This document provides a basic user guide to Twitter, explaining what Twitter is, how to use various Twitter features such as tweets, followers, following, direct messages, retweets, hashtags, lists, and platforms. It discusses how to get started on Twitter by creating a profile and account, and encourages following the author's Twitter account.

1. A Basic User GuideCreated By:Kathrine FarrisOwner/Administrative ProfessionalOffice Solutions METwitter

2. What isTwitter?Twitter is an online social media PlatformA place to share informationA way to find informationA place to ‘meet’ and connect with people of similar interests and potential clientsA way to ‘listen’ and ask what people thinkBest of all, it’s FREE

3. TweetA Tweet is a message typed and sent out on TwitterTweets are seen by everyone who is following youTweets can only be 140 characters, and should be shorter for easy ReTweetingTweets can be about anything you find interesting or informational

4. FollowerFollowers are people on Twitter who see your Tweets, they have chosen to follow youA list of your followers is on your profileUsually, It is good practice to follow people who follow you

5. FollowingFollowing someone on Twitter allows you to see their Tweets and Direct Message themA list of who you are following is on your profile

6. DirectMessage(DM)A Direct Message is a Tweet that is only seen by the recipient Someone has to be following you in order to Direct Message themDirect messages are a great way to ask a someone a specific question or personally thank them for following you

7. ReTweet(RT)A ReTweet, is when you forward someone else’s Tweet to all of your followersA ReTweet contains RT and original senders name shown with an ‘@’ symbol (i.e. RT @OfficeSME)This is a great way to increase the number of people that see your TweetsTo allow others to ReTweet your Tweets, keep your Tweets short

8. Hash Tag(#)Hash tags help to organize Tweets of similar content Hash Tags are shown as a number (#) sign followed by the topic (i.e. #Maine, #Cars, etc.)Hash Tags are helpful in getting Tweets to appear in search results

9. PlatformsThere are many different 2nd party sites that allow users to Tweet and organize Tweets and followersTweets include a ‘from’ line at the end, this indicates the platform used (i.e. web, Tweetdeck, etc.)Each site has it’s own advantages and disadvantages

10. ListsYour Followers can be organized into categories called listsYou can establish custom categories to organize your followersPeople that are following you can add you to a list that they have createdPeople can see the lists that you are added toPeople can follow entire lists

11. Symbol RecapBecause Tweets are limited to 140 characters, symbols and abbreviations are important@ – Twitter user name# – Hash Tag RT – ReTweetDM – Direct Message

12. How to get Started…Get started on Twitter, www.Twitter.comChoose a user name and passwordCreate a profile that tells about you and/or your businessUpload a pictureStart Tweeting and Following

13. Follow me on Twitter by going to www.Twitter.com/OfficeSMEOr search for @OfficeSMEHappy Tweeting!Let’s Connect!