• With 180 million unique visitors each month, Twitter has become one the most popular social networking sites available. Using cell phones, computers and laptops, people across the world are broadcasting their lives "140 characters or less" at a time. Following Twitter etiquette rules, or Twittequette, will help new users avoid textual faux pas.
  
  

Follow and Un-Follow

• Twitter "followers" are those who subscribe to your tweets. There are differing opinions about whether you should follow everyone who follows you. Though some believe it is impolite to not follow someone who is following you, you shouldn't feel obligated. "Instead, you should follow people who share your interests or whose tweets you find meaningful or compelling," say the experts at CIO.com. Likewise, don't feel insulted if a follower leaves or someone doesn't follow you back. Ideally, you want only the followers who are genuinely interested in your tweets.
  
  

Direct Messages

• Unlike tweets, which are broadcast to all your followers, direct messaging is a way to send a private message to a specific follower. Direct messaging should be used to send brief messages not intended for everyone to see. Direct messages should not be used as a method of spamming or advertising. Sending targeted messages with automated sales pitches is a sure way to lose followers.
  
  

Choose Your Words

• Since tweets are limited to a maximum of 140 characters, it's sometimes difficult to accurately convey a message. Before pressing the "tweet" button, re-read your message to make sure it is clear and can't be taken out of context. Nuances that are easily detected in face-to-face conversations may be lost in text. When updating your Twitter message, try to add personality and interest to your status. Avoid tweets such as "Just got off work" or "Heading to the gym." Be personal, appropriate and interesting or lose followers.
  
  

Give and Take

• Twitter is a great platform to market yourself or your business. However, talking only about yourself or your business is a turn-off to other Twitter users. Show your followers that you're not just about profits by sharing useful links, tips or advice. Show an interest in your followers and those you are following by commenting on their tweets or profiles. Often, others can promote your business once you've taken an interest in them or shared their information with your followers.