So I previously made fun of Twitter, but there was something about it which kept my attention. One thing which kept me connected was the fact that my peers were spending time there and a conversation existed. Not knowing what the conversation was about became painful, so I had to keep dipping in.
And, there are bits and bobs and nuggets of gold in there, sure you get the, “I’m on the bus”, type twitter, but what you also get is an insight into “the conversation”. I use it professionally, so all the people I follow have something to do with my business and being able to know what is the “thing of the moment” can be very useful.
But, the thing that has finally done it for me is something that I have an absolute passion about and that is writing headlines. Twitter gives an advantage to those who can give interesting meaning to the fewest amount of words possible. If you can write something in 160 characters which makes people do something or induces and emotion or gets them to stop and think, then you can write a headline.
What a great place to learn headline writing. What a great place to hone the craft.
There is this guy called Ed Dale, now I hate the internet marketing guru tribe as much as any red blooded seo, but today he presented me with information of such clarity and usefulness that I have given him a link. Now, I am not saying I am going over to the dark side and cranking out a 50 DVD Workbook on how to make $345,000 a month, making models of the Eiffel tower out of cornflakes.
But the dude has got a point about Twitter being a headline writers training ground.
From now on, my Twitter feed is going to be more focussed on teaching the art of the headline, and also sharpening my own pencil.
If headlines are your thing, give me a shot and follow me. It costs nothing.