Thread by @heyblake

DMs are the secret key to Twitter success.

Here are 18 ways to use DMs to grow:

Tactic:
∙ Distribute lead magnets

Steps:
∙ Tweet about a lead magnet
∙ Ask them to comment on the post to get it
∙ You will DM it to any commenters
∙ DM the lead magnet to them

Why it Works:
∙ Creates intrigue
∙ Makes the asset seem valuable
∙ Improves traction

Tactic:
∙ Message 1 non-follower per day

Steps:
∙ Pick an account you admire
∙ Send them a personalized message
∙ Don't ask for anything
∙ Just start a convo

Why it Works:
∙ Builds more relationships
∙ People love talking about themselves
∙ Over time they may follow you

Tactic:
∙ DM 5 current followers per day

Steps:
∙ Set up an Airtable automation to drop all new followers into a sheet
∙ Randomly select 5 new people per day
∙ DM to show appreciation
∙ Ask them what content you can create for them

Why it Works:
∙ Grows the relationship

Tactic:
∙ Share thoughts on a person's latest tweet

Steps:
∙ Grab the link of a tweet you like
∙ DM the person and paste the link in the chat
∙ Tell them why the tweet was great

Why it Works:
∙ People love hearing that they're awesome

Tactic:
∙ Do a daily joke of the day

Steps:
∙ Pick a random follower every day to send a joke to
∙ Nothing else, no strings attached

Why it Works:
∙ Show that you're fun
∙ Show that you're human
∙ Show that you aren't always asking for things

Tactic:
∙ Share updates about your projects

Steps:
∙ Keep lists of people interested in your projects
∙ Send them exclusive updates on progress
∙ Give them early access to your work

Why it Works:
∙ People want to be in the loop
∙ People want to be first in line

Tactic:
∙ Start collaborations with other creators

Steps:
∙ Keep a list of related accounts
∙ Reach out with opportunities to do content collaborations or product giveaways
∙ Make the benefits to them very clear

Why it Works:
∙ Other people want to grow, too

Tactic:
∙ Find a co-founder or podcast host

Steps:
∙ Pick a person that would be a great partner for a product or content
∙ DM them with a benefit-driven proposal

Why it Works:
∙ You never know when other people's goals align with yours

Tactic:
∙ Comment on people's Fleets to start a conversation

Steps:
∙ Sift through everyone's Fleets daily
∙ Respond to any that catch your eye
∙ Add your two cents or just have a laugh

Why it Works:
∙ Very few people doing this still
∙ The notifications stand out

Tactic:
∙ Speak with talented potential hires

Steps:
∙ Use keyword searches and your knowledge of people on Twitter to source talent
∙ Embed tweets that will make them excited about prospects at your company

Why it Works:
∙ Twitter DMs aren't as crowded as email + LinkedIn

Tactic:
∙ Send personalized Loom videos in the DMs

Steps:
∙ Identify the person you want to build a relationship with
∙ Send a personal Loom video
∙ Use their name
∙ Screenshare something of theirs you love

Why it Works:
∙ People love a personal touch

Tactic:
∙ Give out secret coupons or deals

Steps:
∙ Create a deal or coupon for your product
∙ Tweet that you have 100 spots open for this coupon
∙ To qualify, people need to comment COUPON
∙ DM coupon to first 100 people

Why it Works:
∙ People like good deals

Tactic:
∙ Set up group chats to coordinate events

Steps:
∙ Add multiple people to a DM
∙ Set up a meeting in real time with all parties

Why it Works:
∙ Just quicker than email tbh

Tactic:
∙ Use DMs for product customer service

Steps:
∙ Make it known that your brand Twitter tackles questions and customer service
∙ Respond quickly
∙ Serve the customer well

Why it Works:
∙ Quicker than email or chatbot
∙ Your DM may get tweeted out as good press

Tactic:
∙ Share a tweet with a close friend to consider retweeting

Steps:
∙ Pick a small group of close Twitter friends
∙ When you make a relevant tweet to them, DM and ask if they'd retweet
∙ Don't scale this

Why it Works:
∙ Supportive friends will help you out

Tactic:
∙ Congratulate people privately

Steps:
∙ Look out for people's accomplishments in public
∙ DM them to say congrats
∙ Encourage them to keep doing more

Why it Works:
∙ People need support systems

Tactic:
∙ Conduct surveys

Steps:
∙ Build a survey in G Forms or Airtable
∙ Tweet the survey and ask for volunteers
∙ DM all commenters

Why it Works:
∙ People love to be helpful

BONUS:

How NOT to Use Twitter DMs.

- Being creepy or inappropriate
- Asking for things right away
- Harassing or trolling people
- Automating messages
- Leaving out context
- Expecting responses
- Just saying "Hey"
- Using pods

That's all folks!

If you enjoyed this, please:

1. Retweet the first tweet
2. Follow me @heyblake for more

P.S. I'm giving away 1 free year of
copy.ai to a random person that retweets this!