Though Twitter encourages content creators to get their point across in 140 characters or less, this doesn’t mean that tweets have to lack information. In fact, a well-crafted tweet can grab a reader’s attention and get them clicking on an important link or story.
While it should theoretically feel easier to write a message when you only have so much space, in many ways this task proves difficult. If you go over the 140-character limit, your message will get truncated. To avoid this, the author must get the point across in a short yet clear way. To craft a tweet that will stand out in a near-constant stream of updates, here are some thoughts:
Rewrite your message with Twitter in mind
You know what you want to say, but now it’s about condensing that thought so it’s appropriate for Twitter. For those who are not natural editors, this is often a difficult task. It’s important to preserve the root of the message, without going over your character limit. This may mean getting creative when it comes to cutting out unnecessary words.
Find an alternative way to say the same thing
While your original tweet may put you far over the character limit, there’s probably a way to get the same message across using less characters. Can you use other words or insert contractions in order to make the tweet 140 characters or less? Find shorter synonyms whenever possible, but as you do this, make sure that the replacement word conveys the proper meaning of what you’re trying to say.
Stay away from abbreviations
While some abbreviations are perfectly acceptable in text messages, when tweeting from a business account you should stay away from using online slang such as “lol” and “brb.” While these terms are commonly understood, they’re not professional and can make your company look unprofessional.
Use the active voice
The active voice is more pleasant to read, and also frequently uses less characters than the passive voice. Try to write in the active voice whenever you’re composing a tweet.
Don’t feel afraid about hash tags
Hash tags are useful when you’re trying to get your point across in a brief way. They can replace lengthy words and phrases to help you create a tweet that makes sense but is still less than 140 characters. Don’t shy away from using hash tags as you go about crafting the perfect Twitter message.
If you’re feeling uncertain about how to get your business’s message across using social media platforms like Twitter, feel free to contact Grammar Chic, Inc. for some professional advice and pointers. Our team is able to provide guidance about how to utilize your business’s Twitter account to speak directly to your target audience and get the most out of this great marketing tool.
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