First off, let me say that if X (formerly Twitter) is not for you, I get it. I used to be a “blue check” (back in the day when you could earn that blue check rather than paying for it. That’s no shade on the people who are paying for it (especially if they like it and are finding it to be a good way to engage and get the word out about their work). I do not enjoy it anymore, so I only use my account occasionally for broadcast purposes. In that way, I am using X (formerly Twitter) as part of the “All, Then One” social media strategy that I discuss over here.
Building a larger and more engaged following on Twitter (now X) takes a mix of strategy, consistency, and authenticity. It all starts with optimizing your profile. Use a high-quality profile picture that represents you or your brand, and craft a compelling bio that tells people who you are, what you do, and why they should follow you. Don’t forget to include relevant links to your website, newsletter, or other platforms to build credibility and drive traffic.
Once your profile is set, focus on sharing high-quality, relevant content. Your posts should offer value—share tips, insights, or resources that resonate with your target audience. Visuals like images, GIFs, or videos can boost engagement, and threads are perfect for telling a story or diving into detailed information. Consistency is key here; posting regularly keeps you visible in your followers’ feeds.
Engagement is equally important. Be authentic by replying to others, joining conversations in your niche, and adding your own perspective when retweeting content. Starting conversations through questions or opinions is another great way to spark discussions and attract followers.
Hashtags and keywords are powerful tools for making your tweets discoverable. Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience and incorporate trending or niche-specific keywords naturally into your posts. To stay relevant, tweet about trending topics in your niche while offering your unique insights. Participating in hashtag challenges can also boost your visibility.
Collaboration can help you grow your audience faster. Engage with influencers by commenting on their posts or retweeting their content. Partnering with others for giveaways, shoutouts, or co-created content can expose you to new audiences. And don’t hesitate to promote your Twitter account on other platforms—share your handle on Instagram, LinkedIn, email newsletters, or even in your email signature.
To refine your strategy, leverage Twitter’s analytics. Track your performance to identify what resonates with your audience and adjust your posting times for maximum engagement. Joining Twitter Communities or participating in Spaces related to your niche can also help you connect with like-minded people and grow your authority.
Finally, remember to be patient and consistent. Focus on attracting followers who are genuinely interested in your content rather than chasing numbers. Stay authentic, let your personality shine, and engage meaningfully to build trust over time. With persistence, you’ll cultivate a loyal and engaged audience.
