How to Become Instantly RT-able (A Twitter Guide)

RT stands for retweet, which is to take another Twitter member’s tweet and post it as new, giving credit to the original author using “RT” plus the member’s name: RT @member or via @member. [Edit via Travelwriter comment]

1. Say something of substance. This may come easily or be a carefully crafted idea. Tweets involving one helping many are always welcome. For example, @Iconic88’s “Pay it Forward” style tweets are always great to RT.

2. Choose an uplifting or inspiring quote. @LoriMoreno’s feed is a joy to read, often filled with fantastic quotes and beauty.

3. Be Funny. I’m talking @TinaFey funny on a regular basis, like @KimSherrell who is not only funny, but inventive and the founder of #artwalk #bob and #casting which leads to our next…

4. Have a Purpose. Whether it’s an event, charity or simply helping a fellow tweep, Twitterers love to unite for a cause! We get involved and will help promote your blog, website, whatever it is as long as it’s exciting and for a good cause. Help a fellow tweep! @PowerSellingMom is an expert on charity!

5. Leave Space! How many characters is your name plus 2 spaces and RT? Mine is 18. See? RT @ModelSupplies (space after!) I know I need to leave at LEAST 18 spaces for the 1st RT. I believe this is CRITICAL in getting RTed.

6. Drop valuable links. Whether tech related downloads or links to great content, we can’t get enough of links and will pass on the great ones. I visit @MayhemStudios and @mashable regularly for wonderful links.

7. Ask questions. @Jason_Pollock will often ask a community question that is widely RTed. He usually asks for an @reply answer and tweeple get the feeling he will actually read them. I *know* he does.

8. Offer a job or opportunity. Many times one can see a great opportunity that does not necessarily apply personally, but is worth passing on. It may help a follower and is one of the main keys to social media networking.

9. Share an idea or point out talent that’s so good, it DARES people to RT it! @AlohaArleen will often share things that other tweeple would wish she had kept quiet. I don’t want to list it here, better go read her feed! She’s very generous and her @replies are often worth RTing!

10. Be famous. Famous tweeps will get almost anything RTed but usually there is a good cause associated. It just makes it faster & easier when you’re famous. It also helps to have famous guests on your show – ask @OliviaWilder!

11. Be clever or artsy. Using upside down text or different styles of text or carefully crafted sprites such as @LoriMoreno’s “Love Wave” are fun and beautiful to pass on. Give tweeps something to show their friends!

12. Talk about Twitter. There’s nothing more fun to RT than something about Twitter itself. Reason? It literally relates to everyone on Twitter by definition!

13. Report Breaking News. While there are twitter Ids like @BreakingNews dedicated to breaking news (go figure!), sometimes the average tweep finds out about something first hand – could be a flood, road closing, product recall, etc. We love fast information, but check your facts before posting.

14. Say “Please”. Manners always count. Asking “Plz RT” will get better results than just “RT”. Twitterers are mostly civilized tweeple and like to be asked politely. Please do not ask for every one of your posts to be RTed, we will RT if we like it. Don’t beg – LOL

Notice the types of posts you personally RT and begin to develop a style. You don’t have to stick to any certain theme, but people like to have an idea what they will find at your feed. My feed will probably always show a little of all of these things. I have many widely varied interests, like most of the tweeple on Twitter!

UPDATE: Tip: Twitter Search “RT @yourname” to show a list of who has RTed you! via @paulbritphoto

More Articles from Anita Nelson at ModelSupplies
Help! I Don’t Show Up In Twitter Search!

What It’s Like To Be #TwitterSuspended

5 “Get Followed Fast” Finds!
My Twitter Mosaic – Fabulous Tweeps!

Careful What You Tweet
How to Become Instantly RT-able (A Twitter Guide)

by Anita Nelson @ModelSupplies on Twitter – Follow me!