You've been doing Tech Twitter all wrong, do this instead...

Beyond the façade that is follower count, most people fail to see the uncaptured benefits of maximizing an online presence. I was able to grow from 224 followers to 3600+ in a short span of 1 month; but more importantly, I've met a world of potential clients, built a content-creating niche for myself, and successfully found a networking formula with consistent results.

Let's dive in and examine each strategy I've employed so far...

Having real conversations, no favors, no gimmick questions, just humanity

The general theme for my approach to networking is humanity. How can I best make the other party feel a genuine connection? how much care and concern can I show while remaining professional? The problem most people have is showing concern only when it benefits them. It pays to build true relationships with people beyond just work/service-related conversations. People may forget what you say to them but never how you made them feel; so make them know they matter to you.

People may forget what you say to them but never how you made them feel; so make them know they matter to you.

Positioning myself as a leader/advocate with Twitter Spaces

The one way I've carved my niche in advocacy is by being active in tech Twitter spaces or clubhouse. Curate points, interact with hosts, ask AND answer questions and stay present enough for people to remember who you are. At the end of each space, document what you've learned, write a wrap-up article and make yourself accessible to anyone who wishes to connect. It is also important to reach out to hosts and other speakers so they recognize your inputs and invite you for future spaces. Doing this is building a role for yourself in the community; making yourself an advocate.

At the end of each space, document what you've learned, write a wrap-up article and make yourself accessible to anyone who wishes to connect.

Building a Senior Network

The most important part of learning is establishing role models, people you aspire to be like - people whose journeys influence and shape yours, and most importantly, people you have direct access to when you run into roadblocks. So far, I've taken time out of my evenings to connect with and serenade senior developers all over the world into either offering some measure of advice, being a great access point, or joining my mentoring server in some capacity. The long-term benefits are endless; you get to talk to experienced minds about your process and gain career insight much quicker than you do with trial and error. Networking 101

Building a Junior Network

Wait, we know seniors right? why do we need to know Juniors? The answer is one word - Empathy! Meaning, for every step you've taken to get where you are, someone else is looking to take that step today - and you could be the resource that makes all the difference for them. Take the time to monitor movements like 100daysofcode and encourage beginners; offer yourself as an accessible resource and you'll quickly find yourself building proper leadership skills along with a delightful following.

for every step you've taken to get where you are, someone else is looking to take that step today - and you could be the resource that makes all the difference for them.

Creating Value, then giving it out for FREE

The age-old trick to investing in your brand and building a client base - give out free stuff! I built an eBook for people looking to get into Tech and set a $0 price . Much to my surprise, I've had actual paying purchasers for a simple 18-page ebook! More importantly, I grew over 1000 new followers this way and have gotten pre-order requests for my next book, which I plan to market at $10. Invest in the community around you, and you'll be building a market passively for future products. Checkout Getting into Tech to see how I went about this.

Connecting with Communities

NFTs? Whole Milk? JavaScript? Python? Cybersecurity? There's a community for literally every aspect of Tech Twitter. My general approach, in the beginning, was to connect with the JavaScript-React community, Identify and follow some of the major leading accounts, and imitate their content creation and interaction strategies. Identify different ways you can add value to the community and you'll be growing at an astonishing rate in no time!

Interviewing with and learning from the best

In the realm of content creation, there is no better way to present information than capturing a verified source. Short 30 minute calls with reputable leaders in your community have far more credibility than randomly put-together research. I'm currently building a Developer Advocacy Series where I interview senior developer advocates and ask them questions relating to their roles and how they got into it - read about it here - DevRelSeries

Short 30 minute calls with reputable leaders in your community have far more credibility than randomly put-together research.

Tweeting at my role models and capturing their attention

This is a strategy I employ with accounts that have closed dms. Larger accounts deal with unbelievable traffic and are most likely to close their dms to establish some sort of traffic control. Don't fret, there's a way to grab their attention. Tweet! Tweet at them right after an activity like a space or at set hours of the day when they're more active (no, I don't creep I promise...) and you're more than likely to get a favorable response, along with a dm from them!

Building a community around your skillset

This particular process started from Reddit. I identified a need and created a solution around it - and my community has been growing ever since. I pitched a free, focused mentoring plan to a group of senior engineers and then recruited juniors to learn under them. I plan on extending this community with my developer advocacy path and technical writing. The goal is to interact every day with like minds and grow together. The first day I posted about it I got over 700 requests from mentors and mentees alike and I look forward to growing with everyone who's involved directly or indirectly.

In conclusion? Pick a nice, create value, connect with people on the human AND technical side, invest time in being a resource and be active in twitter spaces. This is a sure-fire approach to "twittering" your way to success!

Follow me on Twitter for JS-React related content and keep up with my DevRelSeries!