Twitter is by far the most popular of microblogging sites, while second to that of the most popular of social networking sites after Facebook. Users post updates in 140 characters or less to followers, people that are following their tweets (messages), while users themselves can follow others – friends, family, businesses, and even celebrities.

Just like there are rules to using and relating to people on the Internet, there are course things that beginners to Twitter should be aware of.

The best way to start on Twitter is to start following people. Just because you’re on Twitter doesn’t mean that people are going to automatically start following you, so take the plunge! Your first followers can be people who share your same interests or who are in the same field that you are; they can even be friends and family that you know are Twitter. If using Twitter for business purposes, it’s best that you follow like businesses and organizations within your field or that share your businesses ideas or goals.

It’s probably best if you leave following Lady Gaga to that of a personal account.

Once you have start following people, you might notice that those followers might become your followers, so it’s important that you connect with them. Sometimes businesses forget that social media is still SOCIAL; don’t spend your entire Twitter career posting links to your website or blog. Respond to tweets you might get or retweet ones that you find interesting to others.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t put up a few links once in a while, such as when you update your site or blog, but don’t make it an hourly thing. Try to be personal – a few quips and jokes is certainly okay, as quotes to help get your clients through the day.