These are some of my most recent Twitter Direct Messages (DM’s). Useless and annoying to say the least. Sorry, but that’s how I feel about it. I don’t want to increase my website visibility by buying backlinks from you. I’m not going to stop by your blog and leave a comment just because you said so. I’m not into CE-Secure encryption software. If I followed you on Twitter, chances are I already checked out your website (whether I subscribed is a whole other story). And I don’t need an interior design consultation.
The Deal Auto DM’s:
I think people use auto-DM’s because they’ve gotten lazy. Too lazy to take the time to listen and engage. To me Twitter is about finding people with whom you share a common interest, sharing resources you find helpful, and being helpful to someone who might need your assistance. Once you’ve established that connection, if business happens, great. If it doesn’t, no worries, you move on but continue to be helpful.
Auto DM’s are the lazy man’s version of trying to bait someone into clicking on your link. Sure you might get a click or two here and there but personally, I don’t find it a very effective Call To Action. Do you?
Right on the money. I hate those kinds of DM's too, and I think it certainly shows laziness. Fortunately, my network is small enough that when someone DM's me, it's important. Using an application like Seesmic Web turns DMing into IMing. Quite useful.
But I agree, this stuff is just borderline spam.
I get it. I read my DM's when I'm on an app like Seesmic or Twhirl. Otherwise, I have those notification emails pushed to a folder in my email so I don't check 'em often. If it's important and someone's trying to get a hold of me, I prefer a text message or phone call.
I only like DMs from people I know….and I only send them when I want a private communication with someone on Twitter.