Introduction
Are you new to Twitter and wondering how to send a direct message (DM) to someone? Or maybe you’re familiar with Twitter but have never used the DM feature before? Either way, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll go through a step-by-step guide on how to DM on Twitter, best practices for sending DMs, tools and tips to make DMing easier, common mistakes to avoid, and proper etiquette when using the feature.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Go to Twitter and sign in to your account.
The first step to DM someone on Twitter is to sign in to your account. If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to create one first.
Step 2: Locate the person you want to DM by entering their username into the search bar.
Once you’re signed in to your account, search for the person you want to DM by typing their username into the search bar at the top of the screen.
Step 3: Click on the “message” button on their profile page.
Once you’ve found the person you want to DM, go to their profile page and click on the “message” button (which looks like an envelope) located on the right side of their profile header. This will open up a new DM thread with that person.
Step 4: Write your message in the text box provided and click “send.”
In the DM thread, type your message in the text box provided. Twitter allows up to 10,000 characters in DMs, so you have plenty of space to write a message. Once you’ve written your message, click the “send” button to deliver it to the recipient.
Step 5: Review your message to make sure it was sent and to see if the recipient has replied.
After you’ve sent your message, Twitter will display a notification confirming that your message was sent. To check if the recipient has replied, go to your DM inbox by clicking on the envelope icon at the top-right of your screen.
Best Practices for DMing on Twitter
Now that you know how to DM someone on Twitter, it’s important to learn the best practices for sending DMs to ensure you maintain a professional image on the platform.
Choose the right time to send a message.
Unless it’s urgent, avoid sending DMs during non-business hours or over the weekend as this could be seen as intrusive or unprofessional.
Personalize the message by including the recipient’s username and relevant details.
Make your message stand out by addressing the recipient by their Twitter handle. Also, personalize the message by including details relevant to the recipient so they know that the message is intended for them and not a generic message sent to multiple people.
Avoid sending spammy messages by keeping your messages brief and to the point.
When crafting your message, keep in mind that Twitter users receive a lot of DMs, so it’s important to keep your message concise and clear. Avoid sending spammy messages by focusing on one main point and keeping the message brief and to the point.
Respect the recipient’s privacy by only reaching out to them for professional or personal reasons that match their interests.
Don’t use DMs to spam people or send unsolicited messages. Respect your recipient’s privacy by only reaching out to them for professional or personal reasons that match their interests. Any other approach could be seen as invasive and annoying.
Tools and Tips for DMing on Twitter
Here are some third-party apps, keyboard shortcuts, and advanced settings that can make DMing on Twitter more effective and efficient.
Third-party apps that make DMing easier.
There are several third-party apps that help you manage and send DMs on Twitter. Some popular apps include Hootsuite, TweetDeck, and SocialOomph. These apps allow you to schedule messages, manage multiple accounts, and streamline interactions.
Keyboard shortcuts that can save time and help you send DMs more efficiently.
Twitter offers a range of keyboard shortcuts that can help you send DMs more efficiently. For example, you can press “n” to compose a new DM, “t” to move between tabs, and “r” to reply to a message.
Advanced settings that can customize the DMs you receive or send.
Twitter allows you to customize your DM settings to control who can send you messages and who you can receive messages from. You can also enable notifications for new DMs and set up auto-responses to specific messages.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When DMing on Twitter
Even after learning how to DM on Twitter, it’s important to avoid common mistakes to ensure you maintain a professional image on the platform.
Not double-checking for typos or grammatical errors.
Take the time to edit and proofread your DM messages before sending them. Typos and grammatical errors can be distracting and unprofessional.
Not verifying the recipient’s account before sending the message.
Always double-check that you’re sending a message to the right person with the verified account. Sending a message to the wrong account could be embarrassing or even cause problems in the case of mistaken identity.
Avoid sending unsolicited messages without the person’s permission.
Always ask the recipient’s permission before sending them a DM, particularly if you’re sending a promotional message or offering a service. Unsolicited messages can be seen as spammy and may damage your reputation on the platform.
Etiquette for DMing on Twitter
Using proper etiquette when DMing on Twitter can help you maintain a professional image on the platform.
Use a proper greeting when starting the message, and sign off appropriately at the end.
Like with any formal email, it’s important to start your DM with a proper greeting and sign off appropriately at the end. For example, you could start with “Dear [Recipient]” and end with “Best regards” or “Sincerely.”
Use proper formatting, such as using paragraphs, line breaks, and bullet points as needed.
Using proper formatting in your DMs can help you get your message across more effectively. Use paragraphs, line breaks, bullet points, and other formatting options as needed to make your message easy to read.
Respond appropriately to messages received, particularly if they are negative or critical.
When you receive a message, try to respond in a timely manner and with a professional tone. Even if the message is negative or critical, avoid getting defensive and instead address the issue with an open mind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DMing on Twitter can be a powerful tool for building relationships, networking with influencers, and generating leads. By following the step-by-step guide, best practices, and etiquette outlined in this article, you can ensure that your DM messages are received well and that you maintain a professional image on the platform.