How to Prepare for a Twitter Chat
Twitter is one of our favorite social media platforms due to its focus on real-time conversations and events. At any moment, Twitter users can have conversations with subject matter experts, public officials, those who share similar interests, and everyone in between.
Another reason we enjoy Twitter so much is due to the large number of organized Twitter chats that take place on a daily basis. These structured chats make it easy to learn and interact with likeminded users on topics that range from home improvement to social media marketing to chronic illnesses. They can also help you and your brand be seen as thought leaders.
If you are looking to join a Twitter chat soon so you can network and/or learn more about a specific topic, check out this master list of chats over on TweetReports. Our favorite is the weekly #TwitterSmarter chat!
Now that you know the chat you are ready to join, take note of our steps to spend the hour wisely.
Before joining the chat
Once you find a chat to join, there are a few items to check off before jumping in.
Update your LinkedIn
If you are joining a chat in order to network and/or to get a new role, consider updating your LinkedIn so others can connect with a profile that puts your best foot forward.
Complete research on the host(s) and the topic
Spend time learning about the host and/or company putting the chat on. What industry are they in? What is their role? What are they interested in? The answers to these questions will help you successfully navigate the chat so you are not asking a brand simple questions that can be answered with a Google search.
It is also recommended to know the topic of the chat since many are not simply “check-ins.” For example, if you are joining a chat about Instagram marketing, it would helpful to know if the discussion will focus on Stories or analytics beforehand.
Post about your participation ahead of time
Let your followers and chat leaders know you plan to attend once the date and time are announced. A simple tweet like, “I’m excited to join the #ExampleChat hosted by @ExampleTwitterUser on Wednesday at 1p CT. Join me if you’re free!” works wonders because it helps the host know who you are and spreads the word to potential attendees.
Add the chat to your calendar and block the time off
It is annoying to get interrupted in the middle of a good conversation and the same goes for a Twitter chat. If you are serious about joining and networking, add the chat to your calendar and indicate that you are busy so no other personal or business activities get in the way.
Start collecting content you can link to
Depending on the topic at hand, you may be able to dig up related content to share during the chat. For example, if you see a chat is approaching about a topic you have written an article, blog, or white paper about, having the link to that ready will prevent you from having to find it later.
Find fun pop culture gifs and memes
One of the best parts of a Twitter chat is adding in memes and gifs. Have a few good ones handy from Giphy for standard reactions such as “Thank you” or “Nice to meet you” as they can help to showcase your personality.
But also be sure to read the room. Depending on the seriousness of the chat and topic, it may be best to save the gifs and memes for another time.
During the chat
Now that the chat has started and has your undivided attention, remember the following:
Introduce yourself
Start out by letting participants know your name and your company. If you would like, also share your job title and location. Some hosts will ask participants their reason for joining so be ready to share that as well!
Genuinely engage with those participating
Do not spend all of your time engaging with the host. While you should answer the questions they provide, use the chat hashtag to view other accounts that are participating. Agree with their answers or [politely] challenge the responses they have given.
Ask questions
Be sure to also ask the host and participants questions about certain subjects related to the chat. For example, if your chat is about Instagram Stories, a question on why some accounts have the “Music” sticker in Stories and others do not would be appropriate.
Do not forget to use your gifs and content you researched
You spent time looking up memes, gifs, and related content so do not forget to share them during the chat!
Take good notes
Be sure to write down relevant information that you learn during the chat as you can always use the ideas, tips, and links once the chat is over. Going back to look for those items will be much difficult later especially if the chat has a large number of participants.
After the chat
Once the chat is nearing completion, take a moment to do a few items:
Thank the host for their time in your final tweet
Let them know you appreciate their time and expertise. Also consider including a link to your LinkedIn in your “sign off” post so the host and attendees can connect with you immediately.
Reach out to the host and participants on LinkedIn
If you truly connected with a host or participant, reach out to them on LinkedIn first. Be sure to mention the chat and that you enjoyed virtually “meeting” them there. If you are reaching out to someone that you would like to specifically impress, be sure to mention what you learned from them via your notes.
Twitter chats are free, easy, and quick ways to meet others and grow a Twitter following. Try to join a few a month as time permits in order to get your name out there.
See you on Twitter!