By now you probably realize how powerful Twitter can be for marketing. In order for Twitter to be truly effective, you will need to have a lot of followers. Here’s how:

1. Start by creating a great bio. You only have 160 characters to do this, unlike the 140 limit in tweets, so think carefully about how you will write your bio. Make sure it includes your website address.

2. If you’re just getting started on Twitter, create about 10 interesting, relevant tweets. Give people a reason to follow you.

3. If you find an interesting article on the web, tweet about it with a link. Because most links will be too long, you can shorten them by going to tinyurl.com. Simply paste in the old link and it will give you a new “tiny” link to use for free.

4. Humorous and inspiring quotes make great tweets and are among the most popular. Lots of sites post great quotes for you to use. Find them with a Google search.

5. Tweet links to interesting videos from YouTube and other such sites.

6. Help others by re-tweeting their tweets. Many will return the favor, which will expose you to other people who may then decide to follow you.

7. Twitter is a social media site, so be sociable. Join in the conversation. Reply to people’s tweets and give them compliments on their tweets from time to time.

8. When people re-tweet you, be sure to thank them. It shows good manners and it increases the chances that they will do it again.

9. Become active on Follow Friday. Each Friday, recommend some of your favorite tweeters to your followers by typing in #FollowFriday or #FF and then their Twitter handle, such as @JaneSmith. Others will do the same for you. This is a great way to get more Twitter Followers.

10. Follow all of Twitter’s rules about following and un-following. Don’t become too aggressive or your account will be suspended.

11. Try to limit the number of marketing tweets you post. You should do about 10 regular tweets for every marketing one.

Danek S. Kaus is the author of You Can Be Famous! Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity. Want more publicity secrets? Read his Blog Find out about his Publicity and Writing Services Here