I studied filmmaking at the University of Auckland. The first rule of filmmaking is show don’t tell. The same rule can be applied to anyone’s Twitter feed. Instead of telling your followers what you’re doing. Start showing your followers what you’re doing.

On Twitter, we’re limited to 140 characters or less. A picture says a thousand words. Imagine how much more information we can provide our followers by adding a link to a picture or video.

The Best Camera is the One That’s With You

I spoke at a Grow Your Biz seminar in Christchurch recently. I asked the room if their mobile phone could take pictures and record video. 75% of the room raised their hands. We have the technology. We have the capability to run an alternative media channel. Chase Jarvis says ‘the best camera is the one that’s with you’.

In January 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 crashed in the Hudson River after takeoff. A passenger that rushed to help, took a picture of the downed plane as passengers were evacuating and sent the picture to Twitter before traditional media arrived at the scene.

TwitPic Tips

• Create a feeling of immediacy. If you own an ice cream parlour and people regularly wait outside your door before opening time. Post a picture in near real time as the event is taking place.
• Archive company changes. Use a picture to notify your followers of changes to your company logo, stock mix or window display.
• Preface the picture with a conversation starter or a question. I often see people post a bare link to a picture or video. Use the picture to provoke thought. Give your followers a reason to click the link.

TwitVid Tips

• Ask for feedback. If you’re meeting a follower for the first time. Use the opportunity to record a testimonial. Reward followers for providing feedback.
• Understand when to shoot video. If your subjects are motionless or lifeless. Take a picture instead. Shoot action orientated video.
• Show yourself. When you finish a project. Post a video as evidence of your hard work. Draw attention to nuances. Linger on your masterpiece.