illustration by Gopal Raju
Well, the answer to the title of this post is nicely summed up in the quite awesome song, “You’re No One If You’re Not On Twitter” by Ben Walker
By now the twitter phenomenon is far enough along that it’s fair to say you have at least heard of Twitter. If you haven’t, or are not clear on what it is exactly, then let me explain. Or at least try.
Twitter is a “micro-blogging” service where you broadcast simple messages about what you’re doing right now. Most users don’t stick to only this topic though. Many “tweet” about an interesting link they came across, promoting their blog, website, or upcoming event (gigging musicians, that’s where you come in). You can also use it to reply directly to other users, publicly or privately.
Who do you broadcast TO? Good question. And it’s a question that every Twitter newbie continuously asks themself during their beginning days of using the service. Basically, you follow people, and people follow you. When you follow someone, all of their tweets are fed into your constantly updating list on your twitter homepage.
The way you find followers is to first follow many people who interest you. Try searching twitter for people who interest you. You can also use the advanced search options to find people in your area (good for forming a local network of potential show goers). Join twitter conversations and use @reply to send messages directly to other users (send me a shout @casjam!). Promote your recent tweets on your website, blog, facebook, myspace.
I would also suggest using one of the many Twitter clients out there for reading and posting tweets without having to log on to the Twitter website. The one I use is Twitterrific.
For Musicians
Twitter is yet another online tool for you to use to promote your music and gigs. As your following (both real and virtual) grows, Twitter can be a great way to continuously interact with your friends and fans.
Use it to promote your gig tonight. Keep it interesting by announcing a tip on which rare cover or old tune will be making it’s way into the setlist.
Use Twitter to promote your music. Keep your people informed and updated on the progress you and the band are making in the studio. Send out a link for them to download new mp3s, or a see a video of last night’s performance.
Use it to network. Twitter has become a proven tool for networking with others who share the same interests, or profession. This can certainly be true for the music world. Tweet a call for a drummer who digs playing live hip-hop, or an audio engineer in the Chicago area, or a rehearsal space for rent.
It’s a little strange at first, but it quickly becomes both addicting and very useful. For more stuff than you can possibly handle in one sitting, check out Darren Rowse’s new blog TwiTip.
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12/3/2008
9:41 pm
remowill
This is a great idea. I think you can use Twitter to promote a lot of things.