Americans and Twitter
Posted on 07. Sep, 2009 by admin in Books / Resources, NetworkingTips, Tips
Saw the graphic below this weekend on DesignChat and found it interesting that so few Americans are using Twitter. With all of the buzz that Twitter has received over the past year, you would think that the percentage of users would be greater.
I can relate to these stats though and personally understand how such a small number are using Twitter with a low retention rate. The scenario is very common and similar for all of us. We hear about Twitter on TV or from a friend and because of the buzz we encourage ourselves to go sign up. We create an account and once it’s set up, we’re left clueless as to what to do next. Twitter’s simplicity can appear to be so complicated, and typing in a quick note about what “you’re doing right now” boggles the first time user’s mind. So they logout of Twitter with intentions to come back later, but never do, only to leave their account with no avatar and one update stating “hello, i’m on twitter now, anyone out there?”.
These people eventually come back months later after they mature in their social networking skills and become addicted like the rest of us.
HOW CAN TWITTER KEEP THE RETENTION RATE HIGHER?
There’s a lot that Twitter could do to help keep the retention rate higher. One would be to beef up their home page a little and provide a more clear understanding of what Twitter is and how it works. Twitter could be doing so much more with their landing page that it’s ridiculous. I know they’re trying to keep things simple and not really interesting in monetizing the tool, but a home page with some video, first time user instructions, and a few other little things here and there would help, in my opinion, help that first timer stay a little longer and get involved.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP KEEP NEW USERS INVOLVED?
Existing Twitter users can also help keep the retention rate higher by helping out those first timers. Whether its your personal friends or someone you see coming in with 2 followers, we can reach out and provide a little help.
If it’s your personal friend, help them get their avatar art and maybe even get a custom background design up. Get them accustomed to posting tweets by personally sending them messages and let them see how “fun” it is. ha. Also, help them get Twitter set up on their phone so that it’s always with them. School them on the value of Tweeting and how it can help them get connected whether it be through their business, hobbies, or interests.
I usually don’t follow anyone that doesn’t have an avatar and I think many people do the same. The first timer doesn’t realize this and doesn’t understand the value of a good avatar, so maybe reaching out and helping them get that set up will help them make their page a little more personal and spark a little more interest. This will also help them attain more followers which we all know is “exciting”. lol.
Try these tips out and let us know how effective they are. Have fun Tweeting. Twitterstop loves you.
