Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Vine, Foursquare, Pinterest…how many social networks are you on?

More than ever, we’re connecting with businesses, friends and family online, especially through social media. As a social media strategist (my credits include CTV Olympics, McClung’s Magazine, various public relations companies and of course,DivaGirl), I’m constantly being asked how to use these networks affectively.

This will be a three-part series about my must-have social media platforms, broken down with some tips about how to share information effectively and professionally.

First off, no, you don’t need to be on every single network. However, to build your presence online, you need to use your social media platforms consistently.

Never fear, with these tips and tricks in this series will help you become a social media Diva!

Let’s start with Twitter…

Twitter is a miniature blogging platform, where messages are called tweets. Each tweet is only 140 characters, and you can attach photo, video and web links to each message. With over 500 million registered users on Twitter, it’s a must-have network for every individual and business.

There are three spaces to advertise yourself or business on Twitter. For your avatar, choose a headshot of yourself or business logo. You can also change the photo behind your avatar, and also the background of your entire Twitter profile page. This is pretty easily laid out in the “Settings” tab.

CHECK OUT THIS “HOW TO USE TWITTER” VIDEO. 

Tweet Length – With only 140 characters per tweet, be clear and concise with your thoughts on Twitter. If you are posting information about an event, promotion, et cetera, my recommendation is to only use 120 of these characters (don’t worry, there’s a counter which keeps track of characters). This makes it easy for people to retweet your tweet with your username, putting the focus back on you.

Retweets -this is abbreviated at RT. When you are going to forward on someone’s tweet, it’s social etiquette to put “RT @username” before posting it.

Ex: RT @PortiaFavro – Make sure to check out DITC4 June 11!

@ - You can use the “@” to message others. It will appear as @username (no space between @ and the username). However, your @username tweets will not appear in your public timeline unless you put a period before the @.

Ex: @DivaGirlFitness Very excited for the DivaGirl Dance Jam May 25!

This will not appear in your public feed. 

Ex: .@DivaGirlFitness Amazing, I’ll see you there! I’m so excited for @kateknoxdance’s contemporary dance class #divagirldancejam

See the period before the “@” sign? This will tweet will appear in your public feed.

Direct Message - also called a DM. This is a private message between you and another Twitter user, and only you two can see the 140 character tweets sent between each other.

However, don’t think you can just start DM-ing Kim Kardashian on Twitter. You both have be following each other to communicate through direct messages.

Hashtag (AKA #) - Think of a hashtag as a keyword. You can use it the search bar on Twitter to find trending topics, people, et cetera.

For example, if you were looking for fitness classes in downtown Toronto, you can search using hashtags: #downtown #Toronto #gym #fitness #dance

Many events that hashtags. For example, above in the “@” section, I used the hashtag #divagirldancejam. Anyone who searches or clicks on this hashtag will find all tweets containing #divagirldancejam and can see the links, photos and Twitter profiles of those talking about the hashtag.

So what’s next?

The easiest tactic is to tweet once per day. Whether it’s promoting your business, a link to an interesting article or photo of the beautiful weather, each tweet build helps shape and create your online personality.

BEST TIMES TO POST- 1-3PM, Mondays through Thursdays

Early afternoon is when most people are working at a computer and online to click through to more links. Most retweets will happen around 4-7PM, so don’t worry if you’re tweet isn’t shared right after you post it.

WORST TIMES TO POST – 8-9PM.

Think of this like prime time television – when people are on Twitter in the evening, they are looking for entertainment. Traffic is generally slower in evenings, unless there is a major event happening.

Let’s keep it simple – check your spelling, try not to use any bad four-letter words and never, ever tweet something to someone what you would not be comfortable saying to their face.

Stay tuned – next month I’ll be posting more about how to use my next social media must-have, Instagram.

DivaGirl-Preneur Licensee and Head Photographer at JnK Imagery, Jenn Grachow is offering 50% off boudoir sessions for the months of May and June!

Sessions can take place in the comfort of your home or another location of your choosing. Contact Jenn via email (studio@jnkimagery.com) to schedule your 50% off session.

Normally $500 for a session.. don’t miss out on the chance to pay just $250 (+taxes) during May and June!

Check out past sessions here

Contact Details: 
Jenn Grachow
studio@jnkimagery.com
416.487.6325
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Combining traditional Eastern wellness philosophies with modern Western scientific principles, the Vemma formula was created with a unique blend of Vitamins, Essential Minerals,Mangosteen and Aloe to provide a powerful nutritional formula unlike any other.
The Benefits Of Vemma

• Protect and support a healthy heart*
• Enhance immune response and support immune system*
• Create abundant energy*
• Fight against free radicals*
• Promote good vision*
• Support a normal, healthy intestinal tract*
• Maintain healthy skin, eyes, teeth, gums and hair

It takes about…  

• 2 oranges to equal the amount of Vitamin C
• 9 avocados to equal the amount of Vitamin E
• 3 stalks of broccoli to equal the amount of Iron
• 55 eggs to equal the amount of Vitamin D
• 1 cup of spinach to equal the amount of Vitamin A
• 3 cups of peas to equal the amount of Thiamin
• 19 medium bananas to equal the amount of Riboflavin
• 62 oz of cheddar cheese to equal the amount of Vitamin B-12
• 5 large potatoes to equal the amount of Niacin
• 61 cups of tomatoes to equal the amount of Folate
• 2 large watermelons to equal the amount of Vitamin B-6
• 17 oz of cherries to equal the ORAC Value
• 37 medium mushrooms to equal the amount of Pantothenic Acid

…to provide the vitamins, minerals and antioxidant power of a 2-oz serving of Vemma.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE… 

Spring Savings!

1-45 min Class = $45

2-45 min Class= $80 SAVE $10

3-45 min Class= $115 SAVE $20

Spring Mommy Challenge: 3-45 min Classes & 2-30 min Stretch Classes $130!!! SAVE $120

Join BollyFuze, Reshmi Chetram two times a week for TEEN Fitness Classes! 14-18 years old focusing on full body workouts and promoting a healthy lifestyle to our teens. Join them for full body toning BollyFuze Cardio!

Details:
Date: Starting Monday, May 20th - Monday & Wednesdays
Time: 5-5:45PM
Location: 
Cost: 3 Weeks for $125.00
* Drop in not available*

Get Certified with DivaGirl Fitness and DivaGirl Licensee, Emily Cowan! Join the Diva Revolution!

Get ready to get fit, have fun and feel sexy! Find out how you can start your own DivaGirl Business!

Get fit‐ sexy styles! In this workshop, we focus on learning the basic movements on various platforms: standing, wall & floor. Choreography and teaching ideas are offered to aid in the creation of a sexy fitness class for the average woman!

Details: 
Date: Saturday, May 25th
Time: 1-4PM
Location: Evolve Studio – 2354 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville ON – Unit 11
Cost: $102 includes HST and manual

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Join DivaGirl for a Divalicious Wednesday!! 

Coyote Ugly: 
Giddy Up Cowboy… the girls are back in town! In this fun-filled workshop we will learn some basic line dancing movements and patterns- in a sexy way. We will end the class with a sassy Coyote Ugly dance with the gals. Cowboy boots and hats are encouraged. This workshop is 1 hour.

Details: 
Date: Wednesday, May 29th
Time: 7:30-8:30PM
Location: Muse Pole Dance & Fitness Studio – 370 Queen Street South, Streetsville (Mississauga), ON
Cost: $20

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Join our BFF’s BollyFuze for their BollyPRO Days!

PRO Days serve as a Day for Healthy Living and Activity! BollyFuze Instructors & Members attend a 3 hour morning where they partake in up to 4 CLASSES!  BollyFuze,Yoga/Pilates  Muscle Conditioning BootCamps, Nutritional Chat & a new style of Fitness !

Classes from the past: 
* Sexy Fitness
* Zumba
* Reggae /DanceHall
* Folk Dance

What are they doing this time? CAPOEIRA! 
What is Capoiera? Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music, and dance.

As a BollyFuze Insider you receive 25% OFF your registration before May 15th.
Reg Price: $ 69.00
BFInsider: $ 45.00

Join Bollyfuze on Sunday June 2nd at the Tarana Dance Centre in the GTA for a day of Dance,Fitness & Promoting a Healthy Active Lifestyle

Details:
Date: Sunday, June 2nd
Time: 1-4PM
Location: Tarana Dance Centre – 589 MIddlefield Road, #24, Toronto ON M1V 4Y6

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Get Certified with DivaGirl Fitness and DivaGirl Licensee, Kate Knox! Join the Diva Revolution!

Get ready to get fit, have fun and feel sexy! Find out how you can start your own DivaGirl Business!

Get fit‐ sexy styles! In this workshop, we focus on learning the basic movements on various platforms: standing, wall & floor. Choreography and teaching ideas are offered to aid in the creation of a sexy fitness class for the average woman!

Details: 
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 12-3PM
Location: Brass Vixens – 721 Queen Street West, Toronto ON Suite 202
Cost: $102 includes HST and manual

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!