Mark Armstrong Illustration Specializing In Content Marketing Advertising Editorial Infographics Animation Videos and Social Media

I’m not sure how I first learned about Twitter chats. Maybe a little birdie told me. 😊

What is a Twitter chat? Twitter expert Madalyn Skylar puts it this way:

A Twitter chat is basically a live hour of conversation on the platform.

There’s a chat host that asks questions and sometimes a guest expert who shares their responses.

Every participant is encouraged to answer the questions from the host, as well as engage with others in the chat.

Typically, chats occur on a weekly basis and last for one hour, however some people do them less often like every other week or once per month.

Every Twitter chat has the same basic structure:

• Specific hashtag for the chat• Specific time — often a regularly occurring time, such    as Mondays at 2 PM• A topic for the chat• A moderator who posts questions, using the format Q1,    Q2, Q3, etc.• Participants answer the questions, using the format A1,    A2, A3, etc.

Here’s a searchable list of Twitter chats and when they’re scheduled (I’m not sure how up-to-date the list is).

As the name implies, you have to be on Twitter in order to participate in a chat.

Chats are a way to build brand awareness— to make your presence known. They’re also a way to demonstrate your expertise.

They’re fast-moving, but you can always scroll through the tweets after the chat is over to review any tips you might have missed.

Twitter chats allow you to boost brand awareness and network at the same time.

Sometimes a chat host will post highlights of the chat after the fact, giving you some extra exposure.

This happened to me in a Content Marketing Institute chat on the importance of pruning your old content, featuring expert Christina Elghazi.

Are Twitter chats a good fit for you and your brand? The best way to find out is to tune in for one and give it a try.

*       *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *

About Mark: I’m an illustrator specializing in humor, branding, social media, and content marketing. My images are different, like your brand needs to be.

You can view my portfolio, and connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Questions? Send me an email.

Follow @mrstrongarm