Twitter "Thanks for Following" Messages: What Not to Do

One of the often touted benefits of Twittering to support your law practice is that it can be a great way to demonstrate expertise. You write smart things and link to smart resources about your subject area and eventually people start to think of you as a smart person with smart thoughts; in other words, an expert.

There is a dark side, though. You can focus so hard on demonstrating your own expertise that you come off as a boor.

Recently, a restaurant near where I live started following me on Twitter. I thought it was cool that they are on Twitter talking about their restaurant and using the platform to reach out locally, so I followed them back. This restaurant has been around for a few years and I have never eaten there; with my ongoing embargo against ever cooking anything or eating anything remotely healthy, that's saying something.

Shortly after I started following this restaurant on Twitter, I received this message: "thanks for following us. Stay tuned as we teach you all there is to know about Italian fusion cooking."

Mmm, no thanks.

I was really off put by the whole "let me teach you everything you need to know..." presumptuous vibe. Leaving aside that I don't know what Italian fusion cooking is and that I don't care one bit to find out, it's just obnoxious to assume that someone who follows you on Twitter has given you license to be some weird spaghetti svengali. This message would have had a whole different feel if it read, "thanks for following us. We're really into Italian food and look forward to hearing what you're into."

If Twitter is a conversation, then this message was a pretty bad way to start talking. Imagine yourself talking with people at a party when a new person walks and up joins the conversation by saying, "let me teach you all there is to know about..." You're going to immediately start figuring out how to down your drink, check your watch or fake a heart attack to get out of there.

In other words, what use is it to demonstrate expertise if you are so annoying nobody wants to hear about it?

Later the same day, I received another Twitter "thanks for following" message, this time from a lawyer I just started following. It was simple and straightforward and explained what he is interested in a nice, professional way. I've attached a screen shot below because it's a good example of how simple a thank you note can be when done right.

Simple and straight to the point. An e-elevator pitch dressed up as a Twitter thank you message. A great way to introduce himself at the Twitter cocktail party.

Using Twitter to demonstrate expertise is good. Behaving in a way that your followers will continue to care about your Tweets is essential.

Comments

[Elizabeth Witherspoon]

These are some really good points, Eric. Thanks so much for including the example.

[Chris Pine]

Thanks for the tip. I'm trying to figure out how to handle this as well. The example you gave of the lawyer even seems a little too self-promotional to me. I'm also trying to figure out if it's best to thank with an @ or a DM. He didn't do as you suggested (looking forward to what you have to say)