Yesterday I talked about how to improve your chances of selling me something on Twitter.
Today it’s about using links. And why I don’t like being told what to do.
Okay, I get it. You want me do something (read this, buy this, look at this, etc.). But all too often, you don’t tell me what it is, why you chose to post it, or how it would benefit me to do what you want me to do. So, for me, it comes across as yelling.
Worst:
(link)
Please don’t ever just post the link and nothing else. Ever. Unless your only followers are your family and they love you too much to ignore your link.
Bad:
- Get this great book. (link)
- Read this post. (link)
- Watch this video. (link)
Who on earth do you think you are and why are you ordering me to do something? Oh yeah, and why should I obey you?
Better:
- Get this great award-winning book, Dancing with Dynamite, by Tim Huff. (link)
- I just posted a blog about three things I love about spring. (link)
- Watch this short video on how to make a healthy breakfast without cereal or milk. (link)
Okay, at least I can decide if it’s something that interests me. Sort of.
Best:
- I teared up reading Dancing with Dynamite, an award-winning, life-changing book about people who are different, by Tim Huff. (link)
- How do you feel about spring? It’s my favourite season and I just blogged about why. I’d love to know if you agree. (link)
- I’ve started eating healthy and I feel great. To learn how I did it, watch this short video on how to make a healthy breakfast. (link)
In other words, think good writing and news stories, and give me the “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “why” and “how” if you actually want me to check out your link.
Thanks “Anonymous.” Yeah, I think most of the time, we get so focused on what we’re doing or we want to do that we don’t get around to thinking how our audience will perceive it. Which of course means we need to stop and take stock now and then, and come up with a game plan. But that’s hard when life is rushing past!
A very helpful tip. Most do not realize how their tweets can be read as “telling the reader what to do.” I don’t tweet a lot but I will certainly remember this “food for thought” next time I do tweet. Really enjoyed reading your post yesterday also….so true and something to really think about also.