How to Participate in a Travel Twitter Chat

What in the world is a Twitter Chat?

That’s the exact question that my friend asked me when I told her that I was helping to promote Visit Florida’s series of Twitter Chats. And just between you and I, she’s in her twenties — so no matter how old (or young), people of all ages may need a little introduction on how to participate.

A Twitter Chat (or Tweet Chat) is when people use Twitter to talk about a topic or a common interest at a scheduled time.

It’s exciting to talk about travel topics with people from all over the world at the same time, not to mention that it’s great networking if you have your own blog or brand. Twitter is one platform where brands and influencers can grow their following, be it with the help of companies that can help them buy real Twitter followers, or by smart and systematic engagement with other users, as mentioned above.

As for Twitter Chats, all you have to do is tweet using the chat’s hashtag and your tweet will be linked to the chat. A hashtag looks like this: #LoveFL or #KaraOnTheCoast (shameless plug!).

But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First things first — do you have a Twitter account? It’s really easy to set one up and it’s free.

1. Set Up a Twitter Account

Maybe you’ve been fighting the idea of joining Twitter, but there are plenty of good reasons to jump in. Like anything, Twitter takes a little time to understand and get acquainted with — read this post from Business Insider for a list of reasons why you should join.

The Twitter Help Center provides easy steps to get started:

To create a Twitter account:

1. Go to http://twitter.com and find the sign up box, or go directly to https://twitter.com/signup.
2. Enter your full name, email address, and a password.
3. Click Sign up for Twitter.
4. On the next page, you can select a username (usernames are unique identifiers on Twitter) – type your own or choose one that’s suggested. Twitter will tell you if the username you want is available.
5. Double-check your name, email address, password, and username.
6. Click Create my account.You may be asked to complete a Captcha to make sure that you’re human.
7. Twitter will send a confirmation email to the address you entered on sign up, click the link in that email to confirm your email address and account.

 

2. Find a Twitter Chat

I’m going to assume that since you’re reading this post on a travel blog, that you’re interested in participating in a Twitter Chat about travel. Travelogx.com keeps a running list of weekly travel chats. Or check this list, for a bunch of different topics.

Here are a few popular ones (all times are Eastern Standard):

#FLTravelChat: Next one is Tues. July 8, 2014

#TravelTuesday: Tuesdays all day

#TL_Chat: Tuesdays at 2:00 pm

#NUTS: Tuesdays at 3:30 pm

#TTOT (Travel Talk on Twitter): Tuesdays at 5:30 am AND 5:30 pm

#Travex: Wednesdays at 9:30 am AND 5:00 pm

3. How to Follow a Twitter Chat

It’s possible to follow the conversation inside of the actual Twitter platform, but in my opinion, it’s easier to track the hashtag if you use a service like Hootsuite, which is what I use. The Hootsuite Help Desk features a handy guide that walks you through how to set up your free account (a paid pro account is also available, but you don’t need a pro account for Twitter Chats).

After you set up your account, save the hashtag as a stream on your Hootsuite dashboard. Following the hashtag inside of Hootsuite, will allow you to monitor the chat automatically, without having to remember the hashtag or search for it.

Create a stream inside Hootsuite, by following these steps:

1. In the dashboard, click on your Twitter stream (which should have been automatically created for you when you connected your account).
2. Click the button + Add Stream located below your Twitter handle (a.k.a. Twitter name, like @KaraFranker).
3. A pop-up window will appear and you’ll want to select the Keyword tab at the top.
4. Then click on Select a Profile, and click on your Twitter handle.
5. Enter the hashtag into the Keyword box, i.e. #FLTravelChat and click Add.
6. Then click Add Stream.

And voila! The stream will show up on your dashboard and you’ll have an easy way to keep track of the conversation.

Here’s what my dashboard looks like:

4. How to Participate in a Twitter Chat

Now that you’re all set up and ready to go, all you have to do is open up your Hootsuite dashboard and the stream you just created, at the time of the scheduled Twitter Chat.

Here’s what to expect inside the Twitter Chat:

• There will likely be a host or moderator (usually more than one) who is responsible for welcoming participants, asking questions and keeping the conversation on track.

• When you first join the chat, spend a little time scanning the tweets to determine who the hosts are. Feel free to tweet them (using the hashtag, of course) to let them know that you are there, this is your first Twitter Chat, and that you’re excited to participate. I’m sure they’ll be happy to have you and help you along the way.

• Usually there is a theme surrounding the chat. For example, luxury travel, adventure travel or family travel. Try to stay on topic, as this will help the flow of the conversation.

• The host will tweet out the first question, which usually looks something like this: Q1: Where’s your favorite place to watch the sunset in Florida? #FLTravelChat.

• To respond, write something like this: A1: My fave place to watch the sunset is by the Naples Pier on the @ParadiseCoast. #FLTravelChat. Don’t forget the hashtag! And if you have a photo, attach it to your tweet.

• Feel free to retweet other people’s answers or the host’s questions.

• If you have enough space in the tweet to share their post and comment too, then that’s great, but if there isn’t enough room, you can retweet their comment intact and then mention them (i.e. @VisitFlorida) with your feedback.

• The chat usually lasts about an hour. You’ll know when it’s over because the host will usually thank everyone for attending.

• After the chat, go through your conversation and start following those that you connected with during the chat. This is a great way to find new followers on Twitter!

5. Did this mini-guide about Twitter Chats help you?

If this blog post helped you learn more about how to participate in a Twitter Chat, let me know! Click the link below to send me an automatic tweet. I’d be honored if you’d follow me on Twitter and I’d be happy to return the favor. :)

Click the following link to automatically tweet:

Want to know how to participate in a Twitter Chat? Read this post by @KaraFranker: http://bit.ly/1qPtOhP

Thank you!

xoxo

Kara