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How to Start a Twitter Chat
Twitter is so much more than just a way to send out information. Unlike other social media platforms where you just share content, you can really haveconversations on Twitter, so use it to your advantage!

In addition to simple one-on-one conversations with specific followers, you can hold Twitter chats. Twitter chats are a great way to share content and ideas, hear different viewpoints, and interact with your followers. Think of a Twitter chat as a tweet-based mini-webinar with even more interaction.

First, the Basics
If you’ve been on Twitter for a little while, you’re probably familiar with these terms, but just in case . . .

Twitter handle: A user’s or company’s "handle" is the username (starting with “@”) that they have selected for their Twitter account. For example, GroSocial’s handle is@grosocial.

Hashtag: “Hashtags” are keywords or topics (marked with “#”). For example, if I wanted to start a conversation about flying pigs, I could use the hashtag #AirborneHam.

Starting a Chat
You can start spur-of-moment Twitter chats, but your followers are going to be caught off guard (or offline) and may not contribute. Instead of just jumping in, plan ahead by selecting a topic and a hashtag, preparing what you want to say, choosing a specific time, and telling your followers about it.

Select a Topic
Keep your followers in mind and select a topic that is educational, mildly controversial (people like to debate it), or entertaining. Ask yourself, Does anyone want to talk about this?

Choose a Hashtag
By choosing a hashtag, users will be able to find your conversation and see what others are saying. Make sure your hashtag is absolutely unique and no one else is using it on Twitter (so participants don’t have to sort through irrelevant tweets). Also, keep the hashtag short because your followers will need to type it every time they say something. For example, if your topic was “Vegetarian Baking with Tofu,” use #vbake and not #VegetarianBakingWithTofu.

Prepare What You Want to Say
Obviously, if you were preparing a chat on three ways to track social media ROI, you need to share three ways to track social media. Do your homework so you have something valuable to share.

Choose a Time and Tell Your Followers
Set a time and then spread the word. Make sure the time you choose is relatively convenient for your followers and doesn’t conflict with other events, webinars, and Twitter chats in your industry.

Leading the Chat
If you’ve ever led a focus group or meeting, you know that things can get out of hand very quickly. Twitter chats are no different. You are going to need to draw the group together, direct the conversation, restate the important points, avoid tangents, and invite people to share their opinions. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough that will help you do that:

1. Get everything set up. I recommend opening Twitter in two browser windows: one for tweeting, and one for watching what people are saying. In the second window, search for the hashtag. This will allow you to see users’ questions and comments. Only tweets that contain the hashtag will show up here, so be sure to include it in each of your tweets so participants (viewing the chat in the same way) will be able to see everything.

2. Welcome people to the chat. Remind everyone that the chat is starting and make sure they know the hashtag you will be using.

3. Tweet the agenda. Remind people what the chat is about. Explain that you are going to start by sharing some of your own ideas and invite people to make comments. Tell them that you will open it up for questions and answers at the end of the chat.

4. Share your ideas about the topic. This will seed the conversation and give people something to talk about. If you see questions or comments that you want to address during your mini-presentation, restate the question or comment and then address it. Be sure not to let too many questions or comments derail the chat.

5. Invite people to share their opinions. After you have presented your information and opinion, be sure to encourage people to share their two cents. If you would like to respond to a specific user, start your tweet with their Twitter handle (or just click the “reply” button). As long as you include the hashtag, everyone following the chat will still be able to see your reply.

6. Thank everyone for participating and invite them to do something. Share helpful links or invite people to tweet to you in the future.

After the chat is over, keep in touch with the people who have participated. Follow them, reply to their tweets, and learn more about what they do. Even if these people are not going to become customers, you can build a network of advocates and friends who may help your brand in the long run.