What is the best way to build relationships on Twitter?

Become the master of 'unmarketing'. Twitter is about relationships. Building them and nurturing them and communicating with them. Direct selling falls flat. Communicate with your followers, provide value, and throw in the occasional business related Tweet for good measure. Most of your business will end up being word of mouth because your followers will recommend you once they decide you are likable.

There is an art to it, but there are many successful people using Twitter to grow and brand their business.

The people of TwitterMuscle.com have a good handle on the whole process.

Regards,
Cori

Twitter is place where you have to build relationship with people and then make them visit your site.

I saw a video long back, in which a guy said something like this:

Twitter is like a party. You go there, make friends and then welcome them to your house (which is your site).

I totally agree with him.

The key here is to build relationship.

Here are a few methods you can use:

1. Stop sending auto DMs and send manual DMs

To make them find that you have sent it manually, you should include their name and if possible their area. What I normally do is, I send a DM saying "Hi X. How's the weather in (their place)? Look forward to knowing more about you". This is just one of the DMs I sent to my recent follower. I don't send the same template to all twitter users.

2. Use the @ and search functions to the best

Search for people who are asking questions related to your niche and answer those questions using the @. They will obviously visit your profile and do either or both of the following: (i) Follow you (ii) Visit your site.

3. RT often

RT is short for ReTweet. RT other people's links. When you RT, people will like you and they will start RTing your links. This is Gold if you have a lot of followers. Say you have 10,000 followers. Out of that, say 25 RT your link (easily achievable). Their friends will RT it and this will create a huge traffic to your site.

These are the top 3 ways that comes to my mind for building relationships on twitter.

k0zm0zs0ul, thanks for the the tip about TwitterMuscle. They definitely do know what they're doing.

I would say as long as you aren't promoting junk products, and are just honest and treat other Twitter members with respect you won't be viewed as a salesman.

Building relationships with Twitter members involves talking to people. Send @user messages when you want to comment on something you like about their site or what they said. Visit their site/blog and retweet it.

DMs are pointless, few people read them even if they aren't just automated.

Talk TO people and not AT them?