I got a Twitter — now what? (Part 1)

OK! Fine, I did it: I got on Twitter. Now what?

Just like every major camming platform has its own personality, quirks, community norms, and rules (also, “rules”), every social media platform has its own way of doing things and its own degree of usefulness.

Twitter is cited by many models as — hands down — the most useful social media space to promote themselves. It’s more tolerant of sexually explicit content than any other platform and, as of the second quarter of 2016 (April – June), boasted 313 million active users. There are 313 million people actually doing stuff on Twitter, not including dead eggs.

So, while you always must be mindful of any relevant network and/or studio policies regarding things like off-site contact, and though casting your net on Twitter is not the same as getting that money in private, some social media “strategery” in down moments can be a useful if done properly.

Let’s work our way through some suggestions, starting with the basics.

Assuming you already have your handle, hopefully it’s something that corresponds with the persona you are looking to promote. Best bet is something relevant to your cam name — not something cutesy or clever. For example, I would get something like @TheRealErikaChan over something like @ECTexasGirl or @BluebonnetPrincess. And if I really wanted to put it out there, @ErikaChan34C.

(Doesn’t work as well if your bustline isn’t in the Fs or Gs, but you get my point.)

The key point is: Keep it short and simple, while also being strategic. One thing you see a lot of models doing is connecting their Twitter handle to wherever it is they happen to be camming — like, @ErikaChanSomeNetwork. Though this is great in terms of being descriptive (people know exactly where to find you), it also ties your online identity to a specific workplace, which is something to think about. If you change networks, you probably won’t want your old network’s name hanging around.

If you’ve already started an account or built a following with a name that’s off-mark in some way, don’t despair. All is not lost! You can brand yourself with your existing handle, you can change your handle in your settings (though not a good idea if you already have a big following), and/or you can do something really fun — change your display name!

So, pretend I am @TheRealErikaChan. My display name can say “Erika Chan, The Sassy Scribe” or “Erika ‘BooBerry’ Chan” (for Halloween) or whatever you want. This is a fun place to play with your persona, or even your followers. I mean, really: who amongst your fans wouldn’t want to win a shout-out or personal message displayed in that way?

A few more Twitter basics include:

1. Do what you can to keep your accounts corresponding. Get the exact same handle on other relevant platforms. Your Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook account names all should match.

2. Speaking of matching, keep your avatar images consistent across platforms as well.

3. Make sure the images in your avatar and header are SFW. These fields remain public even if you set your Twitter account to private. Though Twitter is relatively adult-content friendly, this doesn’t *technically* mean anything.

4. Get Periscope. Seriously, I know you just got Twitter, but make sure you integrate Periscope as well.

Periscope is a live video streaming app. You can film what’s happening in front of you, right now, and broadcast the video through your Twitter. Though Periscope is strictly PG-13 (so no sneak peeks), it’s an amazing way to share an enhanced level of authenticity with your fans. Walking your dog? Go for a walk together! Planning a special show? Share the details! Though you need to be extra mindful of privacy and safety when doing anything live, Periscope lets your fans and followers see an additional angle of the “real” you. Incorporating the different format may help you connect with fans you haven’t reached before.

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It’s been said that independent models need social media more than those who work strictly within networks, and this may be true. But the truth is, as long as you are mindful of the preset rules shaping whatever cam platform you are on, Twitter is a great way to reach people.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of “I got a Twitter, now what?” for some tips and tricks for getting the most out of Twitter interactivity.

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Got a Twitter tip? Like another platform better? Tell me, and I’ll share it! Email me erika@ynotcam.com or hit me up on Twitter at @ynot_cam.