When I first started tweeting I would post randomly throughout the day about something that had caught my attention at that minute.
The problem I found was that my tweets lacked bite and were in danger of all sounding the same. It was also taking up a huge chunk of my time, flitting in and out of the twittersphere.
So, I took an afternoon out a couple of weeks ago and set up a content plan. Much recommended for bloggers, I found that planning ahead really helped to provide posts which were useful and informative for followers.
I did this by collecting and researching useful content – e.g. seo tips, geek jokes, quotes – and then sitting down and using a spreadsheet to book a time to tweet the info and to then pre-load the posts into my software.
The benefit of doing this is that I now take time to seek out relevant information, knowing that I don’t have to tweet right now. Instead I make notes, add the tweet to the content plan and then schedule the tweet. I’m also able to add spontaneity when it feels right instead of posting lots one day and little the next, keeping a steady stream of interesting content running for my Followers.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=5d458840-462f-4c4f-bdc7-1cef8cc90efe)
@mikecj
I’m amazed to find someone who plans what happens on Twitter – to me the spontaneity is the attraction. It strikes that it’s like turning up to a party with cue cards about conversation topics.
Maybe it’s me?
@InvestorBeginne
When running a business it should be important to plan how and what you tweet. You are giving content to people in hopes of them using your service/product.
I do both planned and spontaneous tweets. I plan my stock tip tweets and some relevant information. My RT and random thoughts are all spontaneous.
@jonsherman121
This is useful advice and I definitely could use a content plan for my twitter account. I’d be curious to see if you have a more specific plan for how and when to get your content out there.
@alisonrothwell
Hello
@mikecj – yes I do conversation too – lots of it
The content plan is more of a backbone, a structure if you like. It frees me up to respond to conversations, RT and build contacts without the nagging feeling that I’m not providing value to followers.
I also think that having a content plan means that you get round the tune in/tune out nature of the Twitterverse since if someone misses my morning tweet they may well catch the afternoon one !
In my opinion, if you network well, and pay attention to your Twitter network, then you’ll never be lacking for good content.
@giantpotential
I just read something a few days ago that made me think and I’ve converted the words to apply to twitter:
“Do we tweet because we have something to say or tweet because we have to say something?”
The fact that you’re planning it Alison makes me thing you have something useful and informative worth sharing – so well done!
I admire that but it’s just not my style I don’t think.
I prefer uncertainty and connections with others over and above anything planned, I guess that’s why I’m not a broadcaster of much, just get into the ‘cocktail party’ as the mood takes me.
A bit inconsistent I know (I’m not a blogger but when I am that could well change!) but once an opportunist always an opportunist I guess.
Got me thinking about the subject though and encouraged me to reply so you have succeeded!
Roberta
@rodkirby
I think this is an interesting idea. But you have to be careful to not lose sight of why you’re on twitter in the first place, which is to engage with the community. Engagement means to share, tweet, re-tweet, help, etc.
I believe in delivering quality content in your tweets but I also want to interact with others – that’s what makes twitter “real” for me – not just an endless loop of scheduled tweets.
@ariherzog
Like all things in life, if you don’t have a plan, what’s the point?
@alisonrothwell
@giantpotential – Thanks Roberta – why not try scheduling a couple of tweets a week about your networking site and see whether it works for you?
Perhaps highlighting a different benefit of membership?
Or an interesting group on the site?
As long as you’re sharing and promoting interesting information, planning in this way is a positive…
@rodkirby – I’m really careful that the content planning is merely a structure to hang my spontaneity on! I don’t just schedule tweets, but as I’ve said earlier, let planning free me up to do the engagement side!
@ariherzog – I like your attitude!
@sylviahubbard1
I just enjoyed this very much & wanted 2stop by 2let uknow!
@retroblique
While automating all of your twitter output is a big no-no, it does make sense to schedule SOME tweets, particularly if you’re primarily an information provider.
For those of us who lean more towards the conversational side of things, there does seem to be some pressure lately to provide links and information rather than the purely anecdotal/conversational tweets.
If you stick purely with conversational tweets I find that your number of followers tends to plateau. Nothing wrong with that, but if you want to expand your base of followers (particularly if you have some sort of brand to build, be it a business or just a blog), I think you really need to be an information provider for your peers too.
In the last week I’d made up my mind to start offering more links/info and was considering some sort of structured approach. Spontaneously providing links/info is still perfectly valid, but it does take some time out of your day-to-day flow as you peck and hunt for info. What I’m doing now is building up a potential set of links during the day as I work through Google Reader, then creating the schedule overnight for staggered posting during the day. This then frees me up to concentrate on the conversational/spontaneous side of tweeting.
@seanmd1
I think Alisons organised approach is an excellent idea.
@WelcomeCards
I have to agree with Mike CJ – planning for tweets on Twitter takes the fun and spontaneity away from it all.
@TraceyTarrant
As the owner of a company who handles social networking for others, content plans are crucial and so is spontaneity. For those who use Twitter for marketing purposes, you need to have so much more than just “Hi I’m here buy my thing”
Having a plan saves so much time and for me, it’s imperative I save my clients as much time as I possibly can.
However, spontaneity is also very important. Which is why I encourage my clients to log on a couple times throughout the day and toss out some posts. I also log on and talk to others, answer questions, and tweet about other things I’ve found relevant to my clients’ business.
@uttermag
Alison,
Posting tweets at a certain time during a given day is well very smart. I guess whenever I get on Twitter, or my client Hootsuite, I easily want to retweet something that I just found.
This would also be a good time to create groups to make sure you do not miss a tweet that you want to retweet later.
Best Regards.
@Intepat
It’s really interesting to know that we can plan and schedule the tweets. I am new comer in tweets and I do not know any software which can help me to schedule my tweets. Can anyone help me in this regard.
Thanks in advance helping me out.
@dennisbaker
Scheduling tweets and blog posts is high on my to do for 2010. Right now I am only working about a day ahead of schedule. I am agreeing with what seems to be majority consent, that there need to be a balance of planned content and spontaneity. I think the spontaneity can from in @reply. Also I have altered what I write about based on a current conversation in Twitter or the blogosphere.
@tj_bras4mums
This is a great idea and one I’m starting to think about more. I love my twitter chats, but am also conscious of my followers wanting information and support from me. The way my days work I can’t be on twitter much of the day, so a few planned informational tweets are useful. I’ll then respond to follow ups from those when I can in the evenings.
Useful post Alison. Thanks