I’ve been getting quite a few messages recently from people new to the world of Twitter, having no clue how to use it. As Twitter is now becoming quite mainstream, I felt a post mentioning the basic’s of Twitter should be quite useful. If you’re already an avid user of the micro-blogging service, there’s not much need for you to be here. Otherwise, read on!

What is Twitter?
In the most simplest forms, Twitter is a website on which you write what you’re up to at any one moment in 140 characters or less. That does include spaces, punctuation, links etc. People can find your ‘tweets’ (the messages that you post) through a number of different channels. Whether that be another profile, a search, or simply by networking through other users. You can follow people, and people can follow you. Most of the time, you’ll find your followers have similar interests to yourself.

Why would I use it?
Quite a few people create their accounts, then never use them. Others, however, have posted thousands of tweets over the months or years. Some accounts are directly linked to RSS feeds, and so only show articles from a website, for example. Many news papers use this method, so you can easily follow the latest headlines via Twitter. Other people use it to self-promote their services and/or talents, while others simply connect with friends, chat, and put across their day’s events in short bursts.

You mentioned networking?
While you’re ultimately posting the 140-character messages, there’s also a lot of connectivity to have fun with. There’s two options for connecting with another user and the difference between the two is simple – one’s public, the other is private. The first (public), is known as an @reply. For instance, if you saw a tweet that I posted, and wanted to comment, you would start your own tweet with ‘@edparry92 ‘ which is then followed by your message. All of your followers see this as a normal tweet, while for myself, it would be highlighted. The second (private), is known as a DM, or Direct Message. This message would not be seen my your followers – only by the receiver. Say, if someone asked for your email address, you wouldn’t necessarily want to post this to all your followers – and allow it to be picked up by search engines. Using a DM means the person still receives your email address, but the world doesn’t know. This will become clear once you’re logged in and can see the options available in the sidebar. I will mention, however, that the person who you are trying to ‘DM’, will also need to be following you, for your message to send.

Can I use it on the go?
While Twitter is situated at twitter.com, there’s many different applications that offer access to Twitter on your computer and mobile phone. Search for twitter applications in Google, and you’ll be presented with many options – each offering different solutions. Whether you want a small application to send a tweet, or what an entire window space showing you what’s hot right now, what you’re followers are saying, and any DM/@replies you’ve recently got. They’re all out there. There’s also many applications available for your phone. Twitter’s mobile site is useful, but if you’re using Blackberry or iPhone/iPod touch, take a look at a few Twitter apps available to you.

Any rules to follow?
There’s no definite rules, no. Of course standard procedures would still apply, so don’t tweet about typing 321 instead of 123 for your credit card’s security code. Also – somethings will always be personal to you. It’s preferred not to tweet from inside the bathroom, or at least not about what you’re doing inside. You’d likely see a few followers leave around that point, especially if your descriptive English is good.

Anything else?
I think that’s covered the basics mostly. One thing I will mention, though, is don’t be disheartened if you don’t have many followers. It’s likely you’ll start of with only a few people, and it seems as though you’re talking to a brick wall. If you’re tweets are interesting, people will slowly begin to find, and follow you. Not in a weird way, either. Following people you find interesting is a good start too. Those people will also visit your profile, and if they feel the same about you – they’ll likely follow back. Twitter has been used in numerous news stories around the world, offering first hand accounts and beating the press to events too. You can use Twitter to follow your friends, people in the same, or similar field to you, newspapers/companies that you enjoy learning about – you get the idea.

I hope that answers a few questions people have been having regards to Twitter. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, shoot me an email: edparry@me.com.

Also feel free to follow myself on twitter: twitter.com/edparry92