Strategy, Twitter
21

A Better Twitter Bio – Twitter Contest!

Posted by John Saddington on May 20, 2009

human3rror_twitter_bio

[Contest is at the very bottom.]

About 10 different people “called me out” on my Twitter bio this past week, which has resulted in me thinking a little more than normal about than usual (and I never think about it).

Currently, it’s set at the screeny on the right.

i break stuff.

This is truly “me”. I seriously spend far more time breaking things than actually putting them back together. Unfortunately, this is somewhat typical in more than just the software world (and you can take that anywhere you’d like to).

Some people have argued that I’d get more followers if I actually explained who I was and what I do.

I’m not so sure about that.

I think I’m more of a “let my tweets speak for themselves” type of guy, which is somewhat amazing since most of my tweets are pretty juvenile, random, and incomprehensible. I wonder what that says about the people who actually stick around and follow me?

In any case, I dug up some work I did for a corporate job a while back on a study of social media and social networking “profiles” and what makes the most “effective” one. Here’s my old research:

  1. Accuracy and Honesty Matters: People know and can figure out very quickly if you’re lying. Don’t lie. Be honest.
  2. Humility Apparently Works: Don’t oversell yourself or make yourself look awesome. People like to know that you’re just as human as they are.
  3. Brevity Speaks More: Keep it simple and brief. Twitter is perfect for this since they cap it at 160 characters.
  4. Solicit Something Meaningful: Can you connect instantly with the person on some level? Emotional level? Experiential level? Being “deep” is better than “shallow,” generally speaking.
  5. Mama Said Don’t Say That: There are certain words that just turn people off. Don’t use them.

Would you add any more to this list?

What do you think my Twitter Bio should say?

I’ll give the winning idea some cool Moo Mini Business Cards. Contest Ends Sunday!

Tweet it @Human3rror and/or comment below!

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John Saddington

John is the Chief Editor @ The 8BIT Network and Senior Blog Junkie here at ChurchCrunch.He enjoys Triple-Tall Americanos, developing Wordpress Themes, and a few other Random Things.

Leave a Reply

21 Responses to “A Better Twitter Bio – Twitter Contest!”

  1. Josh Wagner
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 2:19 am

    It should simply say something about you. That's the point. If you're quick and witty (like yours) then say something quick and witty. If you're simple and straight forward, say just who you are and your interests (like mine). My bio I think says something about who I would follow and who might want to follow me. Works for me so far.

    Reply
    • human3rror
      Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 2:21 am

      Thanks Josh! Apparently you don't think i shoudl change it?

      Reply
      • Josh Wagner
        Friday, May 22, 2009 at 12:50 am

        Nope. I laughed the first time I saw it. Then I wanted to know more, so I ended up following. Plus I had heard your name around thanks to Michael Hyatt. But it seems to be you.

        Reply
        • human3rror
          Friday, May 22, 2009 at 12:58 am

          Josh,

          I personally want to thank you for your engagement with this blog. I love it, and that type of dedication bears fruit… seriously.

          Thanks so much.

          Reply
          • Josh Wagner
            Friday, May 22, 2009 at 12:30 pm

            You're welcome. I like hanging out here. :)

            Reply
  2. Jay
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 4:43 am

    I like 'I break stuff' but while quick and witty, would somebody go beyond that? Also, if we're utilizing social media for His kingdom, why not get something like that in there?

    "I break stuff. For my wife. For my daughter. For Andy Stanley. For Jesus."

    Reply
    • human3rror
      Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 9:56 am

      love the andy stanley… !

      Reply
  3. Brian Alexander
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 4:47 am

    My bio is pretty much what every other bio is on twitter. 4-5 words describing who I am. Editor, Christian, Blogger..i can't even think of what they are right now without looking. Is that bad?

    Reply
    • human3rror
      Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 9:56 am

      maybe? do you want to differentiate yourself from the \”crowd\”?

      Reply
  4. joel
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 5:06 am

    Be unique! No one cares if it says "I'm just another guy."

    I like what you got now. And thanks for making me think about twitter bios…speaking of which (guess who does have twitter bio, thats right, its me)

    Reply
  5. Tyler_Braun
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 5:07 am

    I tend to prefer more informational than witty but I can see how if that represents who you are then witty could totally fit.

    Reply
  6. Bill Bolte
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 10:44 am

    honestly, i like it as it is. wish i'd thought of it first. you could make it more direct though, "i break things… deliberately"

    Reply
  7. christina
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    I like it the way it is.

    Reply
  8. Mikes
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    If that's how you are then that's it! no need to change it.
    by the way following you… (i was wondering why i wasn't following you yet. *sigh*)

    Reply
  9. KevinRossen
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    I break WordPress.

    Reply
  10. chrishill
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    "With your powers combined, I am Human3rror!"

    Reply
    • Josh Wagner
      Friday, May 22, 2009 at 12:53 am

      Ok, that's awesome! "Human3rror, he's our hero! … " Oh, wait… :D

      Reply
  11. human3rror
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 5:06 pm

    dude. you win.

    Reply
    • chrishill
      Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 8:43 pm

      haha…I forgot to mention you'll need to dye your hair green and wear tights in your avatar. :) You may have to break rule 2.

      Reply
  12. jonathancliff
    Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    I've seen you break stuff, and I think it's a great bio. You could break my stuff anytime you wanted…assuming you'd put it all back together again.

    Reply