Although the title of this post says “Tip #2″, it could rightfully be called “Tip #0.5″ since it probably should have come before my first post on this topic. 
One of the biggest points of confusion/complaint with Twitter is this one:
“How can I possibly keep track of hundreds or thousands of people and their tweets?”
Well, you can’t. So, I would highly recommend using a tool to screen out the noise so that you can really focus on the people you care about. The top three sites that I can suggest for this purpose are Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, and Seesmic.
Each of these tools has its own features and advantages, which I’m not really intending to cover within the scope of this post, although I may visit each of these in a separate post sometime. In a nutshell, Tweetdeck must be installed on each individual computer, while Hootsuite is a web-only application, and Seesmic offers both versions. I have friends that love each one of them for different reasons.
Why are these applications so valuable?
If you remember nothing else here, keep this in mind: Using a tool like this will enable you to create columns of people and things that YOU deem important. In other words, you can sort out your REAL friends from the masses. You can also set up searches by keyword, which is exceptionally valuable. As a quick example, wouldn’t you like to know every time someone mentioned moving to your area?
Sadly, many people give up on using Twitter as a business tool before they get around to filtering their feed. It seems overwhelming unless you take the time to narrow it down. Believe me, I felt the same way when I started there.
As of this writing, I have just over 12,000 Twitter followers and I follow close to 9,000 accounts. However, I have about 300 people/accounts in my “Real Friends” column. Obviously, I add (and very occasionally, subtract) people over time, but it’s a focused list of folks that I’m interested in. Maybe I know them “in real life”, or maybe we’ve just had some good conversations online. Either way, these are set apart for easier digestion, as opposed to the social media firehose that Twitter could become if unmanaged.
I hope this helps – thanks for reading!
Originally Posted at: 210 Consulting- Social Media Advisors
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If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. If you're interested in social media training, visit 210 Consulting. Thanks!
Another good little nugget to keep in mind for those looking to make Twitter a part of their plan moving forward.
Cheers !
Thanks for the information since I am a newbie at Twitter. I wonder which came 1st for you? 500,000 points at ActiveRain or 10,000 Twitter followers.
Either way, Nice job.
Jason, this does help me a lot. I have gone back and forth on twitter various times but I will try this.
It's all about grouping and organizing. Break a city down to its neighborhoods and it's much easier to learn the streets and floor plans. The same applies to social media. Group your friends / followers around a common interest and your online sphere will be much more productive.
Good tips...thank you for this!
Yes, this definitely helps. Now that II am finally using twitter, I was wondering how to filter out some of the people who seem to tweet their entire lives. Thank You!
Jason, great tips. I also commend you on your new workout program - you look great!
Betsy
Jason, I haven't started using Twitter yet. How do you stay up with Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and all the other social medias we should work now?
Thanks for this help ... I haven't really worked Twitter as hard as I should.
Featured in the Group "Whacked!!!"
This is good information. I was wondering how do you go about getting many followers? Is there a tool out there to go follow someone, geographically, in hopes they will follow you?
Great Tips...Just got back from RainCamp Boston and have a lot of work to do on some areas!
Jason, any kind of filtering tool to sift through the noise has to be valuable.
Jason... as I mentioned in your part 1... I am going to watch this series very closely. I just started to get back in regards to tweeting... more so because I just uploaded TweetDeck a month ago and now I know how people can follow others and reply back. Before that, you would have to stare at the screen.. lol.. but right now, I only have TweetDeck.
You mentioned this...
"In other words, you can sort out your REAL friends from the masses. You can also set up searches by keyword, which is exceptionally valuable."
Which site or sites would work well for this. I would like to make a list of people to follow.. which can be done on the regular Twitter page.. but most of all, to follow specific terms or words, just like with Google. thanks
I use Hootsuite and have it organized similar to the way you described here. Thank you for confirming that I'm doing something right!
By the way, great job with your weight loss/ exercise program Jason. The before and after pics of you really show how well far you've progressed.
Kay - Truthfully, I don't know. :) I just carve out time for it. I definitely spent more time blogging initially than I do now.
Richard - Thanks!
Keith - You can use a site like Twellow to search geographically, or you can visit http://search.twitter.com and look for keywords (geographic areas, etc.). Also, you can do the same thing by adding columns on any of the sites I referenced in this post.
Jeff - If you have particular keywords in mind, I would recommend using Tweetdeck (since you already have it). Add a column by clicking on the "plus" sign at the top, then use the "search" version. Plug in any keyword or combination of words (e.g. "FHA mortgage") then you will see it in the new column any time someone mentions that phrase. If you have any more questions on how to set this up, let me know here or give me a call and I can walk you through it.
Honestly, this is exactly why I have yet to utilize Twitter. I actually had no idea you could filter Twitter. See, this is only one reason why I stay active on AR. Had I not read your blog, I would still not know about this.
Jason - I am starting to understand the value of Twitter. Your opinion is very useful. Also, great new photo!
Jason,which app do you like best? I just got the iphone4 and am trying to decide which one to use....help.
Seems like people like one over the other. I've used all 3 on my desktop but can't decide which I like better to put on my iphone. Have you tried Gist?
Jason, I use Tweetdeck and really like, I still after many months am learning all that it can do...you look great by the way, keep up the good work
Great post. Thx for the tip. Yes, I definitely need to get on Hootsuite soon. I think that is on the agenda for next weekend (this weekend is Youtube and downloading the videos). Hard to find the time to do everything/make all these step changes (or minor steps), but I find a little each week works for me.
While I've been meaning to get on hootsuite (and love the fact that you can schedule your tweets), in the meantime, to manage all the myriads of crap from the good stuff, I created lists. One, in particular, is a list of local tweeps - for my county. I have a few secret lists, too which include a select few - may 10-20 people. I made secret so no one would get offended if they weren't on it.
Jason, the push is on for Twitter and hasn't happened for the reasons you've stated. Hootsuite was recommended to me just last week and I believe that's the direction I'll take. i liked your "social media firehose"description, if you don't control the flow of the nozzle you're all wet. Thanks.
Missy - I use Tweetdeck and I got used to it, but Hootsuite or Seesmic might actually be better since there's nothing that you have to install. For my iPhone, I strongly prefer Tweetie, which was purchased by Twitter earlier this year. :)
Jason great info for Twitter! I'm there and follow and have followers, however, I don't use it like I should. Appreciate the info!
I haven't really ventured into this arena yet. I'm anxious for the rest in this series.
I just recently recommended hootsuite to a local real estate agent that is getting more involved with Twitter. Ironically enough I haven't used it very much but I keep hearing social media experts like Jason Crouch talk about it...
Darrell Walters, Newnan mortgage lender
I guess you can sum it up by saying who you're focal group is . . such as your "Mets" vs. your "Unmets". You make your "Mets your center of attention and your "unmets" folks who you hope will later become your "Mets". You put them in a filing system to keep them sorted . . .and move them around as needed. That takes a bit of extra thought and time, but is well worth it.
Jason - Thanks for Tip #.5. I have to reread it and check it out. I need more time to digest it and put it into practice.
Jason this is good encouragement. I have a Twitter account, but do not use it as much I would like for business. I have tweetdeck, but need to spend more time on it.
A very helpful post. sometimes it is difficult to see how something can be of benefit.
I tried diving into the Twitter morass before, but got muddled by all the apps choices. Looks like it's time to try again!
Jason,
I have not learned to make full use of Twitter... I've read your post, but will re-read. Thank you for sharing.
Good advice and thanks for the "noise" links.
I have not yet joined Twitter because it seems overwhelming, but with your great tips I believe is another way of capturing bussiness.
FYI-Since your in Austin Texas, please keep me in mind for any buyer or sellers willing to relocate to L,A.
I have subscribed to your blog Jason. I will be the first to admit that I have no idea how to use twitter, but am willing to learn.
So much to learn...
Thank you, Jason, I should have subscribed to your blog long ago. I don't know a thing about twitter, that's why I clicked!
And I also want to read more from 210 Consulting's blog. How do you put his ad in your side bar?
1 last question -- how do you get those twitter, facebook, etc icons at the bottom of your post? Do you have a signature block you plop in there?
BTW -- nice colorful photo...and thumbs UP!
I use Twitter, but need to be more consistent. I actually took out a library book on Twitter for business. There is so much to learn. Thanks for the helpful hints!