I’m not a fan of auto-responses for Twitter and here’s why – if your message is something other than “Hey thanks. I appreciate the connection” you just come across sounding like you’re trying to sell me something. I don’t care if you’re using words like “Here’s a free……….(whatever)…”

I have friends in my circles that will totally disagree with me and state their case as in “I have so many followers every day, there’s no way to respond to all of them – so I add a nice, friendly response and it works.” I’ll give them that.

But here are a few that totally prove my point (above) and are the dumbest when you’re trying to engage on social media (IMHO).

• Thanks for following me. Here’s more about my business and how you can benefit from it http:linktoshit.com
• I appreciate the follow. Here’s a video I think you’ll like! http:dumbassvideo
• Thanks for following, much love As a thank you gift may I introduce you to this phenomenal opportunity? http:multilevelmarketingnonsense.com
• Hey! Thanks for the follow. I’m a HUGE fan of yours (with a link to their blog) http:pigsinspace.com
• Hi,how are you? my names is XXXX and you? I’m from Brazil and you? Hugs
• Appreciate the kind follow, watch this video on how I made my millions! http:I’mAMulti-BillionareWhoDrivesABentley.net (yeah right)

Okay, I think I proved my point with those alone. (Please tell me you did NOT click those links)

Not too long ago a friend came to me asking how to create an auto-follow response for Twitter and my advice was “Don’t Do it!” She looked at me funny but I went on to explain that social media is about engagement and though I used auto-responses when I first started on Twitter, I learned there is a much better way – and it’s about being human. Granted, you can tailor your DM’s to a more human approach and make it work (maybe).

Instead, I usually advise that you simply look through those contacts who have followed you once a day. Determine whether or not they are someone with whom you can create an online relationship in your area, in your field or someone with whom you are trying to connect – simply send a short thank you if you feel the need. I suppose it’s social courtesy.

But you’ll have a ton of folks following you that really aren’t those with whom you should set your sites. If you want to connect with a simple follow, do it. But don’t feel obligated to send a thank you.

Social engagement is a lot of work. Try saving the time you spend on your platforms engaging with those whom you truly want to build relationships and see them flourish.

I know. You all have your opinion on this subject – Bring it!

Photo Credit: timscullin.com