Since entering the world of social networking years ago, I have noticed a shift of purpose and demeanor within messages that are publicized throughout social networking web sites.

With the adoption of blogs years ago, there was an immediate enticement for bloggers to write about anything and everything. While a majority of blogs were much more generally-focused while few focused on niche topics.

Today, the majority of blogs that I read and Twitter accounts that I follow are focused on niche topics. The degree of focus for the topics, however, depends on the bloggers or tweeters themselves. Some are quite focused, such as Cheezhead who focuses on social media within the recruiting industry, while others are more generalized, such as TechEBlog which focuses on the field of technology.

Both of the mentioned sites have quite a large following. However, I recommend remaining more niche than general. Being niches ties in with building your brand. The more niche you are, the more credible you will appear on a specific topic.

Be niche, and let your readers know what that niche topic is. Make it known what your blog is about. This can be done in the header text/graphic, the site title, the site subtitle, the categories you choose, the terms tag cloud that you use, etc.

According to stats from Nielsen Online, Twitter recorded 2.3 million unique visitors in August 2008 (US-only) which is an increase of 422% from the same time in 2007.

So how should this immediate audience availability be leveraged to take advantage of its brand-building capabilities? I asked the Twitter community this same question.

@_iStone_ hit the nail on the head with his response.

• The best way to build your brand on Twitter is to be human.
  Don’t “bot” message new followers. Be real. Chit-chat. You make yourself (and your brand) appear more “customer-centric” by being just who you are, not “self-promoting.”
• Do not offer auto-replies containing “free gifts” when you are followed.
  People will see right through this. It is no secret that the “free gift” they are receiving is going to all other followers as well. If they are going to receive a free gift for following you, let them know in advance.
• Give followers an ally, a friend.
  Laugh with them. Cry with them. They will click on your link not because you post it (Don’t post your link unless asked), but because you’ve made them curious.
• Make the needs of other Tweeters important because they are important.
  Without clients, nothing happens. Use respect, honor, integrity, and friendship first. They’ll click the link.

“That strategy is foolproof, and it is free. Prefer others above yourself, and succeed.”

I couldn’t agree more with @_iStone_. Be genuine. Be yourself. If you know are knowledgeable within a topic, help people out. If you are not, don’t be afraid to admit it. Ask questions, but also give answers. Tell people who are you, and communicate.

The tips listed here are Twitter brand-building methods that will increase credibility and trust among yourself, your friends, and potential customers.

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• The Future of Micro-Blogging and Twitter Too
• How To Beat Twitter Weaknesses
• How to Conduct Link Research and Development
• Developing a Social Network: Be Niche
• Utilizing Niche Social Networks