Twitter Etiquette for Freelancers and Professionals

Learn how to tweet and make the most out of micro-blogging. Although 140 characters hardly seem like enough rope with which to professionally hang yourself, it is actually possible. Observing proper Twitter etiquette keeps freelancers and professionals out of trouble.

Twitter culture thrives on cutesy names; you shouldn't

While the frat brothers might know you as "The Beer Ambassador," a professional Twitter account should not carry this same moniker -- unless it is in your line of work. Either keep business and pleasure separate or be prepared to lose some freelance work from clients who do not want to do business with a photographer whose name is more appropriate for a home brewing aficionado.

Tweet links, albeit shortened

Full links eat up 140 characters faster than you think. Followers are unlikely to click on a link and no text. Get around this problem by using an URL shortener.

Learn how to tweet

Separate the trite from the interesting. Nobody cares that you had strawberries for dinner, especially not your business clients. On the other hand, most everyone will appreciate your letting them know about the great farmer's market with the unbelievably tasty strawberries for a great price. If you include a link to the farmer's market as well, you quickly become somewhat of an authority on all things local, which can really make your reputation in the local business community.

Hashtags are tools; don't overuse them

If virtually every noun in your tweets has a hashtag symbol, you are overdoing it. Tweeting demands a strong understanding of what's hot and what's not.

Avoid hourly updates and identical tweets

Twitter etiquette does not necessarily frown upon the copious use of the medium, but your followers might. If you are single-handedly taking over the Twitter feed of your followers with messages that are minutes apart, you will soon find yourself alone in the Twitter-verse. The same holds true for the one-trick-pony; if you have only one message -- multi-level marketers, I am talking to you! -- it is time to diversify.

Acknowledge messages

Occasionally you will get mentioned by someone or addressed directly. Unless the tweets are commercial in nature, be sure to respond with at least an acknowledgement.

Twitter etiquette following others

Freelancers, workers and students should exercise a bit of caution whom they follow. There are a number of ladies -- possibly practicing the world's oldest profession -- who will follow anyone and everyone. Following back everyone blindly becomes a problem, especially when professionals peruse your list of contacts. Business clients will not take you seriously if it is apparent that you are following back without so much as a glance at another's Twitter profile.