Twitter is becoming more and more popular every single day, and people turn to this social media platform to fill the world in on what’s going on in their life at that exact moment. Unfortunately, a large portion of users don’t actually use Twitter for anything other than tweeting and posting pictures of themselves, and following their favorite celebs. In reality, there are tons of other ways you can use Twitter that will ultimately have a positive impact on your life. Check out the list below for seven tips you can use to get the most out of your Twitter experience!
1. Follow Several News Outlets
It’s always good to follow news outlets on Twitter so that you can stay up-to-date with what’s going on locally, nationally, and worldwide. However, most people only follow the newspapers or channels that they personally read or watch, and by doing so, they’re only getting one version of each story. Journalists and reporters have countless options when it comes to which angle they want to take when tackling a big story. So the best way to get the scoop from several different points of view is to follow the Twitter accounts of various news outlets.
2. Follow Officials From Opposing Political Parties
Being politically informed is something that is extremely important in the world we live in today; but unfortunately, most people just aren’t. Regardless of which political party you personally identify with, it will benefit you to learn how opposing parties view certain issues and current events. You do not have to agree with them, but in order to back your own beliefs and opinions, you should have a thorough understanding of what the other side believes in.
3. Engage In Social Conversation
The whole point of creating a Twitter account is so that you can be a part of the online social media community. To do this, you actually have to engage and interact with other users. Lots of people exchange tweets back and forth about certain topics, and in the midst of it all, they end up learning a lot about the other person’s point of view. If you simply make an account and then let it sit there, you’re not really using the site to its full extent.
4. Follow Brands You Like
Everyone has certain companies or brands that they’re loyal to, so why not support them by following them on Twitter? If you’re wondering whether or not your favorite brand has an account, the answer is probably yes. Company accounts will often tweet about new deals, product launches, or promotion codes, so if you’re following them, you’ll see these updates on your Twitter feed.
5. Utilize Hashtags
Hashtags are the words or sentences you see on social media that have the pound sign in front of the first letter, and to be quite honest, hashtags are pretty #awesome. They allow Twitter users to categorize tweets based on trending topics. So your favorite activity is hiking? Search the #hiking tag, and you’re sure to find tons of different tweets about the sport, people who share your passion, and you’ll probably find a ton of new hiking-related accounts to follow.
6. Follow Your Local Police Department
Nearly 800 police departments across the U.S. have active Twitter accounts, which they use to keep the public informed. Officers often tweet about public safety information, current suspects, investigations, criminal background information, recent arrests, and much more. A lot of these topics aren’t always covered on the news, and even if they are, it can take hours for a story to be released. So, it’s best to get the details from the officers themselves!
7. Support Your Favorite Charity Or Nonprofit
It’s always good to show your support for a cause or charity that you’re passionate about, and one of the easiest ways to do this is by following their social media accounts. Most charities just want to raise awareness about their goals, and the more followers they get, the more people know about their mission. It’s also a good idea because you’ll be able to see when they’re tweeting about new projects or upcoming events that you could potentially take part in.
So there you have it. Now you’re armed with the top seven best ways to get the most out of Twitter. See, signing up for Twitter isn’t just about following your favorite celebrity (although no one is going to stop you from following Beyoncé) but mix it up a little. By following the tips above, you’ll definitely maximize your experience on this popular social media site, and you’ll stay informed and learn a lot along the way, which is always a plus.
