Twitter Party Basics

I’ve recently received emails from readers and Facebook friends who aren’t clear on how to join a Twitter Party. Instead of responding to each individually, I thought it best to create one post that can be bookmarked.

What is a Twitter Party?

Twitter Parties are virtual fiestas/parties that are held on Twitter.  In order to join, you must have a Twitter account. You can create a FREE Twitter account, by clicking HERE.

A Twitter Party, like real-life parties, are centered around a specific theme. Party hosts will ask questions based on the theme. By answering the questions, you can learn more about a company, their products, and more often than not, you have a chance to win prizes!

Hashtag

Twitter has over 271 million monthly active users, parties use hashtags to keep track of participants tweets. It’s like using a virtual group line!

So. what’s a hashtag?

Its a keyword that lets others know you are talking about the same topic.

A sample hashtag looks like this –> #cat

Notice, it has a  # symbol before the keyword.

See more samples hashtags below:

#latina 

Notice, the # symbol before the keyword latina?  To create a hashtag, you must put a # symbol before the keyword.

#toy

What is the keyword? If you guessed  “toy“, you’re right!

#SMLatinas

 What is the keyword? SMLatinas  Sounds weird? No worries, the keyword in a hashtag can be an acronym or even a combination of letters that the host put together!  In this case, SMLatinas stands for Stiletto Media Latinas or Social Media Latinas. Both represent the Stiletto Media Blogger Network’s social media savvy Latinas!

RSVP

Some Twitter Parties require an RSVP, just like a real-life party. By RSVPing the  hosts are able to keep track of you and the other attendees.

In my Twitter Parties you must RSVP. I do this because I want to make sure I follow everyone who is attending the Twitter Party.

To RSVP for my Twitter parties, you enter your name and URL in the Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets box found at the bottom of the Twitter Party announcement.

Below is a sample of a Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets box. I used my Twitter Name (“MsLatina”) & Twitter URL(“https://twitter.com/MsLatina“) to show you what you must enter in the “Your Name” and “Your URL” boxes.  After you enter the information, click the “Enter” button on the right hand side. Your name will than appear in the list with the others who are joining the Twitter Party.

Now that I explained the basic terms, lets recap!

• Follow Party hosts and RSVP, if required.
• On the date of Twitter Party, introduce yourself to the host(s) by sending them a tweet (aka Twitter message).  See sample tweet below.

 Hi @MsLatina! I’m here to join the party! #SMLatinas

NOTE: When sending a tweet or message to someone on Twitter add an “@” sign, without quotation marks, before their name. Example: @MsLatina

• Answer host’s questions and don’t forget to add the required hashtag.
• Use a program like Tweetgrid to follow the fast paced conversation.
• Last, but not least, enjoy and have fun. Remember its a party!

Now that you know the basics, make sure you join my Twitter Parties. To find out when I’m having a Twitter Party make sure you follow my blog via email or feed.

Good luck! / ¡Suerte!

See you on Twitter!