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.
About Sean Rasmussen
I have used the Automated Direct Message before and to be honest did not really notice any difference. I still do use a Automated Direct Message service, however only for the initial “welcome” message when somebody starts to follow me.
This way they get a response straight away and are not left waiting around. All future tweets are sent directly by me
I do that too. It’s a great option.
Which one are you using?
I am using Social Oomph for the time being Gee. I haven’t been able to find a better solution.
Sean
I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate this post. Over a year ago when I first joined Twitter I was all gung-ho and bought into a program that was going to do everything for me other than make my morning cup of tea. It managed to get me a lot of followers as well as getting me suspended from Twitter and six months later I was still suspended.
I have managed to create another account in Twitter and am very careful about how I go about everything. I don’t do anything automatic or that could possibly be considered spam.
Your suggestion of taking the time to send DM to the people who seem the right ones to cultivate hit the spot with me. I have done nothing since creating my new account except populate it very carefully. So, now I am going to send DM individually and personally targeted. I don’t care how long it takes but I am sure it is the way to go if I want to build a group of people who will eventually be on the same wavelength and consequently ones with whom it will be possible to have a reciprocal happy arrangement.
Thanks for putting my mind at rest about what to do with Twitter in this area.
Hi Dobbs
Thanks for sharing that with us, we’ll all learn from your experience. Great thing is that you’ve taken the lesson from it. A lot of others would have thrown in the towel. You’ll be a stronger IM’er for it.
Thanks
There are all sorts of options. You have to be very careful which ones you use.
It was suggested to me to sign up to a program that will (supposedly) add heaps of followers in no time flat. Sounded like spamming to me. Didn’t take it. I prefer to be choosy you I follow as Twitter is spammy enough as it is
Hey Dobbs,
I think you have the right approach now! Beware of anything that can do everything except make a cup of tea for you… think of the movie 2001.
Good move, Gee. With your experience and knowledge, you can spot a dodgy deal in no time flat.
Hi Sean,
I am very weary of anything that is automatic on the internet I would rather approve or thank people myself at least that way I know a little more about whats happening
Rita
I can’t stand ANY automated messages… you can smell these spammers a mile away. Nothing beats a personal message. Internet social networking tools are ways to make real connections with people not to be treated like cattle. A business relationship can turn into a life-long friendship – you only have to look at Lucille Ball & Vivian Vance.
Hello Sean,
I do not like how you can link Twitter feeds to faceook. I have seen one lady use Twitter and have the messages posted straight up to her facebook page. I am using Twitter and facebook as two different locations, not as Automated Direct Messages. It pays to notice what is working, and what is not working to get a business up and running.
Cheers
Lisa
I am using automated messages just for new followers, but have to admit that I haven’t used DM at all besides that welcome up to now. Ahh – I am still such a newbie with all of that – too many options …
There’s always a balance between saving time vs being personal… More of a challenge once you get more advanced in IM’ing and do it full-time. Automation is great for business efficiency, but you have to stay as real as possible too. No one likes to deal with a robot, yet no one has the time to do everything. The balance is different for most people.
I will take what you say about automated and manual direct messaging on board but I get so many of the bloody things nowadays that I just delete the lot without a moment’s thought, whether someone went to the trouble of carefully preparing it or not.
Hi Sean,
I really hate the automated DM message I get when I first start following someone. Most of the time it’s about their latest e-book, report or product and I get so many I don’t even look at them. I think if these people can’t even take the time to say hi; there’s no way I’m going to be interested in buying something from them.
I really think the personal approach is best. It will definitely take longer but I think it will really help long term.
Thanks for this great post. I have been concerned about this matter for a while now because of all the negative views I have been reading about automated welcome DM’s. Initially I thought it was a great idea but I am now going to remove it and will rather make personal contact with those people I feel like networking with.