Thursday

7 ways to increase Twitter followers

My goal for the end of 2015 was to reach 10k Twitter followers and, in fact, it looks like I'm going to reach it by the end of September. If there's something I feel confident about, it's picking up Twitter followers. Of course it's not all about the numbers but, let's face it, we all get a little boost when somebody follows us. Besides, the more people follow us on Twitter, the more people check out our blogs and isn't what we all want, if we're really honest?
Easy guide to get follows on Twitter for bloggers
These seven pointers are what I've found to be the most effective way to increase followers. As always, it's worth experimenting with different strategies to see what works best for you.
FOLLOW OTHERS

This is the part where bloggers say "It's called social media for a reason lol". I won't do this (mainly because it's not actually very funny) but the point remains- if you want people to follow you, you need to follow other people. What I like to do is go through my favourite hashtags (#bbloggers- beauty bloggers; #fbloggers- fashion bloggers; #lbloggers- lifestyle bloggers) and follow anybody who catches my eye. Some of them will follow back. Some won't but don't be that person who follows and unfollows when it's not reciprocated. There are plenty of perfectly good reasons to unfollow someone, but this one's just annoying.  

GIVE PEOPLE A REASON TO FOLLOW

As I said above, I follow people who catch my eye. That is the main reason people will follow you- something about your profile interests and intrigues them. As a general rule, an image of yourself is more appealing than your logo, and a clear headshot is more so than full-body. (I've noticed people with a unique style, such as brightly coloured hair or tattoos, are especially eye-catching, but I wouldn't recommend doing this just to gain followers!). Use your bio to explain who you are and what you do in a fun way that showcases your personality. By the way, it's advisable to include your URL in your bio as well as the dedicated section as it will show up when in the little hover profiles. Pin a tweet that is funny, interesting or helpful to your profile. Remember first impressions are important!

SHARE LINKS
One of the easiest ways to get yourself out there is to share links to your blog with the relevant hashtags and a photo. People can see straight away if you appeal to them and it has the added bonus that they're more likely to click over to your blog.

PARTICIPATE

That said, there's nothing more boring than following someone who only posts their links, or auto-tweets their Instagram or Pinterest updates without actually sharing anything of value. The beauty of Twitter is that you can just jump in and join any conversation you see and nobody bats an eyelid. Admittedly, the big bloggers don't always respond, and that sometimes puts people off, but your average blogger is happy to engage. Besides joining in the conversation, share your thoughts, make jokes, ask questions. Do anything as long as it's interesting!

JOIN CHATS

There are Twitter chats every night of the week (slightly outdated timetable here) and there are always new people taking part. Take an active part in the chat and join the conversation, rather than just answering the question and leaving it at that. I try to talk to at least one new person in every chat. It's just nice to welcome them, especially as chats can be quite intimidating at first. 

Related: 5 tips on getting the most out of Twitter chats

BE HELPFUL

Similarly, help people out. If you see somebody ask a question and you can help, let them know. If you can't help, but you know somebody else who could, point the original poster in their direction. Being helpful not only supports other bloggers, but it also gains you more respect and therefore more follows. Good karma and all that. As an aside, I once saw someone on Twitter complain that somebody had asked her for advice and, I quote, "I sent her my rates and never heard back". Instant unfollow right there. Being helpful costs nothing.

Related: 4 ways to support fellow bloggers

BE YOURSELF

That said, be yourself. If you're not all sweetness and light, don't feel you have to pretend to be. I remember following Terri because she was posting sarcastic budget beauty tips in a #bbloggers chat and I follow Sophie because she is completely unapologetic about her views, even if I don't always agree with them. Whoever you are, there are going to be people out there who completely love it.

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Ultimately it comes down to three things: Be visible, be active and add value. You can't go wrong! 

Bloglovin' // Twitter // Instagram

17 comments :

  1. ...And also be a sexy bedbug bitch <3 Yep. xx

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  2. Awesome info! Twitter has proven to be my best source of traffic next to Facebokk groups!
    Keep rocking it! I am following so you are 1 follower closer :)

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  3. Who on *earth* would send rates to someone who asked them a question? Goodness me, the inflated sense of self of some people on the Internet is completely mad.

    Really useful guide as ever, Becky!

    Cate in the Kitchen

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  4. I always try and do everything above, i just forget what time chats are on even though i have them written down somewhere haha =]

    emyii90.blogspot.co.uk

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  5. This is such a useful post! I'm so bad with remembering to use twitter even though it's such a useful platform, this is helping me get right back in!

    Beth || babbleswithbeth.blogspot.co.uk

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  6. Love this post! Your advises are super useful and I totally agree when you say "don't be that person who follows and unfollows when it's not reciprocated". That really annoys me! :) xx

    www.thecovetbeauty.com

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  7. Love the article!!! finding very useful for me now, as I've just lunched my website and looking for diff ways to increase the traffic!!! BTW admire your passion about dressing up ur shape!!!xxx

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  8. Loved this post! I'm pretty sure I do most of these already so hopefully I'm using the Twittersphere right! :P

    hellomissjordan.com xx

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  9. Hey there,
    I absolutely love your blog. My twitter name is: LaurenStantonx (not very creative) These tips have really helped me increase my followers. Thank you! If you wondered what I do on the internet, here is my blog: www.laurelella.blogspot.com

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  10. Really helpful post as always, to be honest I never even thought of searching my most used hashtags to find bloggers I might want to follow. Such a good idea! I'm off to do that now! Angelica x

    http://cosybookcorner.blogspot.co.uk

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  11. great advice ! I only recently started paying attention to my twitter acount so this has been really helpful! <3 - www.missleoniewilson.com

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  12. Great advice, I find a lot of my traffic comes from twitter too it's definitely my most engaging social network. I might swap my photo to one of me though
    AliceMegan

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  13. Really great advice! I definitely notice a difference in my followers between the weeks that I'm really actively following new people and interacting and the weeks when I barely share anything.

    Kristi | Be Loverly

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  14. Great advice Becky! I've definitely noticed an increase when I join in the chats regularly! They're such a good way to find people to talk to. Sharing is something I'm trying to do more, but often forget... I'm working on it aha!

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  15. Great advice, and congrats on reaching your target for the year!
    I sometimes wonder why some people can be a snob on twitter....when at times that person is me! =/ Hopefully to pick up some more followers using some of your tips ;)

    Manik Makina | That MM Blog

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  16. I really enjoy reading your tips on blogging and social media. As a new starter of these social media, your advice really helps!! Looking forward to more tips as such and thanks :)

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I read all comments and appreciate every single one, even if I can't always reply. If you have a question or need a reply, feel free to tweet me @BeckyBedbug- I always reply to tweets!

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