Automated Twitter Messages. Really?
I’m a bit of a late comer to the world of social media, but twelve months ago I decided I had to grab the bull by the horns and start learning how the different social media platforms work. Last year my focus was on Twitter.This year it’s Instagram and maybe even Google+, if I ever get the time to focus on more than one at a time.
One thing I have learned about Twitter, which I never expected, is that I love it. I love the way it works. I love the challenge of keeping Tweets short and sweet; something I struggle with as I am a natural born rambler (as in talking). I love being able to connect with other bloggers, pass the time of day, share some banter or just read what others have to share.
Automated Twitter messages don’t leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside, like a genuine Twitter message would.
However one of the things that I can’t get my head round, are the automated Twitter messages. Yes, I schedule Tweets to go out at set times, so my feed doesn’t become too in your face, but I wouldn’t dream of trying to connect privately with a person by sending them an automated Twitter message. It’s insincere and quite frankly, just not right.
When I follow a person I would much rather not have the follow acknowledged, than to receive some automated Twitter Message thanking me, before asking me to check out their blog, and/or follow them on their numerous other social media platforms by saying:
“Hey did you know I was on FB/ Instagram/ Google+ too? Why not pop over and follow me there too?…”…
Umm, I’m not a dummy and am quite capable of finding you on FB, Instagram or Google+, if I do so wish! And I don’t see you checking me out on any other platform, but then again you send automated Twitter messages, so you probably don’t even know who I am!
Mini Rant Over, But Here’s Some Advice
Now here’s a thought; rather than send out automated Twitter messages to any new followers, why not pop over and check out their blog or other social media platforms. This may sound like a totally absurd suggestion, but why not browse and read a few of their posts whilst you are checking out their blogs? Maybe you could even go as far as leaving a thoughtful comment or two?
Why? I Hear You Ask?
I know that I, for one, try my hardest to visit most of the bloggers who take the time to check out my blog and leave a comment. I also know that many other bloggers work in the same way. It’s called sharing the love and not grabbing it and running for the hills.
There will be times when a fellow blogger may not have the time to, or not want to check your blog out and return the love, but you have a far better chance of receiving blog love or social media love if you give it (without expecting to receive), than if you send an insincere automated Twitter message.
I don’t mean to offend anyone and may have got it all wrong. I would love to hear what your thoughts are on sending automated Twitter messages. Are you a sender of them? Do you feel you benefit from using them? Or are you like me and can’t get your head round them?
© 2016, Debbie. All rights reserved.
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