EMAIL this page to a friend:

close

LINKfor this page

close

Share this page on Facebook

close

Since 2009, Twitter users have made use of the now familiar #FollowFriday (or #FF). Like most Twitter trends, it started with a tweet:

A few others hopped on board and a new hastag was born. Some participate regularly and use it effectively, while others use it more like spam. Making a long list of names without indicating why you are suggesting them leaves your audience clueless. Here are a few ways to use it effectively that your followers will appreciate...

New users: If you see a new gallery, institution, or artist you like using Twitter, #FollowFriday lets the rest of the arts and culture community know they have arrived.   

Audience sharing: If you have a large number of followers and you'd like to share that audience with a new follower who could use a shout out, this is an opportunity for a mention in your #FF tweets.

Good tweeters: Do you get regular information from someone on Twitter or enjoy someone's tweets? Are there other Twitter users your followers might also enjoy? Mention them! It makes you a good curator of other's content.

Introductions: Grouping a few users together in a single #FF mention is handy when you want to introduce them to each other.

This said, while there are no set rules, keeping in mind the following things will make you a reliable and respected Follow Friday tweeter...

Add value: I've mentioned this before, but I'll mention it again: it's important to give context to your #FF suggestions. Tell your audience why they might want to follow a person or why you like following them.

Say "thank you": Remember your manners. If someone else suggests you in their Follow Friday mentions, not acknowledging them is like responding to a compliment by talking some more about your next art event. Take the time and show gratitude.

Offer variety: Switch up the people or organizations you mention. Always mentioning an arts organization week after week doesn't benefit you or your audience. Provide freshly curated suggestions.

Be authentic: If you haven't seen anything stellar in a given week, you don't need to mention anyone. Creating a list for the sake of creating a list just junks up everyone's feed.

Here are a few examples of well crafted #FF tweets: 

"Look who's joined Twitter It's @ArtGalleryMTL. Welcome! #BelgoBuilding #Montreal #popart #FF"

"Want to keep up w/ #Calgary arts? Follow @ArtCritic @ARTMagYYC @CalgaryGal @CalZine #FF"

"Visited a few fantastic #Museums in the Maritimes last week. I'd recommend @MuseumNB @ShipHistory @FisheriesMuse #FF"

"Great to meet @ArtSpeaker @SmartPanelist @MediaGuy at the panel @ArtGallery last night. All great tweeters! #FF"

"Wondering what's happening in #Ottawa this wknd? @ArtMagazine @CaptitalGurl @OTownBloggr always have something fun! #FF"

Happy Follow Friday!

James Fowler worked in public relations with organizations in various industries to achieve their communications goals and streamline their media messaging, monitoring and metrics. James currently maintains a fulltime studio practice in Toronto and has taken a keen interest in social media and eMarketing. He joined Akimbo in the spring 2011 as Social Media Director.

LETS CONNECT! Please leave your comments and questions below - We'd love to hear form you! You can also join our coversations on Twitter and Facebook. If you know of someone who is using technology in a new and interesting way, think we might investigate a new trend or want to make a suggestion for a TweetChat topic, please write us at connect@akimbo.ca 

0 comments

back [+]