In 10 years of working online I don’t think I’ve ever seen a system evolve like Twitter is.  Just when you think you’ve got something figured out another change comes along and throws everything off.  Recent changes to the Twitter system have even rendered many of the latest applications useless.  

The Auto Direct Message, for example, is quickly becoming a thing of the past.  It appears a combination of both Twitter enthusiasts and Twitter bandwidth have brought this about.  Many of the major social networking applications that were set up for Auto DM have removed it.  

So how do you keep up with the changes?  Twitter is becoming much like a puzzle that needs to be resolved every 30 to 45 days so going with the flow appears to be working for some.  That being said, there is one aspect of Twitter that remains constant and, unless the system sinks, won’t change…

… there is really one major WANT that people have concerning Twitter:

They want followers – The more, the better is the current mindset.  However, if you are using Twitter for business and marketing, the more might not be the better if the more isn’t targeted based on your niche.  While I will agree that the numbers are important ( for a couple of reasons ) I won’t agree that just any numbers are the best bet, especially when Twitter and it’s surrounding directories and applications make it so easy to find the RIGHT, niche targeted numbers.

For those who have been following me for a while many of you know that I try just about every Twitter application I find.  I do this for two reasons:  One, so I can share what I’ve learned with my audience to keep them from doing the wrong things and showing them the right things.  Two, as a product developer, I need to know the apps if I am going to teach people how to use them correctly.

Unfortunately, due to recent changes to Twitter, one of my favorite Twitter apps has been rendered completely useless.  Thus, I’ve had to experiment to find new strategies that will continue to generate the results I am used to.

I’m like anyone else, I want a huge follower base because I know ( as a business person ) that the RIGHT numbers equal results.  What I have found, however, is that there are a few resources that have been launched in the last 90 days that work great for generating targeted followers and there are a couple that aren’t so hot unless they are used correctly.

Viral follower generators work well for generating big numbers but don’t always bring you the right numbers if they aren’t advertised to the right people.  For example… viral applications like TweeterGetter and ViralFollowers will generate big numbers, but produce better when the applications are advertised to your specific niche.  Both of these resources include pre-written message copy that can be sent via a safe list, auto responder or social messaging system, but it’s WHO you send these message to that makes the difference.

Those of you using these resources, make sure that you are targeting messaging resources that are going to reach those who are interested in what you have to offer.  While yes, I agree, that everyone wants more followers, sending these messages to just anyone won’t produce the results you are looking for.

Another great application for generating like minded and interest based followers is TweetPenguin.  This system has proven itself worthy in my eyes.  While similar to TweeterGetter and ViralFollowers, this particular system, so far, stays on line with your niche and interests much better that the others. 

If you are looking to develop a niche Twitter account for your business, here’s a strategy that you will find useful.

1.)  Create a new Twitter account that you are going to use specifically for your niche.  Whether it’s vitamins, beauty products, or the latest in lotions or potions, make sure that you only add followers to this account that are niche specific.

2.)  To add followers, you can use any of the new directories ( WeFollow.com for example ) to find those who are Tweeting or have show interest in your offering.

3.)  Once you have this system flowing, then incorporate one of the viral follower resources ( listed above ) into that system.  You will find that this brings about more niche specific followers ( yielding greater results ) than just sending out the Tweets that build these systems at random.

Another strategy that works well involves Facebook.  By creating a niche specific group you can not only share content and build value for your brand, you can share the Twitter building resources with that group to begin a viral influx of targeted prospects.  After all, “birds of a feather flock together!”

Keep in mind, that regardless of the targeting, that using these viral tools will bring some followers that aren’t niche specific, but the number of the non niche specific followers will be conisderably less.  Also keep in mind, that even if you do get a few followers that aren’t niche specific, if you are sharing value with your followers consistently ( even if a follower doesn’t need what you are selling ) they will tell their friends because they like what you are doing for others.

For more information and strategies on adding targeted followers to your Twitter system, download my free e-book Micro Blogging Muscle.  Use the system on the right side of my blog to yours today.

Cheers!

Rex