I personally have never used auto follow messages and most of my Social Media friends do not either. Maybe an autoresponder message after subscribing works for email because I am pretty selective when I do that and they have gained my trust. I already know I want to read their content.
When I follow someone on Twitter, it’s more about let me get to know you a bit, see what you are about and if I really like what you are sharing on Twitter, then maybe later, I will subscribe via email. But please don’t push an e-book on me, don’t tell me to go check you website. I probably already did if I followed you. A better way would be to check out my Twitter stream personally and send me a Tweet, like Marc Enriquez did:
Here are some other examples of what not to do and definitely do not make me click on True Twit Validation service to be able to follow you! That’s crazy. The only one which I think would pass would be the last one letting me know about your Facebook Fan Page.
The guy that says, “I am not here to sell you anything,” probably is. So enough of my rant. Just be natural and be yourself. What do you think?
This is such a great question and I must say I’m still torn on the subject. I think auto dm can be used a great way to get a conversation started if done the right way. Unfortunately I think everyone’s DM inbox is so full of spammy DM’s that none are ever taken seriously because they are so obviously automated selling. On the other hand, I do know some people using them who are gaining real leads. It will have to remain a personal preference I suppose….
I would love to hear how people are using it to get leads. Honestly, I have never clicked on a link. I imagine people who are new might, but after a while they probably will get tired of it.
I think that possibly for people that are new on Twitter, they will most likely to click on a link and therefore good for lead generation, but after a while I think the effect is not as good, but negative. I have seen Tweets by friends saying that if they get an auto DM , they will unfollow.
I am a convert. There was a time when I used both an auto-follow service and set an auto-message to new followers. Created a muddle of followers I didn’t want.
A personal message or tweet sent to a new follower is a much more sociable way of demonstrating genuineness. Who wants a Twitter DM box filled with auto sent messages? I don’t so I respect my followers don’t either.
Totally agree that True Twit is an extra unneeded click between two connecting people.
I’ve never liked the Auto DM’s. Makes me want to hit things… well, maybe not things, just the “UnFollow” button.