This document provides information on hosting Twitter chats. It discusses what Twitter chats are, the differences between sponsored and non-sponsored chats, and the benefits of hosting and participating in chats. It offers tips on finding existing chats, setting up a chat with a hashtag, date, and promotion. It also reviews best practices for moderating and reporting on a chat. The document aims to educate and provide steps for starting your own Twitter chat to build community and expertise.

1. MELANIE EDWARDS
MODERNMAMI.COM
ELLA MEDIA
@EllaMedia | @modernmami

2. Background
 Blogging/social
media since 2006
 Parenting/lifestyle
blog to tell stories
 Began working with
PR/brands, reviews
 Evolved to long-
term relationships &
campaigns, plus
consulting
@EllaMedia | @modernmami

3. What are Twitter Chats?
 Conversation on
specific topic or theme
tracked with a
hashtag.
 Take place on a
specific date and time.
 Moderated by chat
host.
 Normally recurring.
@EllaMedia | @modernmami

4. Sponsored vs Non-Sponsored
 Focused on sponsor’s
message
 Usually involve
giveaways to engage
participants
 May have multiple hosts
 Great for building quick
buzz
 Focused on sharing and
learning
 Giveaways optional &
not expected
 Usually have 1-2 hosts
plus guest “speakers”
 Great for building
community & authority
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Sponsored Twitter Parties Non-Sponsored Twitter Chats

5. Why Host Twitter Chats?
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
 Builds community
 Great way to connect with others sharing
similar interests
 Discuss topics all are passionate about
 Creates buzz (for brand, self, services)
 Increase visibility & social media presence
 Share & learn
 Sets you up as expert

6. Why Participate in Twitter Chats?
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
 Builds community
 New connections
 Shared interests
 Learn from
others
Source: Bob Cotter/Flickr

7. How to Find Existing Twitter Chats
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
 Google Doc listing – bit.ly/ChatSched
 @ChatSchedule - twitter.com/ChatSchedule
 Search Twitter
 Keep an eye on hashtags used in your stream!
 Hashtag shout-out!
#GetRealChat #BrandChat #SMChat
#BlogChat #SEOTalk #JournChat

8. How to Host a Twitter Chat
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
 Decide on hashtag (140 characters!) & date/time
 Promote
 Graphic button
 Landing page
 Register it (Twubs.com)
 FB event page
 Tweet it out! A lot…
 Use tools to help you moderate (tweetchat.com)
Source: Maria Sinayskaya/Flickr

9. After the Chat…
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
 Respond to tweets you
didn’t get to during chat.
 Keep tweets going by
asking questions.
 Recap the chat, provide
a transcript, archive it.
 Storify
 Tweetreports.com
(subscription service)

10. Let’s Talk Numbers
 Analyze Twitter chat
results
 # of tweets
 # of retweets
 # of participants
 Reporting tools
 Hashtracking.com
 Tweetbinder.com
 Tweetreach.com
Tweets Retweets Participants
@EllaMedia | @modernmami

11. Things to Consider…
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
 Trolls/spam
 Popular hashtags
attract spam
 Beware trolls
 Hashtag hijacking
 Taking over hashtag
with unintended use
Source: Cali4beach/Flickr

12. Is It Really Trending?
 Default setting on
trends list.
 Based on your location
& who you follow.
 Have to manually
change setting to see
non-tailored trends.
 Can see worldwide,
individual countries,
even city-level.
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Tailored Trends Location-Specific Trends
Friends might tell you your hashtag is trending, but is it really?

13. Tips from Twitter Chat Hosts
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
“[Come] prepared with 6-8 questions per hour [and] prepare to address other questions
from attendees...” ~ Rajean Campbell Blomquist, rajeanblomquist.com
“Don't aim for perfection, you will very likely miss a tweet or ten, but the community will
automatically retweet what they find valuable...”
~ Elma Placeres Dieppa, latinoamerigringa.com
“Hashtag, hashtag, hashtag. You need a hashtag that is short, sweet, and can't be misread
as something else.” ~ Lisa Martin, lisacooking.com
“Pick a time that isn't overly busy on Twitter and that works for your target audience.”
~ Whitney Trujillo, enlistmoms.com

14. Take Action! 5 Steps You Can Take in the
Next Week to Get You Started
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
1. List topics you're passionate about or often asked
about for your expertise. Narrow list down to 1 you'd
like to focus on.
2. Create a hashtag that’s descriptive, but concise.
3. Survey your community for a good day of the week
and time to host your chat. (Does morning or night
work better? Is a certain day of the week not good?)
4. Try it out! Test your hashtag and have an informal
chat with your community.
5. Decide on a frequency for your chat and begin
promoting!

15. Learn More!
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
 Twitter Chat Guide
(Social Media Examiner)
http://bit.ly/SMEtwitter
 How To (Mashable)
http://bit.ly/mashhowto
 Hashtag Hijacking
(Small Biz Trends)
http://bit.ly/smbizhijacking
Source: Alexander Levin/Flickr

16. Questions?
Melanie Edwards
melanie@ellamedia.com
EllaMedia.com | @EllaMedia