When a listener sends you an email, do you send an automatic pre-written response? I’m betting you don’t, which is why I wonder about the automatic direct messages (DMs) I receive on Twitter.
Do these impress anyone? Is anyone fooled by a generic “Thanks for following me, I look forward to interacting with you” message? I think your listeners are smarter than that, which is why I recommend you don’t use them.
Instead of using an automatic generic DM, try sending your new follower an @message that says, “Thanks for the follow”. Not only is it more personal, but it will also show other Twitter users that you are actively interested in interacting with your followers. That is why you’re on Twitter, right?
Are you an advocate of automatic DMs? I’d love to hear your opinion, so leave a comment if you’ve got one.