Are you new to Twitter or struggling to stay on top of the latest news and trends in your niche? With over 440 million monthly active users, Twitter can be an overwhelming platform, especially when it comes to finding and following topics that matter to you. In this article, we’ll break down the process of finding and following a topic on Twitter, making it easy for you to stay informed and engaged with your community.
Understanding Twitter Lingo: Keywords, Hashtags, and Trends
Before we dive into finding and following topics on Twitter, it’s essential to understand some fundamental concepts that will help you navigate the platform like a pro.
Keywords: The Building Blocks of Twitter Search
Keywords are specific words or phrases that define a topic or theme. On Twitter, keywords are used to search for tweets, accounts, and hashtags related to a particular subject. When searching for keywords, Twitter’s algorithm will return a list of relevant tweets, making it easy to find and engage with content that interests you.
Hashtags: The Twitter equivalent of Labels or Tags
Hashtags are keywords or phrases preceded by the “#” symbol. They help categorize tweets and make them discoverable by others who are interested in the same topic. Hashtags can be used to track conversations, join discussions, and even create branded campaigns. When you click on a hashtag, Twitter will show you a feed of tweets that have used that hashtag, making it easy to find and engage with relevant content.
Trends: What’s Hot and What’s Not on Twitter
Twitter Trends are popular topics or hashtags that are currently trending on the platform. These trends can be based on various factors, including the number of tweets, engagement, and relevance. Twitter Trends can help you stay informed about breaking news, popular events, and trending conversations.
Finding Topics on Twitter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the basics of Twitter lingo, let’s dive into finding topics that interest you.
Method 1: Twitter Search Bar
The Twitter search bar is the most straightforward way to find topics on Twitter. Here’s how to use it:
- Log in to your Twitter account and click on the search bar at the top of the page.
- Type in your keyword or phrase, and Twitter will return a list of relevant tweets, accounts, and hashtags.
- Use the filters on the right-hand side of the page to refine your search results by type (tweets, accounts, photos, videos, etc.).
- Explore the search results to find tweets, accounts, and hashtags that interest you.
Method 2: Twitter Trends
Twitter Trends can be a great way to discover new topics and trending conversations. Here’s how to use Twitter Trends:
- Log in to your Twitter account and click on the “Trends” tab on the left-hand side of the page.
- Browse through the list of trending topics and hashtags to find something that interests you.
- Click on a trending topic or hashtag to explore related tweets and conversations.
Method 3: Explore Tab
The Explore tab is a relatively new feature on Twitter that provides personalized recommendations based on your interests and engagement habits. Here’s how to use the Explore tab:
- Log in to your Twitter account and click on the “Explore” tab on the left-hand side of the page.
- Browse through the list of recommended topics, tweets, and accounts to find something that interests you.
- Click on a recommended topic or tweet to explore related content.
Following Topics on Twitter: The Next Step
Once you’ve found a topic that interests you, it’s time to follow it and stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends.
Following Accounts
Following accounts is a great way to stay informed about a particular topic or niche. Here’s how to follow an account:
- Find an account that interests you, either through Twitter search or Explore tab recommendations.
- Click on the account’s profile picture to visit their profile page.
- Click the “Follow” button to start seeing their tweets in your timeline.
Following Hashtags
Unfortunately, Twitter doesn’t allow you to follow hashtags directly. However, there are a few workarounds to stay updated with hashtag conversations:
- Use Twitter’s “Save” feature to save a hashtag search and revisit it later.
- Use a third-party Twitter client or tool that allows you to track hashtags and create custom feeds.
- Participate in hashtag conversations by tweeting with the hashtag and engaging with others who use it.
Advanced Twitter Features for Power Users
If you’re an advanced Twitter user or want to take your Twitter game to the next level, here are some features and tools you can use:
Twitter Lists
Twitter Lists are curated lists of accounts that you can create or subscribe to. Here’s how to create a Twitter List:
- Log in to your Twitter account and click on the “Lists” tab on the left-hand side of the page.
- Click the “Create a list” button to create a new list.
- Add accounts to your list by searching for them and clicking the “Add to list” button.
- Use your list to stay updated with tweets from accounts that interest you.
Twitter Chats
Twitter Chats are scheduled conversations that take place on Twitter, usually centered around a specific topic or hashtag. Here’s how to find and participate in Twitter Chats:
- Search for Twitter Chats using keywords like “Twitter Chat” or “Chat Schedule.”
- Look for tweets that announce upcoming Twitter Chats and mark your calendar.
- Participate in the Twitter Chat by tweeting with the designated hashtag and engaging with others.
Twitter Analytics
Twitter Analytics is a built-in feature that provides insights into your Twitter performance and engagement. Here’s how to access Twitter Analytics:
- Log in to your Twitter account and click on the “More” tab on the left-hand side of the page.
- Click the “Analytics” button to access your Twitter Analytics dashboard.
- Use Twitter Analytics to track your performance, engagement, and audience insights.
Conclusion
Finding and following topics on Twitter can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and tools, you can stay informed and engaged with your community. By understanding Twitter lingo, using the search bar, Twitter Trends, and Explore tab, you can discover new topics and trending conversations. By following accounts, participating in hashtag conversations, and using advanced Twitter features, you can take your Twitter experience to the next level. Remember to stay engaged, tweet regularly, and use Twitter Analytics to optimize your performance. Happy tweeting!
What is the best way to find a topic to follow on Twitter?
To find a topic to follow on Twitter, start by thinking about what interests you. What are you passionate about? What do you want to learn more about? It could be a hobby, a industry, a news category, or even a popular trend. You can also use Twitter’s search bar to explore different topics and see what comes up. Type in keywords related to your interest and browse through the results to see what sparks your curiosity.
Another way to find topics is to look at what’s trending on Twitter. Twitter’s trending page shows you what’s currently popular on the platform, and it’s a great way to discover new topics and hashtags. You can also look at what your friends and followers are tweeting about and see if any of those topics resonate with you.
How do I find relevant hashtags for a topic on Twitter?
To find relevant hashtags for a topic on Twitter, start by doing some research. Look at the hashtags used by influencers and experts in your desired topic. You can also use Twitter’s search bar to search for keywords related to your topic and see what hashtags come up. Additionally, you can use online tools such as Hashtagify or RiteTag to find popular and relevant hashtags for your topic.
Once you have a list of potential hashtags, test them out by searching for them on Twitter and seeing what kind of content comes up. You can also look at the “trends” section on Twitter to see what hashtags are currently popular. Remember to keep your hashtags specific and relevant to your topic, and don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different ones until you find the ones that work best for you.
What is a Twitter list, and how do I create one?
A Twitter list is a curated group of Twitter accounts that you can follow and tweet about a specific topic. Having a Twitter list allows you to organize the accounts you follow and easily find tweets related to a specific topic. To create a Twitter list, go to your Twitter profile and click on the “Lists” tab. Then, click on the “Create a list” button and give your list a name and description.
Once you have created your list, you can start adding accounts to it by searching for them and clicking on the “Add to list” button. You can also add accounts to your list from your Twitter timeline by hovering over the account’s name and clicking on the “Add to list” button that appears. Remember to keep your lists organized and specific to your topic, and don’t be afraid to create multiple lists for different topics.
How do I find influencers and experts to follow on Twitter?
To find influencers and experts to follow on Twitter, start by doing some research. Look for industry leaders, bloggers, and experts in your desired topic. You can also look at who the influencers and experts are following, as they often follow other influential people in their industry. Additionally, you can use online tools such as Followerwonk or Twittercounter to find influential people on Twitter.
Once you have identified some influencers and experts, start by following them and engaging with their content. Tweet at them, respond to their tweets, and ask them questions. This will help you build a relationship with them and stay informed about the latest developments in your topic. Remember to also follow a mix of big and small influencers, as well as a mix of industry leaders and up-and-coming experts.
What is the best way to stay organized on Twitter?
The best way to stay organized on Twitter is to use lists and hashtags to categorize the accounts you follow and the tweets you see. By creating lists and following hashtags related to your topic, you can easily find and engage with relevant content. You can also use third-party apps such as Tweetdeck or Hootsuite to help you stay organized and see multiple streams of tweets at once.
Additionally, you can use Twitter’s built-in features such as “Mute” and “Block” to help you stay organized. Muting an account means that you won’t see their tweets in your timeline, but you’ll still be able to see their tweets if someone you follow retweets or replies to them. Blocking an account means that you won’t see their tweets or notifications, and they won’t be able to contact you on Twitter.
How do I avoid information overload on Twitter?
To avoid information overload on Twitter, start by being intentional about who you follow and what hashtags you track. Only follow accounts that are relevant to your topic and are producing high-quality content. Additionally, use Twitter’s built-in features such as “Mute” and “Block” to filter out accounts that are clogging up your timeline.
You can also use third-party apps such as Tweetdeck or Hootsuite to help you stay focused on specific topics and accounts. These apps allow you to create custom streams of tweets that are relevant to your topic, making it easier to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Remember to also take breaks from Twitter and set boundaries for yourself to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
How do I engage with others on Twitter?
To engage with others on Twitter, start by responding to tweets and commenting on relevant conversations. Ask questions, share your own experiences, and offer helpful advice. You can also use Twitter polls and questions to start conversations and engage with others. Additionally, use Twitter’s built-in features such as “Like” and “Retweet” to show your appreciation for others’ content.
Remember to also be respectful and professional in your interactions, and avoid being confrontational or argumentative. Twitter is a public platform, and your tweets can be seen by anyone, so be mindful of your tone and language. By engaging with others on Twitter, you can build relationships, learn from others, and stay informed about the latest developments in your topic.