How to use Twitter

Twitter is a social media platform that allows users to share short messages, called tweets, with their followers. With over 300 million active users, Twitter is a powerful tool for communication, networking, and marketing. In this article, we will discuss how to use Twitter effectively.

1. Create a Twitter account

The first step in using Twitter is to create an account. You will need to choose a username and password and provide some basic information about yourself. Once you have set up your account, you can start customizing your profile by adding a profile picture, header image, and bio.

2. Follow relevant accounts

This is the most important part for using Twitter. Find and follow the right people in your industry or niche. This could include your favourite political leaders, influencers, peers, or competitors. You can also follow news outlets, publications, and organizations that share content related to your interests.

How to Find the right people to follow on Twitter

Twitter is all about connecting with people and staying up-to-date with the latest news and trends based on your interests. Start by following relevant accounts. Think of your favourite musician, search for them, find and follow them. Think of your industry leaders, comedians, political leaders. Based on your interest, Twitter will eventually suggest people for you to follow. Each time they post a tweet, it will be displayed in your timeline.

3. Engage with your followersTwitter is a two-way conversation, so it’s important to engage with your followers regularly. This can include retweeting their content, responding to their tweets, and participating in Twitter chats or conversations. By building relationships with your followers, you can increase engagement and grow your network.

4. Share valuable content

Sharing valuable content is one of the best ways to attract followers and establish yourself as an authority in your industry. This can include sharing blog posts, articles, infographics, or videos related to your niche. Make sure your content is informative, engaging, and relevant to your audience.

5. Use hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool for organizing and discovering content on Twitter. Use relevant hashtags in your tweets to increase their visibility and attract new followers. You can also participate in Twitter chats or events by using the designated hashtag and engaging with other users.

6. Monitor your analytics

Twitter provides analytics tools that allow you to track your account’s performance and measure the success of your tweets. Use these tools to monitor your follower growth, engagement rate, and click-through rate. This information can help you optimize your content strategy and improve your overall performance on the platform.

7. Advertise on Twitter

Twitter also offers advertising options for businesses and individuals looking to reach a larger audience. This can include promoted tweets, promoted accounts, and promoted trends. Advertising on Twitter can be a great way to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or generate leads. 

Most popular Twitter accounts in South Africa 2023

South Africa is home to a diverse range of individuals and organizations, many of whom have taken to social media to share their voices and opinions. Twitter has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the country, with users from all walks of life sharing their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. 

Whether you are interested in politics, entertainment, or social issues, there is a Twitter account out there for you. These popular accounts are just a few examples of the diverse range of voices that can be found on the platform. 

1. Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah)

Trevor Noah is a comedian, actor, and television host. He is best known as the host of The Daily Show, a popular American news satire program. Noah has been active on Twitter since 2009, and he currently has over 12 million followers. He uses his account to share his thoughts on current events, politics, and entertainment.

2. Julius Malema (@Julius_S_Malema)

Julius Malema is a popular South African politician and the founder of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. Malema has been active on Twitter since 2010, and he currently has over 3 million followers. He uses his account to share his political views, as well as his thoughts on current events and social issues.

3. Helen Zille (@helenzille)

Helen Zille is a South African politician who served as the Premier of the Western Cape from 2009 to 2019. Zille has been active on Twitter since 2009, and she currently has over 1.5 million followers. She uses her account to share her views on politics and current events, as well as to engage with her followers.

4. Ferial Haffajee (@ferialhaffajee)

Ferial Haffajee is a South African journalist and editor. She is best known for her work as the editor of City Press, a South African newspaper. Haffajee has been active on Twitter since 2009, and she currently has over 263,000 followers. She uses her account to share her views on politics, social issues, and current events.

5. Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius)

Eusebius McKaiser is a South African political analyst, author, and broadcaster. He is best known for his work as a radio host and television commentator. McKaiser has been active on Twitter since 2009, and he currently has over 217,000 followers. He uses his account to share his thoughts on politics, current events, and social issues.

6. Anele Mdoda (@Anele)

Anele Mdoda is a South African television and radio presenter. She is best known for her work as a host on the talk show Real Talk with Anele. Mdoda has been active on Twitter since 2009, and she currently has over 1.3 million followers. She uses her account to share her views on entertainment, pop culture, and current events.

7. DJ Fresh (@DJFreshSA)

DJ Fresh is a South African radio and television personality. He is best known for his work as a radio host on various South African radio stations. DJ Fresh has been active on Twitter since 2009, and he currently has over 2.5 million followers. He uses his account to share his thoughts on music, entertainment, and current events.

7. @AdvoBarryRoux

Man’s not Barry Roux is a popular and controversal parody account which has over 2M followers. Man’s NOT Barry Roux is well known for his explosive Sunday morning tweets. He has a fair amount of supporters and is also despised by some users. 

Most popular international twitter accounts

Twitter has become one of the most widely used social media platforms in the world, with millions of users logging on every day to tweet about their lives, their interests, and their opinions. Among the vast array of Twitter accounts, there are a few that have become particularly popular, either because of their unique content or their wide appeal. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular Twitter accounts and what makes them stand out.

1. @BarackObama:

   Former President Barack Obama is one of the most popular Twitter users with over 130 million followers. Obama uses his Twitter account to share his thoughts on politics, social issues, and popular culture. He also uses the platform to promote his initiatives and connect with his supporters.

2. @elonmusk:

   Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is one of the most innovative and successful entrepreneurs of our time. His Twitter account has over 70 million followers and he uses it to share updates about his companies, his personal life, and his opinions on technology and science.

3. @KimKardashian:

   Kim Kardashian is one of the most famous celebrities in the world and her Twitter account has over 70 million followers. She uses her platform to promote her fashion and beauty lines, share her personal life with her fans, and raise awareness about social issues.

4. @TheEllenShow:

   Ellen DeGeneres is a beloved TV host and comedian, and her Twitter account has over 80 million followers. She uses her platform to share funny and inspiring content, promote her TV show, and connect with her fans.

5. @realDonaldTrump:

   Former President Donald Trump was a controversial figure during his time in office, and his Twitter account was one of his most powerful tools for communicating with the public. His account had over 88 million followers and he used it to share his thoughts on politics, criticize his opponents, and promote his agenda.

6. @Oprah:

   Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul and philanthropist, and her Twitter account has over 43 million followers. She uses her platform to share inspiring quotes, promote her TV shows and projects, and raise awareness about social issues.

7. @Cristiano:
   Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most successful and popular soccer players

In conclusion, Twitter is a powerful social media platform that can help you connect with like-minded individuals, grow your network, and establish yourself as an authority in your industry. By following these tips and best practices, you can use Twitter effectively and achieve your goals on the platform.