The thing about Twitter (and social networking, in general) is that it opens the opportunity for people with various preferences to be at cross-purposes. When I follow someone, it may be for the convenience and interest in getting their info in my Twitter stream, or it may also be for building a relationship. If it’s the former, I might feel bombarded by DMs, especially auto-DMs trying to sell me something. If it’s the latter, I’m likely to be pleased by the attempt to bond…but still frustrated if it’s done in a disingenuous way.

Thus, I think the unwritten mistake #4 is to throw yourself at people, privately, and especially with automated DMs, and most particularly with automated DMs designed to sell someone on your product or service.

DMing for a reason, giving genuine thanks or comments regarding a specific thing is lovely, personal and personable. Saying the same thing to everyone is like having that flight attendant from SNL repeatedly saying “buh-bye”…on my behalf. :-)

I think if someone unfollows you, that means that they are not into what you have to say. Which is fine, because you only want the people who are interested in what you have to say to follow you.

I have since used a DM thanking for the follow and only have a link to become a Facebook Friend.

All in all I don’t think it hurts and if someone un-follows me I feel we must not be a fit?

Thanks for a great article.