were about starting conversations and what to talk about without sounding like a sales guy.

One sweet lady, and friend of mine, was super excited to get started, immediately set up her profile, but then sat on it for two weeks without following up.  When I asked her why she said she didn’t know what to talk about or where to find relevant topics to talk about.  She is not alone.

Even for those that have been in social media for a while are always on the lookout for good stuff to talk about or share with their community.  So, I’ve put together a list of topics and a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing again.

Feel free to add to the list by leaving your idea in the comments.  (Commenting on blogs is a form of social media as well and can lead to conversations that will give you more content to use on Twitter so don’t hesitate to leave yours!)

35 Ways To Spark A Conversation On Twitter

1. Your new blog posts (Don’t have one?  Get one.  Blogs ARE social media and should be your hub)
2. Someone else’s blog post
3. An article you’ve written
4. An article from somewhere else
5. A video demonstration
6. A funny or controversial video
7. Before and after photos of work you’ve done
8. Humorous or inspiring photos
9. Client success stories/case studies
10. Free e-book
11. Special report
12. White paper
13. Upcoming event announcement
14. Live reports from an event you are currently attending (There are live web conferences everyday.  Join in & tweet key notes)
15. Book reviews/recommendations
16. Recommended products
17. Recommended services
18. Tips for doing something better
19. How-to suggestions
20. A series of related posts
21. Recent media coverage you have received
22. Inspirational advice (either your own or motivational quotes, but don’t overdo it. Mix it up with other tips)
23. Forward someone else’s update (social media is about sharing…be sure to show love by crediting original user with @reply)
24. Breaking news alerts
25. Leads for opportunities (media, clients, etc.)
26. Requests for participation (guest posts on your blog, speaker for an event you’re hosting, etc.)
27. Interesting photo from a recent event
28. Teleseminar/Webinar invitation
29. Contest announcements
30. Special sales, offers and discounts (delivered sparingly)
31. Request for audience feedback
32. A compelling question you want answered
33. Anything offered for free
34. Insider tips that people won’t find anywhere else
35. Your opinion on just about anything with target audience appeal

Remember to mix it up with a combination of these tips.  Don’t just tweet a bunch of motivational quotes or news flashes.  They are great to read, but provide no credibility for your personal authority in a subject.

The best tip is to just jump in with a giving heart.  Women are good at this and are born with a natural tendency to want to share of themselves.  Just be yourself, appreciate people, and let them know you are listening.

Once you build trust it’s much easier to lead someone to your blog (remember,that’s your hub) or better yet, let your community of online friends refer people for you.  The sales become a natural process built from trust.

Got other ideas for conversations?  What’s your most interesting, amusing, or personal way of stirring up a bit of controversy on Twitter? Please leave your comments…this is another way to show love & I do love to be loved!! 

To Your Success,

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Tagged as:  community · Marketing With Social Media · Twitter