When I first created my twitter account in 2009, I just didn’t get it. At all. I wasn’t blogging yet, hence the @allismith77 non-creative-year-I-graduated-high-school handle. Sigh. I finally changed it today! (You can change your handle to a new one, if it’s available, without losing your followers, etc.)
Back then, I immediately followed all of my favorite designers, magazines, etc. Then I pretty much forgot about Twitter. For years. Until recently.
After I started blogging, I found myself in twitter jail (basically happens when you are following 2,000 and you have 900 followers). I slowly unfollowed most of my favorite designers in exchange for my fellow bloggers. Sorry, Gucci.
Then it happened. Someone retweeted my tweet. I didn’t know what to do. Should I thank them? I’m southern. We know how to say thank you. I will thank you for the thank you card I receive AFTER giving YOU a gift. We are over-the-top gracious. I still say yes ma’am and yes sir to my elders.
Ignoring the retweet seemed rude. I was clueless. So I did what I always do. I Googled it and found that there’s much to be said about the subject of how to thank someone for retweets.
Here’s a few things I’ve learned from the cool kids about twitter etiquette and it may help you the next time you don’t know what to do when someone retweets your tweet.
1. Thanking someone for a retweet is pointless.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve thanked people in the past for retweeting my tweets. This was before I realized that I was basically thanking them for liking my tweet which equals thanking them for liking me. I’m blushing. Would you ever thank someone for liking you in real life? No. Stop thanking people for finding value in your tweet.
It’s cool to comment in a conversational manner on one of your retweets. Just leave out the gushing, over the top, thank you.
When Butterfinger replied to one of my tweets, I was over the moon. Yes, I get excited about candy. I didn’t thank them for replying. Here’s how it played out:
Is it even practical to keep thanking people over and over? Again, no. Your feed gets clogged up with shout-outs to those who like what you said. This isn’t the academy awards. It’s just Twitter.
2. The best way to thank someone is to retweet one of their tweets.
Of course, if you’re getting lots of retweets a day, it’s next to impossible to reciprocate. Take a deep breath, relax. Do what you can, but don’t beat yourself up when you don’t immediately retweet.
Before you go, I’ve got to share this embarrassing Twitter moment: I’ve been referred to more than once as the grammar police. I hate typos with a passion. I shared a tweet early one morning (I’m blaming it on not being fully awake) and after it was retweeted a few times I saw it again and realized there was a typo – an “r” instead of an “n.” I was mortified. Why, oh why doesn’t twitter have an edit button???
If you’re not following me on twitter, you can do so here. I’ll follow back, but I won’t thank you for following or retweeting. I hate those spammy auto replies! But I will occasionally retweet your stuff, too.
Oh, and don’t do a twitter one-night-stand! That’s when you follow someone and the minute they follow you, you unfollow. That is NOT cool and downright rude.
One last thing: Here’s one of my favorite articles about twitter: 62 Twitter Tips in 140 Characters or Less!
What creative ways do you thank someone for retweeting your tweet?
Other Blogging 101 Posts: Ridiculously Easy Way to Add Images to Your Sidebar, Top 10 Things I’ve Learned About Blogging, How to Blog Like A Pro
How to Change Your Twitter Handle: Changing your twitter handle is easy as long as it’s available. Log in to Twitter and visit your account settings pages from the dropdown menu in the top right corner. On your account settings page, change the username listed in your username field.
If the username is taken, you’ll be prompted to choose another one. Click save changes at the bottom of the page. That’s it.
116 comments
“Thanking them for liking me”. LOL
I didn’t get Twitter at first either. I followed news stations and retweeted traffic reports and “late breaking news” as if my 20 or so followers wanted to see that.
I finally got it.
I get the most out of Twitter through live tweeting television shows.
Oh, yes, I forgot about the news stations I followed!
Great tips. I always feel so awkward thanking someone for a RT that I just stopped! I like the idea of going in and RT one of their tweets!
Me, too! It felt weird and when I stopped I felt so much better retweeting instead of thanking.
I try to respond so that we interact on Twitter. I love the idea of retweeting a relevant tweet of theirs back too.
Yes! It’s all about interacting.
Great tips Alli! I have had people “thank me” by favoring my tweet (if I retweet one of theirs). That is their way of “thanking me”!
Love that favor icon, Zan!
I do say thanks for the rt or thanks for the shout if someone does rt me or rt one of my articles. I think its a habit. I only do it once though. If I don’t get to rt I always favorite the shout so they can at least know I saw it. I do love the idea of rt something of theirs back though I might try that.
I said thanks so many times until I started to feel weird doing it and thus began the research and found out all I ever wanted to know about twitter etiquette. 🙂
Great idea to retweet one of their tweets! Twitter is one social media that I still do not understand fully! It moves so fast.
It sure does move fast, Paris. It’s a job just keeping up with social media.
So I’ve definitely been THAT girl that thanked an author for retweeting my book review. I like the way you handled Butterfinger. Great advice!
I was THAT girl, too, once upon a time. We live and learn. 🙂
Could you do a whole series on Twitter etiquette? ‘Cause I have so many questions, and this is a great start on answering them!
I’m not an expert in everything twitter, but when I learn something new, I always share. 🙂
Great tips! I also created my twitter back in 2009 (my Business/Entrepreneurship teacher in HS made us all make one because he said “it’s going to be huge some day.”) Proper twitter etiquette is always important <3
I, too, loathe the auto reply. I have been so guilty of making a multitude of twitter faux pas. Its a tad bit embarrassing. I no longer thank those who retweet. I noticed a trend when I got back on twitter last year that busy people “favorite.” They do not retweet unless it is a retweet train. I now favorite. It is the equivalent to a formal acknowledgement in my eyes. Great article!
That’s a great idea to just favor a tweet.
I’ve always wondered if you should thank people for retweeting you! Thanks for that! I really hate those Twitter ” one night stands”! You can pretty much tell who’s going to do it just by checking out their profile.
And I hate when people follow me and want to “help grow my twitter account” for a price. No, thanks.
HAHAHAH. That tweeting conversation was too cute. I technically have twitter but I always get really nervous writing a tweet because I cant figure out what to write, and then I just never tweet it!
I have the hardest time thinking up tweets, too. Everyone says we should tweet things beside our blog posts and our friend’s blog posts. It’s hard.
I’m just starting to get the hang of Twitter. Like you, typically I’ll RT one of their tweets to reciprocate. Every once in a while, if it’s someone who isn’t following me but RT it after someone else, I will send a quick reply to thank them for sharing. Twitter is so fun because you don’t have enough characters to stick your foot in your mouth (often).
I used to thank everyone for retweeting! (Born and raised in the South, too) I love the idea of finding one of their tweets and retweeting! I’m going to do that.
We southerners just can’t help ourselves from thanking anything that moves. 🙂
I’ve been using Twitter for a couple of years and never once have I heard of a Twitter one-night stand! Thanks for the giggle!
That’s such a nice feeling when companies reply with a tweet. I’ve had it done a few times and I got happy myself. I’ve only been using twitter for the past 3 years and it’s a great network.
Great post! I always retweet those that retweet me if I can keep up. Sometimes I can’t though. I might often thank a group of people at the end of the week if I know they’ve shared quite a few of my posts.
Oh wow, I did not know that you can change it, that’s great to know! I created mine few years ago just because a sponsored post requires it lol but love having it now.
I have twitter but have not been using it. Thank you for clarifying so much for me. I will implement it soon.
I think returning the retweet would be a great way to sat thank you. Another option is to follow them or favorite their post.
I had no idea that you could now change your handle on twitter!! I wish that Twitter has an edit button sometimes!
This is a really lovely article – far too any people forget how to say thank you 🙂 I try to reply and thank everyone – and I always RT something from them. Pay it forward 🙂
This is GREAT! I’m working on getting my twitter up so this is helpful, thanks!
I’m still very new to the twitter world, but this post and the link attached are just what I needed!
Glad I could help! Twitter can be so daunting.
While I no longer participate in those horrible Twitter share threads, I do make it a point to rt those who rt me and favor them as well when their content matches my brand as well. Twitter is probably the fastest moving social media out there and it’s own monster!
I don’t participate in them, either, Shirley. I’ll repin. I’ll share on my FB status, but I’m not going to retweet 10 or more tweets in a row. And I don’t even like to take the time on buffer to do it, either. Ain’t nobody got time for that. 🙂
I do belong to the retweet threads and I still get retweets from tweets I do not ask for tweets for. Twitter is my biggest blog traffic source. It has worked me for, very sweet of you to thank someone!
I love this! Twitter can be so confusing when you first start. When I decided to finally become serious on twitter, I had to google things too!!
Twitter is all about engagement, making a connection. Humour, genuine empathy and kindness are big ways. responding to a tweet or share can make an huge difference to them and to you.
Did you know that your software automatically adds people to your email list when they comment 🙁
No, it doesn’t add to my email list. I would never email anyone without their permission. You actually have to sign up for that on my sidebar. 🙂
I’m just starting to use Twitter – so thank you so much for this post.
Wonderful tips
I’m still trying to find my way around Twitter land. These are some good tips. Thanks for sharing.
I try to say thanks. I like the idea of going in and rting them. It is a great way to interact.
When I started my twitter I followed a few celebrities and my friends who also followed me back, when a stranger followed me i followed them back and when they RT my tweet I RT’d there’s too.
A big Blogelina hello! I SO appreciate your spirit of sharing. (I think you’ll see why when you get to my blog. :D) I’m from the North, but I am an unabashed RT thanker. What can I say? I am a Baby Boomer and was raised by nuns!! Happy for the introduction and to follow your work. Didi
A cheery Commentathon hello! I am thrilled to participate and come to know so many qualified bloggers this week. Your post is just what the doctor ordered, as I am contemplating both a rebrand and shift from Blogger to WordPress. I’ve gratefully bookmarked your piece. Thanks for all! Didi
Sorry! (Too many windows open at once!)
I am so happy to have read this! I too started a Twitter account before blogging. I am going to look into changing my Twitter name. Oh, and those silly auto replies bug me…making me feel like I am talking to a computer…even if I am talking to the person through a computer 🙂
Changing your twitter handle is so easy as long as it’s available. Log in to Twitter and visit your account settings pages from the dropdown menu in the top right corner. On your account settings page, change the username listed in your username field.
If the username is taken, you’ll be prompted to choose another one. Click Save changes at the bottom of the page. That’s it. 🙂
Perfect. I always wonder why I am so stuck and how to move forward in twitter.
Twitter can be a hard nut to crack. 🙂
I still feel like I don’t quite get Twitter. I used to hate it, mostly because I’m a shy person who doesn’t say much, but honey, when I’ve got something to say I’m gonna need more than 140 characters to say it! I’ve also thanked someone for their response to my Tweet by thanking them AND Tweeting out that they responded to my Tweet. Whoops! Thanks for the info and the great story, now I’ll be changing my tweeting ways to a more appropriate thanking method!
I’m with you! I always have too much to say and have to sit and think about ways to condense it for Twitter.
OMG – this is so obvious, yet after all these years of blogging and social media, I never once considered it. Thank you so much for this tip! I will start sharing now!
Interesting. Twitter has been on the back burner for me. I certainly could use some lessons on using it.
I enjoyed your Twitter tips on how to thank people for RTs and other useful Twitter advice. It’s fun to give people who retweet you a #FF at the end of the week! It can help them get some new followers. I always appreciate a twitter mention!
Thank you for these tips! I’m very new to Twitter and had no idea how to handle this. I already over-analyze if what I say and do are right, so having this guide is very helpful! I had no clue about Twitter one night stands, how rude!!
Thank you for the great advice. I’m kind of a Twitter newbie and I’ve resisted doing any research to improve my Twitter skills. I’ve finally hit 1,000 followers, but that was pretty much dumb luck. Going to put these into practice. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing the information on Twitter. I’m so behind when it comes to social media that I haven’t even tried Twitter yet. I Facebook occasionally and have a new love of Pinterest, but Twitter is still a holdout for me. Maybe I shouldn’t be scared, and should just dive in. It seems like such a big commitment, though. Ha! ha! I think I’ll read the link, 62 Twitter Tips in 140 Characters or Less!, before I take the leap.
Keep on blogging. You have a wonderful site here and I plan to come back to visit often.
I know what you mean. I’m just now getting the hang of Instagram.
Super good advice. Especially this part- “Take a deep breath, relax. Do what you can, but don’t beat yourself up…”
I admit, I have thanked someone for a retweet. You are right me thinks. perhaps it is a bit much.
I tend to retweet a lot. I prefer to retweet motivational sayings and stuff like that.
Anyway, I like your blog and have added it to my Feedly. Will be back soon for sure for more of your awesome posts.
Oh…and… Thank You. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you like my blog! 🙂
Twitter etiquette is tricky, isn’t it? Some great tips here. I suppose it’s like any other conversation – show yourself as too keen and people will be put off.
I think reciprocating to people who give retweets is a great idea.
Great tips! I have the auto thank you options and utilize them. I don’t consider them spammy because it’s just a basic thank you. No one has ever complained about it. Thank goodness.
Twitter was very hard for me to grasp at first but since utilizing auto services, my account has taken off. I’m nowhere near where some are but my following has tremendously increased since using it.
Do you always follow back when followed? I’ve debated whether I should or shouldn’t. I want to save my following for those that count. But, I feel guilty for not following back.
I don’t always follow back. I go over and check out their profile and if it’s not a good fit, I just say no.
I struggle with that. I kind of feel like if I don’t follow back, the person ends up unfollowing and then my stats look way low. It just seems Twitter is a I follow you, you follow me, trade for a trade kinda arrangement. Maybe I haven’t met up with the right people.
P.S. I like the font used on your name within the header – what font is it, if you don’t mind me asking.
I don’t really know. I will email my designer and ask her.
I struggle with that. I kind of feel like if I don’t follow back, the person ends up unfollowing and then my stats look way low. It just seems Twitter is a I follow you, you follow me, trade for a trade kinda arrangement. Maybe I haven’t met up with the right people.
Thank you for checking into the font.
If it’s a fellow blogger, I always follow back. If it’s someone that’s going to “get me 1,000 followers,” I don’t. If I join a “twitter follow” thread in a blogger group on FB, I always follow everyone and I don’t unfollow after it’s done. Sadly, some bloggers do that just to get their numbers up.
I heard back from my designer. The font for “Alli” is Lover’s Quarrel, “Event” is American Typewriter and tag line is Ostrich. But the letters have been edited (whatever that means). 🙂
Thank you for the info re: your font. I will definitely take your advice and be more selective. I hate when I follow someone and they don’t follow me back though with regards to fellow bloggers.
I have someone thanking me everytime I tweet their stuff and it is getting a bit old now. I am only following certain types of people in my niche now so that helps and I’m trying to do the unfollow thing… it all takes time…
Thanks for the great tips! I’m always up for learning something new about Twitter. Your post will definitely help on my journey. Thanks!
I enjoyed your post. I have a twitter account… yep that’s it. I have had it for a long time and haven’t done a thing with it. After reading your post I am going to log in. I plan to read the 62 twitter tips and see if I can get moving on it.
Twitter was the hardest social media for me to understand.
I love your candy bar example, so cute!!!
Thank you for the etiquette of (Re-Tweet thank you), I will now reciprocate with a Tweet back. Whew that was a lingering question I had in the back of my mind, just the other day, thank you!
Hope you enjoy your weekend!
Karren
Glad to help. 🙂
This is great information! Thank you for sharing.
I would also love to know how to change my Twitter handle. Do you have a post on that as well?
Changing your twitter handle is easy as long as it’s available. Log in to Twitter and visit your account settings pages from the dropdown menu in the top right corner. On your account settings page, change the username listed in your username field.
If the username is taken, you’ll be prompted to choose another one. Click Save changes at the bottom of the page. That’s it.
Thank you so much! I changed it this morning.
Never thought of thanking people for the RT! haha 🙂 I will start doing that now! Thanks for the advice!
What a great post – I have been guilty of those “Thank you for the RT” posts and I agree – they are pointless. It is always much better to engage in a meaningful conversation – and not to forget to have fun!
Great information! I have wondered about this. I am pretty new to Twitter and don’t understand all of the social cues that go along with it, so this was useful! Thank you!
I am so new to Twitter that I had no idea about any of this stuff, so thanks for sharing!
I have a twitter account but do not use it like I do FB. Good information so all of us who have twitter but don’t use it a whole lot will know the proper ways to use it. It does feel good to be retweeted or have a message sent to you!
I’ve been struggling to thank everyone for retweets and I’ve been feeling bad about it, but you’re right – it’s much better to retweet something of theirs if I can.
I am similar to Shannon. I have a twitter account, but I do not use it. Between Facebook, instagram, email and Pinterest, I would have to sacrifice something to fit it in.
I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard to fit them all in. The “experts” say to find 1 or 2 social media accounts and stick to them, but when a sponsor is interested, they want to know your stats from all of them. It’s difficult.
Oh, wow! This is a great post about social (media) etiquette. I love how you break it down and provided the examples. Looking forward to more posts! 🙂
Thanks for this little taste of twitter etiquette. I will usually favorite their retweet in addition to retweeting their tweets. I really like twitter, but I really need to dedicate more time to it!
Me, too! I’m on twitter the least of all my social media. I have all intentions to tweet and then I can’t think of a thing to say. So I retweet and favor more than I tweet my own stuff. 🙂
Although I have had twitter for awhile, I am definitely a novice, so these tips were great. I can say for sure that whenever someone retweets one of my tweets it makes my day, so I am sure to retweet whenever I come across something that I enjoy and hope that I have made that person smile too!
Excellent Twitter tips. I have made I think all of the mistakes you mentioned (and a few more). Thank-you for the links as well!
Good insights. I now feel embarrassed because I used to do these things all the time. Your article made me realize these mistakes. I’ll follow some of your advices. But I wont retweet some of their stuff just to show my appreciation with them. I will RT it if it really catches my fancy or it’s something really good. Otherwise, I wont RT just for the sake of it.
This is really helpful – I’m just starting to get back into Twitter and I’ve no idea about the etiquette. This is going to be very useful!
I signed up for a Twitter account recently because I started blogging, but not really sure how to use it, lol! I’m following you. Because you’re just cool. 😉
These are helpful tips – thank you. I kind of go in spurts and starts with Twitter, but getting good tips helps me feel more confident about sticking with it.
I never thought about thanking someone for a retweet and I love that you suggest to do it by retweeting them. I would have never done that. I hope it helps with engagement.
Great tips! I also wondered about thanking someone for re-tweeting a tweet.
I still don’t get Twitter! In fact, other than blogging I have no use for it! It is rarely utilized as a network marketing tool in the area I’m involved in – which would be my primary reason for using it. 😀 Every time I finally understand Facebook, they change it again! haha
Thank you, Alli. This was a a very helpful post and you explained your ideas perfectly. It’s interesting to think about the manners we have in “real” life and try to apply (or not apply) them to the virtual world of social media. Helpful stuff. Thank you! (no thanks for a RT, though–I have learned!)
Great tips! I think it’s a good guideline to always pay back with traffic on social media. That means liking, favoriting, sharing, retweeting, etc. i.e. anything that may drive people their way or factor positive points into a feed’s algorithm.
I haven’t used Twitter very much but I definitely need to use it more. Thank you for the tips!
Awesome tips, thank you for sharing. I’m getting more followers daily with Twitter, so these tips definitely come in handy especially on how to thank someone for re-tweeting.
Despite blogging for several years now, I still don’t think I really *get* Twitter. Thanks for the great tips as this is something I really want to work on in the coming months!
Thank you so much for sharing. Twitter is still new to me. These tips make it so much easier.
[…] How to Thank Someone for Retweets- An Alli Event […]
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