How to Write a Tweet

Messages on Twitter, called tweets, are 140 characters or less.

Twitter.com is a mirco-blogging service where users send messages, called tweets, using a maximum of 140 characters per tweet to their followers. Due to this limit, users have be selective in what they write. There are a few clues you can keep in mind when you send tweets.

Instructions

1. Log into your Twitter account and start writing your message under the heading "What's happening." When you have completed your tweet click "Send." This will post your message to everyone that follows you. Remember to keep it short; abbreviations are frequently used in tweets because of the required brevity.

2. Reply to other users by either adding "@" before their Twitter username or by clicking the "Reply" button next to their tweet.

3. Read other people's tweets and if you find one that you like click the "Retweet" button or add the letter "RT" before their message to "Retweet" what they said. This will repost their tweet to all your followers.

4. Send "Direct Messages" (DM) to a follower if you want to send a tweet that only she can read. Find the person you would like to send a DM to by clicking "Following" button on the main page then click "Message" and add the letter "d" before the tweet.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel confused about the terminology used on Twitter take a look at their "Glossary" listed in the References section. There are several third-party tools that can enhance the way you use Twitter (for example, by adding images, videos and polls). See Resources for such tools.

References

• Twitter.com: Twitter 101: How should I get started using Twitter?
• Twitter.com Glossary

Resources

• JohannesAhrenfelt.com: Useful and Effective Twitter Tools