Once you’ve made the decision to open a Twitter account, you’ll need to visit Twitter.com and enter a name, email address and password. After doing so, you will be directed to a page where you will enter the Twitter handle you would like (this can be changed in the future if you want or need to, without losing Twitter followers). When selecting a Twitter handle, make sure that it matches your site name and/or brand as best as possible. This makes it easier for people to find you on Twitter and to promote your brand.

Getting Set Up on Twitter

After account creation, Twitter will take you through a series of steps to finish building your Twitter profile and find other users to follow.

It is first suggested to find people to follow based on Interests. Here you can select and search different topics to find people.

The second step is to find people based on your Friends. For example, you can search through your LinkedIn profile to see if anyone you know is on Twitter.

Twitter recommends selecting 10 accounts to follow by searching through topics and/or friends. However, both steps are optional and can be skipped.

After passing through these steps, you are taken to your new Twitter page. At the top of the Twitter page, click on Profile.

There will be a link under the image box that says “Edit your profile”. Click on this link to finish setting up your account.

Your Twitter Profile Fields

First, upload a picture. It is recommended that bloggers use a personal picture to better connect with followers. If you are a business or have a group blog, using an image or a blog button is okay.

Fill in the areas of Name, Location, Website (link this to your about me page if you are a blogger), and complete the bio which has a limit of 160 characters.

For your bio, try to maximize this area by taking advantage of all 160 characters and include information that will help readers and brands get a good understanding of you and your blog or business. Keep in mind that customers and brands often want to know your general location. Including the closest major metro area in your profile can prove beneficial.

After setting up your profile, the next step is to customize your notifications.

Twitter Notification Settings

Click on the Notifications tab. You’ll see 3 different sections: Messages, Activity, and Updates.

Select which features you would like to be emailed about, then save.

The final step in the process is to design your Twitter page.

Twitter Page Design

Twitter offers some basic themes you can use for background design. Also, there is the option to check out other themes on Themeleon. Themeleon offers several different background options with multiple color schemes. Another free resource for customizing your twitter page is BgPatterns.

When designing your Twitter page, it is important to match it with your site design as best as possible. This will help tie your Twitter account and site together to promote your brand.

Once your account is all set up, you are ready to start tweeting.