Twitter is the current social media phenomenon and it is definitely here to stay. However, before you sign up for your Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com) you need to consider a few things. Social media is just that – SOCIAL. The idea is that it is YOU interacting with other people. If you want people to follow you, it is better to be yourself.

If you were at a party and someone introduced themselves as “Marketing Guru Inc” instead of “Steve”, the chances are, you aren’t going to hang around to chat to him. You can only make a first impression once. So when you pick your Twitter ID (hopefully it will be available), it is always better to pick your own name or maybe a nickname.

Once you’ve signed up, you need to add a few things to your Twitter profile. Try to find a picture of yourself, looking at the camera and smiling.  Your picture is a major factor when people decide whether or not to follow you. You can also include your website and your bio is also important. You only have 160 chars for your bio so make it sharp, snappy and please avoid spelling mistakes and text speak.