Automated Direct Messages On Twitter – Good Or Bad?

As more and more businesses begin using Twitter for internet marketing purposes, there is a direction correlation in the number of automatic communication tools that allow the tweeter to contact everyone who starts following them.

One such tool is the automated Direct Message (DM) function which can be found in a number of Twitter add-on software programs, such as Tweetspinner. Is it a good idea to send out automated direct messages to every user who becomes a follower? There are pros and cons, as outlined below.

‘Smart’ Automated Direct Messages

So-called smart automatic direct messages take any of the statistics that are publicly available to all Twitter members and insert them into your message to make it appear as if it is a personal message.

For instance, you could use the person’s name to address your message, or include a little statistic like how many days they’ve been a member of the site, where they are located, how many followers they have accumulated, etc.

‘Dumb’ Automated Direct Messages

The reasoning behind using smart auto DMs as opposed to a generic message is that the latter is usually seen as spam – and indeed, it is. This is a hot button with many Twitter users that is likely to get you un-followed pretty quickly.

If you think about it, every one of your Twitter followers is unlikely to be interested in whatever you are offering with your generic automated direct messages and they are likely to un-follow you if they feel that your posts will not provide anything of value.

Twitter – To Auto DM Or Not

The question then becomes whether or not you should use automatic direct messages at all. As with most internet marketing techniques, there are both advantages and disadvantages.

The biggest benefit of sending an automatic DM is that you just might reach a potential customer; someone who is interested and will take the time to check out your Twitter profile and your tweets in the hopes of learning something of interest. Just like any other type of ‘broad’ internet marketing, the hope is that you are saturating the entire market in the hope of reaching a few hungry buyers.

As mentioned, the biggest disadvantage is that you stand the risk of offending someone by sending what is perceived as spam. There are few, if any, automatic DM functionalities that truly allow you to send a message that sounds like a personal message instead of spam. Most tweeters are savvy to the tricks, as they are being inundated by them on a daily basis.

The best option is to take the time and personally respond, if at all possible. Of course this takes up much of your precious time; a lot of time if you are gaining lots of followers each day. But if you can, check out the profile of each new follower and try to gear a direct message toward their interests, location, or how your product or service can precisely benefit them.

Chances are your ROI using this method will far outweigh that you get from automated direct messages. If you choose to auto DM, opt for general messages to say “hello” rather than go for the throat in terms of trying to make a sale.

If you remember that the best way to use Twitter for internet marketing purposes is to establish personal relationships with potential clients and consider what appeals and what does not appeal to you in social media circles. If you do this, chances are that you’ll conduct yourself the right way and enjoy the benefits of the service.

Have a most outstanding day.

Sean Rasmussen
Aussie Internet Marketing
www.SeanSEO.com © 2008 - 2010