Ok, so we might have gone over 140 characters in a few spots but it's pretty close!! Enjoy and please feel free to comment on the list by sending us a note on Twitter @meandthemachine
Twitter is/does 2 things:
-allows you to broadcast information quickly
-allows you to build relationships
Basic Operations:
-the "@" symbol = directs a tweet to another person, and causes your twitter to save in their "replies" tab. (example. @billyblock Great Show!)
-the "#" sign = mechanism for identifying a topical discussion or search (example. I love @tnwu and @stillhousetn check 'em out!! #musictuesday)
-D = when replying to a tweet, placing a "D" at the beginning of the message sends the recipient a private message that goes to their device, and saves in their web archive; not viewable by the public. (example. D i like turnip.)
-RT = identifies your tweet as a "re-broadcast" of a message posted by someone else; identify the poster using the "@" symbol (example. RT @meandthemachine We're releasing a ton of great music in 2009!!)
Ways for Artists to gain value from Twitter:
-Form meaningful/personal relationships w/ fans
-Alert fans to upcoming shows (automate via ArtistData)
-If you're touring, use it as a tour dairy (especially if you're not traveling w/ laptop; txt via your cell phone)
-Use it to announce "unannounced" shows (webcast a show/rehearsal, house party)
-Give away music (consider varying lengths of time for the giveaway (1 day, 1 wk., forever, etc)
-It's important to be interesting!! Talk about more than just your band!!
-Use Twitter to update your Facebook status
-Use Twitter Widgets on your MySpace page, blog, website, etc. to heighten awareness of your twitter presence
Building Your Following:
-Artists can conduct searches on their name and follow people that mention them
-If no one is mentioning your band, why might that be?
-If you follow someone, be engaging when possible. Care about what others are saying and respond as if you were sitting at a table with them.
Things to Avoid:
-Using Twitter solely as a sales tool
-Over tweeting and RTing too much
Very Important Twitter Tools:
-Music Sharing: blip.fm
-File Sharing: filetwt.com
-URL Shortener: tr.im
-Desktop Application: Nambu for Mac
-iPhone Application: Tweetie (iTunes App Store)
There is no substitute for being kind, making great records and playing live. Twitter will only augment the aforementioned.
Follow us on Twitter @meandthemachine
