How to Set Up Your Twitter Profile
Maybe you have heard about this tiny, little social networking site called Twitter and you have come to realize that it could be a simple and easy way for you to connect with members of your audience. If this is you and you don't know where to begin, I'm here to help. I'll be walking you through everything you need to do and know in order to be ready to start tweeting immediately.
1. Create Your Twitter Account - This is simple, just fill out your desired username, real name, password, and email address.
2. Post a Photo or Logo - I prefer a photo here as people want to see what the person they are following looks like. To upload your photo go to Settings, then the Picture tab.
3. Change Background Image - Do not just select one of the default backgrounds provided by the system. You need to have one made that is custom to your account. This means adding a few things to the background, such as a URL, larger photo of you or your brand, and any other company information that you want to the visitor to know. Make it look professional, and also unique so you can stand out from the crowd. This is done by going to Settings and then the Design tab. Check out our cool Twitter backgrounds article for sites that can help you design something specifically for you or your company.
4. Account Settings - You want to make sure the "more info URL" points back to your site so visitors know where to find more information about you. Also your bio needs to be short and sweet. You don't have a lot of space or time to engage the viewer which means you need a bio that is interesting, humorous, stands out from the crowd, etc. This will increase your chances of the visitor clicking your follow button. Also in the account settings section, don't check the box that says protect updates or only your followers will be able to see your tweets. This will inhibit some people from following you in the first place since they can't see what you are about beforehand.
5. Device Settings - Here you can set up your mobile phone to send tweets via text message. I have a smartphone so I just use a Twitter app, but you can also use the web as well. This is up to you and your own personal preference.
6. Notice Settings - I like knowing when someone sends me a direct message so I can respond to it quickly. If you plan on taking your Twitter marketing seriously, you'll gain a lot of followers and getting email updates when that happens will get annoying quickly, so I recommend unchecking that box. You should also stay on Twitter's newsletter list so you can keep up to date with site changes.
After following these steps, you will have your Twitter profile set up to become a power user!
Cool Twitter Backgrounds
If you really want to make an impression and increase the number of people following you on Twitter then you need to separate yourself from the herd. One way to do so is to make sure that you have a cool twitter background. You do not need a lot of design experience to create something custom and unique, there are plenty of sites out there who offer services for free or for a small fee. Let's take a look at some of the best options.
1. Pictures - This is the simplest and easiest. You just upload a picture that represents you or your business. The positive here is that it will be unique and if done right should help brand your company. The downside is that it most likely will not look the most professional or have important text explaining what you do included.
2. TwitterImage - Here is a source of free backgrounds that you can use, all with royalty free pictures. You might be able to find something here that fits your niche.
3. MyTweetSpace - You can get a free, custom Twitter background that includes some detailed information by picking a theme style and then creating a badge with your personal or company details. They also offer a premium option for $59 if you want something more.
4. TweetStyle - Customize your own background with prices starting at $100 and going up depending on factors like: how quick you want the background completed, number of options, how many changes will be made, and how elaborate of a design it is going to be.
The main point is that you want something different to set yourself apart. This can only help you to increase interest in your tweets and to boost the number of followers that you have.