3 Things Not to Do with Your 280 Twitter Characters

Recently, Twitter expanded its character limit from 140 to 280. There has been a lot of mixed reactions to this change with both sides citing both the pros and cons. Overall, I think users will find that it is a positive experience, but there are some things to watch out for!

1. Don't use the expansion to sell, sell, sell.
   Users are looking for an experience overall, and that is not going to change. Don't use the extra 140 characters to promote your "buy me" products and services. Instead, use that extra space to educate, inspire and motivate your followers. Remember the goal of social media marketing is establishing a relationship with your followers. And now you have 140 extra characters to nurture that relationship.
   
   
2. Don't use the extra space entirely for hashtags.
   Yes, hashtags are a fantastic tool and we at SMM love them! But, there is a thing as too much and too many. #noone #wants #to #read #a #sentence #like #this #that #drags #on #and #on #and #on @socialmediaetiquette.

​You get the idea, strategically place your hashtags and tags and put some thought into them.

3. Craft your message thoughtfully.

1. This isn't just a Twitter suggestion. This goes for all your social media. Think about the message you want to put out to your consumers. If you are sharing an educational blog or article, what is the main thing you want them to take away? Use that as your description and craft appropriate hashtags to reach a specific audience. All too often, social media becomes something you "have to do" and messages are put out haphazardly. Remember that EVERYTHING your company name is attached to reflects your business. Even something as simple as a Tweet can have a negative impact.
   
   

What are some of your Twitter pet peeves? What are some of the things that drive you crazy? Share your stories below!