Sound n' Sight

#EIR - 5 tips for using Twitter lists to find niche followers

(Photo by playerx)

It's well known on Twitter that the best way to get followers is to follow people. However, if you want followers who are particularly receptive to the information you're posting, you need to find targeted niche followers. 

Lots of people use services like Twellow. Another way is to follow tweeps who are followed by your influential targeted followers. I'm also very fond of Twitter's "Suggested Followers" feature.

But my favorite way is to periodically peruse Twitter lists created by people in my target group and choose from these. The advantage is that, unlike the above suggestions, a well-labeled Twitter list gives you immediate access to very specific groups of people who are likely to already be interacting with others in that niche.

Here are 5 tips on mining lists for valuable followers.

1 - Follow relevant hashtags

A hashtag that denotes content or a community of tweeps who are interested in a subject that you are interested in is a rich and constantly growing list of potential followers. It will also give you great insight into the kind of information these people are most interested in.

2 - Look at lists created by influential people in your targeted field

I have found probably half of my targeted followers by doing this.  Just go to any influential tweep's lists.  You will find all kinds of valuable potential followers that you won't find any other way. 

3 - Look at lists that list you

If it's a list titled "Thanks for following me", don't bother.  But if it's a list with an enviable title, by all means check it out.  I've found quite a lot of potential followers this way as well.

4 - Make your own lists and add to them on a regular basis

The golden rule really works on Twitter so if you want to find great lists of people to follow, start making some yourself.  You will find that people will start to list you more often, and of course being listed is another great way for potential followers to find you.

5 - Just because you add them to your list, doesn't mean you have to follow them

You'll want your lists to be valued be others, because they will see you as more knowledgeable and well-connected. Keep in mind that you don't have to follow the people that you include on a list.  So, for instance, if you're thinking of listing an influential person who you know is very unlikely to follow you back, go ahead and list them. Just don't follow them.

Two key points to remember when following people:

* Always make sure they Engage, Inform & Retweet, #EIR, or you are probably wasting your time. People who are interacting on Twitter in this manner are much more likely to be of benefit to you, even if they aren't part of the group you're looking to target.

* Periodically go through and unfollow people that haven't followed you back.  This will get rid of people with little relationship potential, and it will help to keep your following-to-follower ratio optimum as you continue to follow new people.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider subscribing to the RSS feed for Sound n' Sight.