Building a solid Twitter audience begins with following the right target audience, which comes down to knowing how to follow on Twitter. It's important for people today who are hoping to have a social media presence to undergo some Twitter training in order to maximize their results.

Who is your audience?

Finding the right target audience on Twitter is all about understanding the concept of community building as opposed to “just tweeting”. In order to successfully engage the right audience in the community building process, you must learn:

• Community building strategies. Understanding what audiences to target in order to build a community on Twitter, and creating strategies that engage and involve those audiences in your message. For example, if you want to build a twitter community of aviation enthusiasts, think about what would give a Twitter user a reason to follow you on Twitter.
• Community building tactics. Create tactics that effectively involve your target audience and allow them to become an active part of the community building. Think about running a contest to create buzz around your Twitter profile; or do something as simple as putting your Twitter icon on your website.
• Examples of community building. Recognize specific examples of community building on Twitter to more effectively implement strategies that will work. Look at your competition and other successful Twitter communities, and glean strategies and tactics that will work for your profile!

Through community building strategies and tactics that work, you can actively engage your current followers in your Twitter conversation, while also retaining your current followers and showing the value of your information and Twitter presence to potential followers.

Finding your target audience on Twitter

First, determine who your desired target audience is, who the movers and shakers in your industry are, and who your competition is. Then, once you've identified those groups, you can use one of many techniques to find and then follow the right Twitter users.

1. Twitter Search. Twitter Search is a service run by Twitter which allows you to type in words that are relevant to you or your business to help you make Twitter connections. You may find Twitter search and the advanced features at http://search.twitter.com.
2. Use #Hashtags. Using hashtags when you Tweet attracts users who are searching for people using that keyword or hashtag. Use hashtags that are used by your target audience. For example, if you want to reach lawyers, try using the hashtag #law in your tweets.
3. Third-party services. Although Twitter Search is probably your best bet in finding accurate, up-to-date information about Twitter users, independent search engines and Twitter directories will give you ideas on who to follow. A few good examples are Followerwonk.com, where you have the ability to search Twitter user’s bios for job titles, and even search in a specific geographic area. Another popular site is Twellowhood.com, which gives you a categorical breakdown of Twitter users.
4. Add your Twitter name on your signatures. Whenever you visit blogs of interest, Facebook pages you like or reply to emails, postings and the like are sure to include your Twitter name at the end of it.

Splash Media University: Schooling You on Twitter

Learning how to follow on Twitter does not have to be a difficult process, especially if you learn the ins and outs of Tweeting effectively. Splash Media University has the tools, instructors and training necessary to make your social media presence it’s most effective. To learn more about using social media to gain more followers and maximize efficacy, take a look at the classes we offer at www.splashmediau.com.