Is Twitter Helping or Hurting Your Blog?

September 16, 2011 By Frank Dickinson Filed Under: Blogging Tips, Social Networking 51 Comments

Call me old fashioned, but I’m still a Twitter junkie. I laugh at recent comments about its pending death.

Ask a person involved in any of the recent conflicts around our world if they think Twitter is helpful? We may use it differently now, but I do not believe it is going away anytime soon.

Relative to blogging, the question of the day is: Is Twitter helping our hurting your blog?

Here are my thoughts:

3 Ways Twitter Can Help Your Blog:

1. Exposure – Twitter is a great platform to use to expose your blog to potential readers. If used correctly (more on that in a second), Twitter will help gets “eyes on” your stuff. Again, I say, if used correctly.

2. Extension – Twitter can extend the conversation taking place on your blog. The idea here is to have as many places as you can manage to meet your audience. Not everyone likes to comment on blog posts. Twitter offers another place to hold the conversation with your readers/audience/community/fans. An added bonus is if you use the Livefyre comments system, since this allows conversations (not just retweets) around your post on Twitter to be integrated with your blog.

3. Engagement – This is key. Better blogs are built through engagement. Especially if you are a new blogger, you need to find ways to engage folks that are potential readers. Using Twitter as a platform for engagement is all about creating conversations that become the force for learning about the needs, desire, wants of those who come by and read your stuff.

3 Ways Twitter Can Hurt Your Blog:

1. Time suck – Twitter is addictive. The simple truth is that you can spend way too much time talking on Twitter and not near enough on building your blog. That is time suck. It sucks away your focus and concentration on the most important part of your online presence – your hub – your blog.

2. Spamalot – Spamalot is more than a great Monty Python musical – it is the worst possible way Twitter can hurt your blog. If all you do is spam out your latest post from your blog to Twitter – you are doing it wrong – all wrong. Twitter users are there for more than link spam. If they wanted that, they would just sit around all day on their email. Remember – engagement is key.

3. Tunnel vision – If all you do is expose, extend and engage on Twitter – you are missing the mark of a social media strategy for your blog. I am not saying that you need to be on every social media site (in fact, I would advise against it), but I am saying that tunnel vision for one platform is bad. Facebook and Linkedin are good additions.

Your Turn:

Is Twitter helping your blog? Have you seen ways that it is hurting it? What is your best tip or trick for using this platform?

I’d love to hear your thoughts below!

image: trekkyandy

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Filed Under: Blogging Tips, Social Networking Tagged With: blogging, blogging tips, social media, Twitter

About Frank Dickinson

Frank Dickinson wants to be intimately involved in creating conversations about the subjects that interest him the most; Internet and Affiliate Marketing, Social Media and Personal Development. On his blog, "creating conversations in a world of chatter", you will find tutorials, screencasts, reviews, blog posts, videos and whatever else he can get his hands on to teach, enlighten and inspire.

bobWP

Hey Frank, to answer your question, yes, Twitter has worked great for me, probably because I have been doing exactly what you said. It doesn’t only help my blog, but heck, I’ve even gotten jobs from Twitter.

And I really like your point as far as it “could turn out to be a huge time suck”. The point you made about it taking time away from your blog, or “your hub”, was great. In fact, just did a workshop about using your WordPress blog as your hub : ) That is something so many people overlook…

But, being a huge Monty Python fan, I must admit that link certainly did distract me : )
- FrankDickinson
  
  @bobWP I love me some Monty Python!
  
  I learned the concept of using your blog as you “hub” earlier on from dannybrown . Everything you do from there are “social media outposts.” It’s just a concept that works well for me in organizing my media strategy.
  - bobWP
    
    @FrankDickinsondannybrown Figures you would have learned it from Danny : )
    
    I had been meaning to do that workshop for sometime, as like you, have been using the “hub” concept for quite sometime. Funny thing, when I was actually putting the presentation together, I got an email from a client that said she wanted to take down her blog, as she wasn’t keeping it up, and figured she was having all of her conversations and connections via her Facebook page, so why bother with blog. Yikes! I just cringed when I read that and fortunately she changed her mind.
    - FrankDickinson
      
      @bobWPdannybrown Fortunately for sure. I really all starts with your WP blog – especially from a SEO standpoint. One has to support the other.
    - imei
      
      @BobWP if you do that workshop, I will attend!
    - bobWP
      
      @imei Yeah, I have been doing it in-person around the Seattle, WA area, but am planning some online stuff here real soon!
    - imei
      
      After that workshop with Brian Crouch and Heidi Miller, I have slowly collected all the equipment I need to make my videos and launch a podcast. But I want to better integrate these with my blog, using my WP blog as a “hub” as you say, so this conversation is of interest to me.
      
      Are you thinking of doing your online stuff as webinars, podcasts, vlogs, or livestream?
http://www.mindrisehypnosis.com/ mindrise

i still havent taken up twitter as a means for marketing myself. I find twitter so boring but really need to get moving on using it.
- FrankDickinson
  
  @mindrise Here’s a suggestion: Try setting some specific time allotments to spend on Twitter – say Mon/Wed/Fri from 12-2:00 or 6-6:00 and just interact with folks – build conversations.
  
  Getting the hang of Twitter takes some time and investment.
  
  Let me know how it goes!
http://dr1665.com/ Brian Driggs

Oh man. I can’t leave this one be, Frank.

‘If all you do is spam out your latest post from your blog to Twitter – you are doing it wrong – all wrong.”

Word is born. I agree completely – and then some. But what would you say to someone whose Twitter time line was approaching 50% auto-published links to content?

Whenever I see a Triberr tweet, I consider unfollowing because I figure, if you actually read the post and found it worth sharing, you would have just clicked the share button on the site or had something to say about it.

Just a pet peeve of mine. If you want to share something with your followers on Twitter, I think YOU should share it. Scheduled tweets, to me, aren’t too far off from Foursquare check-ins and anyone giving anyone +K for anything. It’s low value, suggesting one’s followers are merely numbers on a startup’s seed funding proposal.
- FrankDickinson
  
  @Brian Driggs and a good pet peeve it is Brian.
  
  A good Twitter strategy should be one that fosters engagement and adds value. That very statement has caused me to rethink my use of Triberr in recent weeks.
BruceSallan

Yeah, I’m a junkie too…so interesting to learn how Twitter helps, how/what “influence” (and Klout) really means, and more! Since my goals are less earning money oriented, I can not always follow “the rules” – but for businesses and those trying to make a real living with their web activity/writing, whatever, this stuff literally COUNTS!
- FrankDickinson
  
  @BruceSallan So true Bruce. Even with different goals than earning money (say a personal blog) Twitter can also help or hurt you if done incorrectly.
ManInBlackNY

So far I have to say that Twitter has definitely helped my blog gain more exposure. I will also admit that I’m pretty addicted to Twitter and that it does consume a lot of my time. But in that time I’m trying my best to foster some good relationships that will in turn help me become a better blogger and gain even more exposure. Of course, I also return the favor. =)
- FrankDickinson
  
  @ManInBlackNY and that “reciprocity” is what makes it easier to gain respect and engagement on Twitter. It is, as the old saying goes, a two way street.”
  
  Thanks so much fro stopping by!
rojishroy

Twitter helped my blog to gain a lot of new visitors as well as to get in friendship with other bloggers in my niche. Yes, it takes a lot of our time, but fortunately there are some good services like Buffer which will help us to stay productive in twitter and to get maximum results in less time.
- FrankDickinson
  
  @rojishroy I think that is one of the great benefits of Twitter – the friendships with other bloggers. So many things can come out of that ->guest posting, collaboration work etc.
  
  I need to look more into Buffer – don’t know enough about it. Has it worked well for you?
http://www.thejackb.com/ TheJackB

The automation is starting to wear thin for me. Wish more people would take time to add some personality to their tweets.
- MSchechter
  
  @TheJackB I’m going to start streaking when I tweet. I don’t mind the automation that much. Sharing a link is sharing a link. As long as you’re there to jump into the conversations when they happen, all is well by me. Then again, I am probably just crap rationalizing some of the automation I use
jedi_roach

Twitter is my number one referral to my blog. The strategy has to be well thought through before you start. I disagree with the previous comment about scheduled tweets. As long as they are original why not have them scheduled to post when you are not around. Tweet bots that churn out messages you did not create are the pest of Twitter and a huge turn off.
- FrankDickinson
  
  @jedi_roach Yeah – hate me some tweetbots – but can see the useful place of some automatiom.
  
  Like you said perfectly – it takes a well thought out strategy. Without this, I think Twitter can be more hurtful than helpful.
http://www.kaarinadillabough.com/ KDillabough

@TheJackB I’m with you on that Jack. I strive for at least Pareto’s principle: 80% taking the time to add a comment or personalize the tweet, 20% automated, either through Triberr or automatically retweeted manually without personalization.
- FrankDickinson
  
  @KDillabough a solid plan my friend.
http://www.kaarinadillabough.com/ KDillabough

I can’t say that Twitter has helped my blog, but it certainly hasn’t hurt. My major focus lately has been on commenting platforms. So much discussion about livefyre, commentluv and a bit on disqus (which I use), but I can see that the integration of livefyre/twitter has some merit.

My bottom line question: how do all of you keep up with it all? Twitter, blog, commenting, FB, google+, readers…barely time to breathe, haha! Cheers! Kaarina
- FrankDickinson
  
  @KDillabough I’m with you on the barely time to breathe thing Kaarina. For me, especially recently, I have spent more time focusing on my “hub” – my blog.
  
  From there I can determine my time allotment for each of the outposts like Twitter and FB.
- http://dannybrown.me/ DannyBrown
  
  @KDillabough@FrankDickinson Speaking of “hubs”, look out for a revisited series beginning tomorrow (Monday) on here.
  - FrankDickinson
    
    @DannyBrown@KDillabough and a great series it is – it’s where I got (stole) this whole idea of your blog as your “hub”
HerMusings

Twitter has helped in the same ways you have identified above: by creating a platform where you can engage people with your content. However, recently the rise of twitter and blogs in general has caused an oversaturation. Before, simply having a blog was an accomplishment. Now, a blog is a neccessity to develop thought leadership and share your expertise. How do you get your content shared when twitter timelines are full of links? It makes it much harder to get yourself heard through the noise.
- FrankDickinson
  
  @HerMusings The noise is definitely a thing to be dealt with these days. I don’t have the best answer – but this is the one that works for me…build relationships and engagement and your stuff will be automatically be shared by those people who are now looking for it – those “raging fans” that are on a mission to spread your stuff.
  
  Example – I look for the next piece that @DannyBrown or @MSchechter or eddie_smith puts up – I already know through the relationship I have built with them and they with me that their stuff is going to be good and worth sharing to my Followers.
  
  Do this – and you have won the oversaturation battle.
  - http://dannybrown.me/ DannyBrown
    
    @FrankDickinson@HerMusings@MSchechtereddie_smith And the perfect example of what Frank said? I didn’t know Eddie prior to this comment, but I trust Frank’s judgement so I’ll be checking Eddie out now.
    
    It’s like Frank says – connect with the right people and prioritize where you need to be, as opposed to think you should be.
    - MSchechter
      
      @DannyBrown But in all fairness you also checked my stuff out a while ago on a similar recommendation and we all know how that turned out… that said, @eddie_smith is a hell of a lot smarter than I am.
      
      Couldn’t agree more with you and @FrankDickinson. Find the people you like, who have common interests and take a genuine interest in them (except you… I don’t care for you much).
    - http://dannybrown.me/ DannyBrown
      
      @MSchechter Asshat.
  - MSchechter
    
    @HerMusings@FrankDickinson I find lists to be the best way to filter or better yet one list of the few your really don’t want to miss. You miss a boatload, but once you get over that, you don’t really miss all that much.
    - FrankDickinson
      
      @MSchechter@HerMusings Lists fall into the perfect vs better category – they will never be perfect because you will always miss a bunch – but you can strive to do better with them.
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http://www.probloggingsuccess.com/ janesheeba

As far as the damage Twitter can do, I agree with #3. The tunnel vision. In this context, Twitter can never be used as a sole successful social media strategy. It has to be certainly combined with other social media networks!
- FrankDickinson
  
  @janesheeba Exactly Jane. Twitter is one spoke on the social media strategy wheel.
RetirementMedia

I would think the links you get from Twitter to your blog would help in an SEO way as I see links from twitter in my Google webmaster report. Also you meet the top people in your industry on Twitter better than on say Facebook.
- FrankDickinson
  
  @RetirementMedia I know that I am partial to Twitter over Facebook – but I know others like marismith might disagree.
  - http://marismith.com/ MariSmith
    
    @FrankDickinson Oh I rather love Twitter too — I’ve been active almost daily on both Facebook and Twitter for over four years now! Each platform serves a different purpose… I’m active on Google+ now too and it’s different again.
    - http://dannybrown.me/ DannyBrown
      
      @MariSmith@FrankDickinson It’s the Scottish blood in us, can’t sit still for a second…
    - FrankDickinson
      
      @DannyBrown@MariSmith I’m agreeing with Danny here Mari – you Scotts can run circles around most of us!
    - FrankDickinson
      
      @MariSmith So true about the platforms serving a different purpose – even audience. I’m still trying to find that specific purpose for Google + – but I am really loving it.
      
      Thanks so much for stopping by – always good to see you!
http://expatdoctormom.com/ ExpatDoctorMom

Love reading your tips Frank!

I use Tweet Old Post as I feel I have older posts that haven’t been seen. It has brought some to the forefront and made me seen that one post is being read so much that I will now write a part 2.

I am not addicted to any one thing except being on line… so it is not twitter’s fault alone in regard to time suck!

I found that really looking at people’s twitter handles when they follow you, following back if they are relevant to me, and then sending them a quick message about our commonalities increases the good bonds and number of followers.

Cheers,Rajka
- FrankDickinson
  
  @ExpatDoctorMom Great tips here yourself Rajka – I use Tweet Old Post but have not thought of using it to write a part two. Excellent!
  
  I like the idea of the commonalities tweet as well. Definitely can start the engagement process.
  
  Thanks!
MSchechter

Twitter always has and still does hold a special place for me. I love me some Facebook, its great for staying in touch with others. I’m getting used to Google+ as even though the following is light, the conversations are aplenty, but for my money, there is nothing quite like Twitter for cutting through red tape and getting to know someone good. Twitter has been the place where I’ve met the most new people and I don’t see anything taking its place for that anytime soon. Unless I am wrong and then I will shamelessly abandon it for whatever newer shinier network comes our way? Speaking of, did you hear Yahoo and Netflix are joining forces to make a new super social network. It’s gonna change the world.
- FrankDickinson
  
  @MSchechter I’m with you on Twitter my friend – I to have met and connected with the most people there. I’m just now getting better at using Facebook.
  
  I’ll keep an eye out and a wallet full of money for that new Yahoo and Netflix joint
AmitavBorah

Very helpful tips Franks…

Whether its Twitter or Facebook…they can be real time killers rather than business advantages if not kept on a constant watch. You tend to spend way to long and get into that casual chit chat mood of getting pizza updates from your friends or just checking out the cool photograph from the latest party bash. Though I do not say they are something bad, but we have to be bit careful about our engagements as these can be really addictive in nature and should be handled very tactfully!

We have to constanty keep ourselves aware of the fact that this sites are designed to get you drawn & stuck into it, spending as much time as possible on it. But if we are using these social networks as marketing tools, we are the one who should take the control the flow, rather than them!

Its same like when a film maker is making a horror movie, he just can’t afford to get horrified by it because its his audience who is supposed to get the thrill. He needs to get himself away from all the emotional bondage of that film or he won’t be able to do proper justice to his creation.

Loved your article!
AmitavBorah

Very helpful tips Franks…

Whether its Twitter or Facebook…they can be real time killers rather than business advantages if not kept on a constant watch. You tend to spend way to long and get into that casual chit chat mood of getting pizza updates from your friends or just checking out the cool photograph from the latest party bash. Though I do not say they are something bad, but we have to be bit careful about our engagements as these can be really addictive in nature and should be handled very tactfully!

We have to constanty keep ourselves aware of the fact that this sites are designed to get you drawn & stuck into it, spending as much time as possible on it. But if we are using these social networks as marketing tools, we are the one who should take the control of the flow, rather than them!

Its same like when a film maker is making a horror movie, he just can’t afford to get horrified by it because its his audience who is supposed to get the thrill. He needs to get himself away from all the emotional bondage of that film or he won’t be able to do proper justice to his creation.

We are the one who should take the advantage, not to be the one who is taken the advantage of!

Loved your article!
- FrankDickinson
  
  @AmitavBorah “if we are using these social networks as marketing tools, we are the one who should take the control of the flow, rather than them!”
  
  EXACTLY!
FrankDickinson

@DustBunnyMafia I owe you an email – good god I’m sorry I have taken so long.