Want to Jump in a Twitter Conversation? Imaginative Ways to Use Twitter Search

December 9, 2008 · 55 comments

Do you ever feel like you’re Tweeting to yourself? Does anyone answer your Tweets? Instead of just watching random messages go by at Twitter or wondering if anyone is hearing you, why not search for the conversations you’d most like to hear?

Just go to Twitter Search and type in what you want to know about right now. You’ll see the results of any Tweet that included the keywords you searched on plus how long ago each message was posted. Want some ideas on what to do with it?

Twitter Search Ideas:

Search on your “location” and find others talking about where you are. (You can also locate Twitter users by location.)
Maybe you want to do some “online shopping”? Type it in and ask others where they like to shop.
Wish you knew of a good cause to support? Type in charity ideas to get personal recommendations. (Try “animal rescue”, “feed the hungry”, “clean water”, “charity” or “favorite charity”).
Want the latest on a current news event direct from someone close to that location?
Looking to find the perfect cufflinks, business card holders, engraved gifts or any other gift idea? Ask other Twitter users where they shop and why. (If I’m online and see your request I’d personally point you to the URLs I linked here.)
Do you sell something? Do regular searches to see who is looking for what you offer. Answer their questions live. As long as you’re not a pushy salesperson they’ll probably appreciate the assistance.
Have a particular area of expertise? Why not see who is searching for what you know and offer them links to the solutions they’re seeking. (Offer both yours and others.)
Are you writing a new blog post and interested in more related links to add? Try searching on your latest topic to see what others have shared. You might find the perfect finishing touch for your post.

Put your search words in quotes to hone in on the best results. Use your imagination and try many different phrases. Remember what works for you and make it a regular activity. Oh, and remember to leave YOUR ideas on using Twitter Search in the comments – links are do follow and always welcome.

Don’t forget to follow us at Twitter and FriendFeed so we can follow you back.

NEW: Check out a new semantic search for Twitter called TipTop to see the most relevant Tweets for any search.

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{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }

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Nathan Woodbury who writes about Dental Website Design January 16, 2012 at 12:49 am

Thanks for the twitter tips, I will try to remember it all when I will tweet . One of the real values of Twitter search is the ability from a general standpoint find out what people are thinking.

DLXD who writes about how to lose thigh fat September 13, 2011 at 3:47 am

interesting tips there. too bad I’m not a twitter fan…they would’ve come out handy…thanks for taking the time to share

Danny who writes about Pole chain saw September 9, 2011 at 2:04 am

If you want more people responding to your tweets or your messages on your fb wall then respond to other peoples tweets and wall posts regularly.
And don’t post stuff like “Finished work, now going to make some dinner”. That is not really a conversation starter.
If it is for your business then share your knowledge, help people out/ give tips.
If you want to receive, you should first give a little.
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Ropes Course September 7, 2011 at 12:19 am

I always try the Twitter Search, and it really works, I am happy every time I tweet using that, because my tweets now was heard already unlike before, aside from that, my followers Increased too

Sterling Silver Jewelry Manufacturer Twitter: http://www.newportsterling.com/ July 27, 2011 at 12:27 am Twitter: @http://www.newportsterling.com/

Twitter is a good place to promote your site/product because you can easily let people be aware of your services and products.

NYC Acupuncture July 14, 2011 at 6:52 am

Honestly, I am not so good in Twitter, that’s why this article is very useful to someone like me who wants to explore more and have more knowledge on Twitter Thanks by the way.

Rejuv July 7, 2011 at 1:30 am

I am not familiar with twitter and the way we tweet is really a Greek and Latin to me. What I used to do is to enjoy the tweets of others yeah as you said I do not get replies for what I wanted to say.

Acai Berry July 7, 2011 at 1:30 am

I am using facebook & its quite user friendly. However, Social Networks provides a good chance to meet new peoples, it’s like social gathering. After reading your post i think i should try to join twitter.

dogs for rehoming Twitter: pufek77 March 4, 2011 at 12:43 pm Twitter: @pufek77

Twitter is great for social media users.Information about new stuf goes around the world much faster.
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Mercedes Benz Mats January 14, 2011 at 2:37 pm

I use twitter almous a year but I did Not know that can use this stuf so much wide

Tnx for this stuff.

Jeremy who writes about plavi oglasnik January 13, 2011 at 5:49 pm

I must admit I didn’t know there were so many ways to use twitter. Anyway you have a nice list of twitter search ideas here. Thanks

Henry Collingwood January 11, 2011 at 6:33 am

I have a great imaginative Ways to Use Twitter Search. I am so familiar with this . i like this other point .thanks;

Pokemon Figurines January 8, 2011 at 3:55 am

Hi I am not familiar with twitter and the way we tweet is really a Greek and Latin to me. What I used to do is to enjoy the tweets of others yeah as you said I do not get replies for what I wanted to say. After reading your post I think I can make use of it and can explore the possibilities of Twitter as a platform to share my thoughts. Ty.

weimaraner training January 7, 2011 at 4:54 am

Yes, it is sure that twitter is a great social networking site, but i have no idea about this search application and all other application mentioned above. Thanks for sharing all those information.

bernad December 30, 2010 at 9:15 pm

Go to Twitter Search, join the community, and share your experiences. That’s it.

Himanshu who writes about Backpacker Insurance December 30, 2010 at 3:36 am

I don’t use twitter so much but i am a great fan of Facebook .
Do you have ideas related to facebook also

master of science in nursing online December 13, 2010 at 1:41 pm

Locating Twitter users by location would give you the best help.

Mike who writes about Earn Money Online December 4, 2010 at 9:03 pm

Searching for popular terms on Twitter is a good way to figure out how to target your Tweets. If you Tweet something interesting or controversial about a popular topic, people are going to find you via the search function.

Jocuri cu masini December 4, 2010 at 3:45 am

Sorry if this sounds stupid but I’m not too great with Twitter yet. Anyways I have been commenting people on Twitter but never get a response. What is the correct way of doing this? Also, if I protect my tweets does that mean others MUST follow me in order for them to read my comments to them?

growmap Twitter: GrowMap December 5, 2010 at 7:45 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Hi Jocuri,

If you want people to answer you on Twitter you have to include @TheirUserName in the Tweet. Otherwise they will probably never see it. If the person has 10s of thousands of followers they still may not see it.

If you protect your Tweets only those who follow you that you approve can see them and most people like me won’t try to follow you. The whole point of Twitter is connecting with people. If you want to have conversations others can’t see chat works better for that.
growmap would love you to read ..Twitter- Increase Your Influence with Twitter Lists

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LJ Martin December 2, 2010 at 11:23 pm

Right on! I have to remember number 8 the next time I have a brain freeze. Thanks…
LJ Martin would love you to read ..Tips to Help You Get Into Any CPA Network

growmap Twitter: GrowMap December 5, 2010 at 7:46 pm Twitter: @GrowMap: Many bloggers collaborate continuously on Twitter. It is one of the fastest ways to share content we recommend or to make sure someone else sees something we know they’ll be interested in.
growmap would love you to read ..Stop Competing – Start Collaborating!

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John Twitter: johnl123d November 27, 2010 at 9:21 pm Twitter: @johnl123d

I have never used twitter search before. Thanks for sharing the use of the search.
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Jean who writes about Atlanta Ga Cosmetic Dentistry Twitter: jean_15year_pro November 10, 2010 at 4:30 pm Twitter: @jean_15year_pro

One of the real values of Twitter search is the ability from a general standpoint find out what people are thinking. If they tweet they’d like to lose a few pounds or feel fat then you know they very likely are interested in losing weight, which if you’re selling a weight loss product can be very helpful.

james Twitter: jamesmspacey November 5, 2010 at 1:26 am Twitter: @jamesmspacey

I didn’t know about this. I really related to the idea of tweeting to yourself. I felt like I was doing this all the time. I might just go and dust off my Twitter login if I can remember it and try it out.
james would love you to read ..Learner Driver Car Insurance

Ernest who writes about Bridal Shower Favors May 18, 2011 at 10:18 pm: I second the motion. I feel like I am just doing all the tweets to myself. Thanks for the info. I also didn’t know about this.

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