MELANIE EDWARDS MODERNMAMI.COM ELLA MEDIA @EllaMedia | @modernmami
May 07, 2015
MELANIE EDWARDSMODERNMAMI.COMELLA MEDIA
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Background
Blogging/social media since 2006
Parenting/lifestyle blog to tell stories
Began working with PR/brands, reviews
Evolved to long-term relationships & campaigns, plus consulting
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
What are Twitter Chats?
Conversation on specific topic or theme tracked with a hashtag.
Take place on a specific date and time.
Moderated by chat host.
Normally recurring.
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Sponsored vs Non-Sponsored
Focused on sponsor’s message
Usually involve giveaways to engage participants
May have multiple hosts
Great for building quick buzz
Focused on sharing and learning
Giveaways optional & not expected
Usually have 1-2 hosts plus guest “speakers”
Great for building community & authority
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Sponsored Twitter Parties Non-Sponsored Twitter Chats
Why Host Twitter Chats?
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Builds community
Great way to connect with others sharing
similar interests
Discuss topics all are passionate about
Creates buzz (for brand, self, services)
Increase visibility & social media presence
Share & learn
Sets you up as expert
Why Participate in Twitter Chats?
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Builds community
New connections
Shared interests
Learn from
others
Source: Bob Cotter/Flickr
How to Find Existing Twitter Chats
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Google Doc listing – bit.ly/ChatSched
@ChatSchedule - twitter.com/ChatSchedule
Search Twitter
Keep an eye on hashtags used in your stream!
Hashtag shout-out!
#GetRealChat #BrandChat #SMChat
#BlogChat #SEOTalk #JournChat
How to Host a Twitter Chat
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Decide on hashtag (140 characters!) & date/time
Promote
Graphic button
Landing page
Register it (Twubs.com)
FB event page
Tweet it out! A lot…
Use tools to help you moderate (tweetchat.com)
Source: Maria Sinayskaya/Flickr
After the Chat…
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Respond to tweets you
didn’t get to during chat.
Keep tweets going by
asking questions.
Recap the chat, provide
a transcript, archive it.
Storify
Tweetreports.com
(subscription service)
Let’s Talk Numbers
Analyze Twitter chat
results
# of tweets
# of retweets
# of participants
Reporting tools
Hashtracking.com
Tweetbinder.com
Tweetreach.comTweets Retweets Participants
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Things to Consider…
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Trolls/spam
Popular hashtags
attract spam
Beware trolls
Hashtag hijacking
Taking over hashtag
with unintended use
Source: Cali4beach/Flickr
Is It Really Trending?
Default setting on
trends list.
Based on your location
& who you follow.
Have to manually
change setting to see
non-tailored trends.
Can see worldwide,
individual countries,
even city-level.
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Tailored Trends Location-Specific Trends
Friends might tell you your hashtag is trending, but is it really?
Tips from Twitter Chat Hosts
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
“[Come] prepared with 6-8 questions per hour [and] prepare to address other questions from attendees...” ~ Rajean Campbell Blomquist, rajeanblomquist.com
“Don't aim for perfection, you will very likely miss a tweet or ten, but the community will
automatically retweet what they find valuable...”
~ Elma Placeres Dieppa, latinoamerigringa.com
“Hashtag, hashtag, hashtag. You need a hashtag that is short, sweet, and can't be misread as something else.” ~ Lisa Martin, lisacooking.com
“Pick a time that isn't overly busy on Twitter and that works for your target audience.” ~ Whitney Trujillo, enlistmoms.com
Take Action! 5 Steps You Can Take in the
Next Week to Get You Started
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
1. List topics you're passionate about or often asked about for your expertise. Narrow list down to 1 you'd like to focus on.
2. Create a hashtag that’s descriptive, but concise.
3. Survey your community for a good day of the week and time to host your chat. (Does morning or night work better? Is a certain day of the week not good?)
4. Try it out! Test your hashtag and have an informal chat with your community.
5. Decide on a frequency for your chat and begin promoting!
Learn More!
@EllaMedia | @modernmami
Twitter Chat Guide
(Social Media Examiner)
http://bit.ly/SMEtwitter
How To (Mashable)
http://bit.ly/mashhowto
Hashtag Hijacking
(Small Biz Trends)
http://bit.ly/smbizhijacking
Source: Alexander Levin/Flickr
Questions?
Melanie Edwards
EllaMedia.com | @EllaMedia