Twitter + Associated Content = Success!

Twitter is a multi-functional micro-blogging platform with infinite uses. The only reason I first joined Twitter was to promote my Associated Content articles. After hearing so many positive things abut Twitter in the online and offline press, I just knew that I could benefit from this phenomenon. So I signed up on July 13^th, 2009 under my Associated Content name of Jane_Meyer.

Knowing that other Associated Content writers must also be using Twitter, I performed a search under "Associated Content" and "AC" and found many Twitter friends. It was great to finally be a part of the Associated Content writing community and have communication with other writers, besides leaving each other comments.

I find that the AC Twitter community helps each other out. We all post links to our own articles and then retweet, or re-post (RT in Twitter language) each other's best pieces. Some of the most generous Associated Content tweeters who tweet others' links are Langley Cornwell, Amanda Strosahl and Lynn Mac.

An essential Twitter tool that I rely on to manage my Twitter activity is HootSuite. Many days, I am extremely busy working and cannot regularly post updates on my Twitter profile. With HootSuite, I can manage Twitter in a way that gives the illusion of being online all the time.

HootSuite allows you to manage many twitter user profiles at the same time. I currently manage two profiles. Besides my Associated Content Twitter profile, I also have a Jon & Kate Gosselin blog that I post for fun. I use the twitter name Gosselin_Gossip for the blog.

HootSuite allows me to view both Twitter profiles on one screen. I also submit Twitter posts to be sent in the future. This way, I ensure that my tweets are sent at specific intervals through the day. This feature is especially helpful on the weekends, when I am usually away from my computer.

Another benefit of HootSuite is the way in which you can view your Twitter data. I have set up several columns for each user name. The columns that I can see on one screen show me my home feed (all of the tweets from the people you follow), my mentions (anytime someone retweets your post or mentions you on Follow Friday, this shows up in the mentions column), my pending tweets (tweets that I have scheduled to post in the future) and sent tweets.

Some other columns that I use are direct messages in and out boxes. If someone follows you on Twitter, you are able to send them a direct message (like an email, but only 140 characters long).

By using Twitter and HootSuite to promote my Associated Content articles, I have seen a dramatic increase in my daily pageview averages. Promotion is essential for success at online article writing. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful group of AC Twitter friends. It's great to be able to get to know my fellow Associated Content contributors on a more personal level.