Do you want to use Twitter for internet marketing purposes? If so, it is first important to familiarize yourself with the written and unwritten rules of Twitter.

Before outlining a few important rules of Twitter etiquette, it is important to know why you should know them. First, if your main goal of using Twitter is to market yourself or your business. You are still in the minority. Many use Twitter to update friends and family on simple aspects of their life, including new clothes, new job, life at college, and so forth. This does not mean that you cannot use the service to your advantage. It does means that you need to proceed with caution, otherwise your Tweets may come off as spam.

Twitter Etiquette: Following

To successfully market yourself and your business online, you need to develop a large list of followers. These individuals will receive your message and updates. The easiest way to do this is to ask for trades online. If you belong to an online message board, ask to get followers. State that as a return, you will do the same.

When on Twitter, you will find that you are approached. An old friend or coworker may add you to their list of contacts. You do not have to follow someone just because they followed you, but it is good etiquette.

Twitter Etiquette: Spam

At all costs, avoid spamming on Twitter. It is not only frowned upon, but you may lose followers, otherwise known as friends or contacts. This can be difficult if you are using the service for the sole purpose of marketing, but there are steps you can take.

For example, did you just start to offer your services as a freelance writer? If so, send a Twitter message stating the change. Your message could include something like “I left the corporate world to work from home. I am now employed as a freelance writer.” You will likely receive a lot of congratulations, but you may also get questions, such as what type of content you write or what your rates are.

Twitter Etiquette: Overuse

A message, otherwise known as a Tweet, must be 140 characters or shorter. This is one of the few rules and restrictions you will find. This means that you can send a lot of Tweets throughout the day, but you are urged against doing so. Once again, if only using Twitter for internet marketing purposes, your messages may come across as spam.

It may be ideal to send only one Tweet a day. You can, however, respond to responses you receive. More is okay, just don’t send out 20 Tweets in one hour. In addition to subtly marketing a product or service you are selling, include a few personal messages as well.

Twitter Etiquette: Respond on Occasion

Similar to the above mentioned followers etiquette, if someone regularly responds to your messages with an @ response, do the same. This shows that you aren’t just using the service for your own personal gain. Yes, you may be, but remember the goal of internet marketing through Twitter is to do it subtly.

Twitter Etiquette: Keep It Professional

Since your main goal of using Twitter is to market or promote your business, it is important to stay professional. Yes, you do want to be friendly and promote healthy conversations, but do not mix too much business with pleasure.

For example, you can send a message cleverly highlighting a blog you just started and follow it with a movie recommendation, but don’t make your following message be about a party you attended with lots of alcohol. This is unprofessional and can draw attention away from your original purpose of using the service.

In short, Twitter is as great service to use. Not only can you stay in easy contact with friends, family, and former coworkers, but you can also use it as an internet marketing tool. With that said, proceed with caution. When promoting a business, even if not outright doing so, your words have serious meaning.

Do you want to use Twitter as an internet marketing tool? If so, it is important to proceed with caution. Developing a brand on Twitter is importan

t, but if you are not careful, that brand could come with a bad reputation. So, what are the biggest Twitter dos and don’ts?

Do register for a free account and now. Unfortunately, many new internet marketers put off registering for a free account. Yes, there are no guarantees that your Tweet messages will lead to increased traffic or income, but you won’t know until you try.

Do not send personal messages to potential clients. Do you already have a Twitter account for personal communications? If so, do not send personal messages to prospective clients or site visitors. This is very unprofessional. If you are trying to sell a product, don’t talk about how much fun you at a college party.

Do create two separate accounts for personal and business use. As previously stated, avoid sending personal messages to prospective clients. You can send private messages to your friends and family, but this can be a time consuming process. Instead, create two separate accounts, as you will save time and there will be no confusion.

Do not spam. Spam is a big violation on Twitter. You may find your account banned. If that wasn’t bad enough, think about the consequences. Your name, website, and products may be attached to your messages, resulting in a bad reputation.

Do use clever forms of advertising. Spamming is prohibited on Twitter, but advertisements are allowed in moderation. If you do not abuse the privilege, you will not find trouble. Even still, use clever forms of advertising. Instead of highlighting your services as a professional web content writer, ask readers to review your samples or give you input on your rates. Be sure to include a link.

Do not pressure your followers to buy. Your followers are those who signed up to receive your Tweet updates. They chose to do so of their own free will; however, they can also choose to end these updates. That is why no pressure should be applied. Users do not want to feel used; therefore, use clever forms of advertising, as there is less pressure.

Do include a link. When sending Twitter updates to followers, include a link. Do not over abuse links, but use them to your advantage. Once again, it is important to be clever. Do not spam your followers with advertisements highlighting your writing service rates. Instead, answer the Twitter question of what are you doing. Your message could say “Writing articles for a client.” Then, insert your link. You aren’t soliciting business, but making it know you work for hire.

Do not send late night tweets. It is no secret that home based and online workers work flexible hours. Yes, many may work the traditional 9-5, but others are up till the early morning hours. If you are one of those individuals, know that most are not on the same schedule. For that reason, avoid late night Tweets. Followers with mobile web alerts may be awoken from sleep.

Do visit Search.Twitter.com and use @replies to your advantage. Many people Tweet about what they are doing, but others ask questions. With a search, you can find members who are looking to buy a product you may sell, looking for a service you may offer, or looking for advice you may offer on your website or blog. If so, send an @reply with a personal message and a link.