Remember when Twitter Direct Messages (DMs) were so inundated with spam that people were tweeting #DownWithDMs? Well, it’s been a while since that wave of direct message hate, and nowadays, Twitter users are in DM groups sharing knowledge and getting value. We spoke with podcaster and content strategist Jennifer Navarrete to learn more about how Twitter DM groups work and why joining one isn’t such a bad idea. Here is a summary of our conversation.
Invited: Jennifer Navarrete
Subject: Get the most out of Twitter DM groups
Format: Eight questions to the guests. All are welcome to share.
Q1: What is a DM group on Twitter?
It’s like any group message on social media – a Twitter group DM is a conversation between three or more people. While the group owner can add more people as they wish, those who are not interested can leave the group at any time. As with any group chat, you can name the group and add a photo to represent what it’s about.
A1: A Twitter group DM is a private conversation between 3+ people on Twitter. You can add people. People can leave. You can name the group (highly recommended). You can add a photo to represent the group. This makes it easy to login to your DM list. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/PkQLcE4mB1
— Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster) July 7, 2022
Question 2: Why should you create/join a Twitter DM group?
Twitter DM groups are a great way to sort information. You can have private and highly focused conversations, and also learn something valuable while interacting with those in your group.
A2: Twitter DM groups are a great way for short insights. We cannot know all things. But together we can know more. This is especially helpful when everyone is learning something new together.
Another reason is to have private and focused conversations. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/ngbudj0wlj
— Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster) July 7, 2022
However, it’s also important not to accidentally add people to a DM group. like Jeremy pointed out, if you’re starting a DM group, make sure you only add those you know and have engaged with in the past.
A2: I think it’s a great way to connect and build deeper relationships with people.
However, I would totally recommend building an initial relationship before asking them to be in a DM group. #TwitterSmarter
— Jeremy Linaburg (@jeremy_linaburg) July 7, 2022
Question 3: How to create a DM group without being spammy?
Think about why you want to create a DM group in the first place. If you’re only doing this because everyone you know is in a group and you want to join the club, think again. DM groups should be useful for every person in the group. If you are not sure about what you are going to discuss and how this topic will add value to people’s lives, then it is better not to go through it.
A3: This is important to get right. If you know people well and it’s a topic you all want to have deeper conversations about, create one and invite. However, the group must provide value or else you are wasting everyone’s time and potentially damaging your reputation. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/11zyR2FXDv
— Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster) July 7, 2022
Another important thing to do if you don’t want to come across as spam is to ask people if they want to be in your group, like Madalyn suggested. If people are really interested, then your messages will not be spam.
A3: If you want to avoid being spammed, consider asking people if they are interested in joining the group before you add them. This is what I do. Tell them what the group is about and the benefits of being a member. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/Rsnc6w9x0F
— Madalyn Sklar Digital Marketing Since 1996 (@MadalynSklar) July 7, 2022
Q4: How do you ensure that your DM group is mutually beneficial for everyone in the group?
Make sure you only add people who are relevant to the topic you are discussing. Or create a group to discuss a topic you know your community wants to talk about. DM groups can be a great way to learn new things together and they will develop over time.
A4: Make sure the group DM is on target or at least on a topic that someone has expressed interest in learning more about. DM groups are a great way to learn something new together, brainstorm or connect. I have found that they shift and grow to meet the needs of the group. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/fKDwXgf3Ky
— Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster) July 7, 2022
It is also worth considering what kind of relationships the group members already have, such as our friends GiveWP said. If everyone already knows each other, then the group dynamic will be different than when people don’t know each other well and will be able to make friends.
A4) This is where community and relationships come into play. Deciding on group dynamics is crucial – is everyone already close? Are we making new friends here? Is the conversation encouraging and honest? #TwitterSmarter
— GiveWP 🌻 (@GiveWP) July 7, 2022
Q5: How can you prevent your group from gradually dying?
Don’t cling to something that is clearly slipping away. As our guest reminded us, some bands are seasonal and that’s perfectly fine. When you realize that your group is no longer serving the best interests of everyone in the group, it is okay to let the group disband.
A5: Some groups are for one season and that’s okay. Others have longer legs and that’s okay too. A Twitter DM group should have value for everyone involved. When there isn’t, then feel free to execute the “Law of 2 Legs” and walk away. No harm. No foul. It’s all good. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/6IsMal1LFK
— Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster) July 7, 2022
On the other hand, how D & C suggested, if you notice that engagement is waning, you can always ask people if they are getting what they want from the group. If not, you can try to rebuild the conversation.
A5 b Also, if you see engagement drop in a group DM, ask the people there what they want to talk about and what they would like to get out of being in the group DM. #TwitterSmarter
— Deb Coman #SocialTrust (@DebComanWriting) July 7, 2022
Q6: Share some of your best group DM experiences on Twitter.
According to Jennifer, some of the best DM group experiences come from sharing knowledge and learning new things. Groups have significantly reduced the learning curve of Twitter Spaces and made it easier for people to have real-time conversations.
A6: Some of my best Twitter DM Group experiences are about AHA! Moments from common knowledge. Group DMs shortened the learning curve when it came to Twitter Spaces and the real use case of what works and doesn’t work well. I think the group. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/QPguXmMTh5
— Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster) July 7, 2022
Amna told us about a multicultural group she was a part of where people regularly share photos of their location. Groups like this are a great opportunity for participants to get to know each other and each other’s cultures, traditions and beliefs.
A6
I was in a multicultural DM group and everyone shares pictures of their location.
It was great to see pictures of Bali and Switzerland every day.#TwitterSmarter— Amna Aslam (@amnaaslam20) July 7, 2022
Question 7: Are there any ideal topics or talking points for a Twitter DM group?
Ideal topics are subjective. If you’re already enjoying a conversation with someone and want to continue it more privately and in a focused way, that’s when a group DM works best. If you create a group and find that the conversation has stalled or ended, it’s okay to split the group. Not all groups are forever.
A7: Ideal topics are subjective. If you and others are already tweeting about a topic and want to have a more focused and private conversation, then a group DM would be ideal. Remember that not all DM groups are forever. Some are for one season. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/lI78rRR0Ge
— Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster) July 7, 2022
like angel reminded us, your conversations can be both professional and personal, as long as everyone is comfortable with what you’re sharing and what’s expected of them.
A7: I think anything professional is an ideal topic to use in a DM group. But it can also be interesting if you sometimes talk on a personal level too! #TwitterSmarter
— Angel Williams-Federick (@angel_federick) July 7, 2022
Question 8: How to politely leave an unsolicited DM group add?
There is no right way to leave a group. Most people will simply leave when the conversation no longer serves them or if they didn’t want to engage in the first place. However, if you do this, everyone in the group will be notified that you have left. Alternatively, you can also notify the group owner that you are no longer interested in the conversation and leave with a goodbye.
A8: Some people leave without saying a word. Since they were not asked in advance, this is understandable. I will bow out of a group with a message to the group wishing them well and then leave. #TwitterSmarter https://t.co/c9X2WKmY5O
— Jennifer Navarrete (@epodcaster) July 7, 2022
Well folks, that’s all from me this week. Thanks for reading, and for more great insights from our conversation with Jennifer, take a look this moment on Twitter that Joana put together for us. If you think this review is good enough, you’ll love the real-time chat. Join us next Thursday at 1pm ET for #TwitterSmarter. We’re also hanging out on Twitter Spaces at 5pm ET to continue our conversation. Catch you there!
About me, Narmadhaa:
I write all the stuff – marketing stuff to pay the bills; haiku and short stories so I feel healthy. A social media enthusiast, I hang out with the #TwitterSmarter chat crew and am always happy to take writing gigs.
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