Twitter is  just simply an awesome popular social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its “twitterers” to send and read messages known as tweets. This is the most simplest social networking/micro-blogging site and in the same time is a very useful tool for business, promotion and fun.

So here’s a brief guide to get started on the website:

What you need:

• Computer with Internet
• Email account

Optional equipment:

• Mobile with Internet
• Texting facility ( i.e. mobile)

Step 1: Create an Account

Go to Twitter.

Click green “Sign Up Now” button

Fill in the fields- Name, Username, Password and Email Address…

Step 2: Decide to what to say.

Generally, you can tweet an answer to the question “What are you doing right now?”

As well as this you may post links, opinion, question or a quote.

Then you can hit the update button at the bottom of the text box. You have officially become a twitterer because you have posted a tweet.

Info: Twitter likes to keep things short, simple and sweet. Therefore, messages cannot be longer than 140 characters.

Step 3: Messaging

Direct messaging can be done when you want to directly private message someone in Twitter.

Click on “Direct message” on the sidebar.
Select who you want to message, then type your message in and finally click on “Send”.

“@” Messaging is a message which can be publically viewed and the target twitterer will be able to view it. This is used if your tweet is intended for one user or more in particular.

Just type “@” symbol followed by the username before the text of your message.
Step 4: Finding people

Twitter is a two-way street. Now that you’ve posted your first update, choose people whose updates you want to follow.

To search by name, click on “Find People” in the upper right corner

Then click the “Find on Twitter” tab.

You can follow individuals, like friends and colleagues, and groups, like news services, organizations, and nonprofits.
Step 5: Following people

Once you’ve found someone you want to hear from on Twitter, click “Follow,” and you’ll receive their updates automatically.

People you already know will often respond and start following you, too.

Info: If you have Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail, or MSN email account, you can import any contacts that also have a Twitter account. You can too invite someone via email, or have a look at suggested people by scrolling through a list.

Step 6: Finding you on Twitter

To help people discover you on Twitter, fill in account information under “Settings,” such as your location, real name, and a brief bio.

You can also add the URL of your web site or blog if you have one.

Info: If you want to restrict your Twitter updates to only those who follow you check the box marked, “Protect my updates”. You’ll maintain your privacy, but you’ll limit your reach. To get the full Twitter feel, leave the box unchecked.

Step 7: Mobile tweeting

You don’t have to be online to use Twitter. Wherever you are, whenever you want, you can always stay connected with your mobile phone.

You could try out Tweetdeck, UberTwitter, Seesmic Deck, there are many more Twitter applications you could use.

On the “Devices” tab under “Settings,” type in your mobile number to receive and post Twitter updates via text message.

Info: Twitter doesn’t charge for the text messages, but your wireless provider might. Make sure you know the details of your messaging plan.

Step 8: Customising

On the “Picture” and “Design” tabs, customize how your profile appears to others by uploading photos and choosing background themes.

Info: Try this website out for more Twitter backgrounds -http://www.twitterbackgroundimages.com

Step 9: Talking popular

See what people on Twitter are talking about, subjects that you may be interested in.

At the bottom of any Twitter page, click “Search” and type in a name or topic. Or, either below the search box or alongside search results check out what’s generating the most buzz by browsing through “Trending topics.”
Step 10: Keep updating

You can post updates from the web in the update box, via text message, on your mobile phone’s web browser using m.twitter.com, or from any third party application. Apps are available at twitter.com/downloads. The more updates you post, the more people will follow you. Now get tweeting!

CHECK OUT OUR TOP 10 TWITTER TOOLS LIST HERE!

Thanks for reading! And have fun twittering!