3 Ways for Designers to Start Microblogging

For the visually inclined, writing a blog can be an intimidating endeavor. Microblogging is a great way for graphic designers to take advantage of the benefits of blogging without having to write too much. Microblogging allows you to share brief updates and images with your network. These short posts can contribute to search results and increase a designer's clout or influence on the social web. Sharing updates through microblogging can also help designers to create a personal brand and connect with potential new clients. Microblogging is not just confined to Twitter. You can use other blog platforms such as WordPress, Blogger and Tumblr to microblog as well. Here are three ways that graphic designers can initiate a microblogging strategy. 1. Use Twitpic to add dimension to your Tweets Twitpic is a photo sharing account that syncs with Twitter and lets you share links to photos in real-time. If you have a Twitter account, the same username and login will get you logged into Twitpics as well. This way if you are on-the-go and see a cool design element you can snap a photo of it and share with your network. Try pointing out interesting designs or going to art opening and snapping photos. If someone retweets the link to your photo or comments on it, it could be the start of profitable client conversation or relationship. 2. Activate a Tumblr account Tumblr is like a cross between Twitter and a regular blog. Tumblr comes from the word Tumblelog, which is a more free-form style of blogging where users post brief snippets of text and images as they go, or when the mood strikes them. As a form, a Tumblelog is so post-modern it's uncanny... but I digress ... The Tumblr platform welcomes images, videos, mp3s and short text posts. Tumblr users have a "dashboard" where they can view posts from other Tumblr blogs they follow. It's a good community to gain a following and in turn follow new users. There's also a lot of crossover between Tumblr and Twitter, meaning if you get new followers via one site, they will follow you on the other site as well. There are also many photo-intensive Tumblr themes available, which are perfect for designers who want to upload mostly images. 3. Start a micro-blog on WordPress or Blogger Even if you choose a traditionally long-form blog platform such as WordPress or Blogger, you can use those platforms to micro-blog instead. There are tons of blog themes for both WordPress and Blogger that would fit a microblog style. Some themes will cater to a more stream of consciousness Twitter-style blog. Other themes allow users to feature photos with brief captions. Using a regular blog in tandem with Twitter can really help you get in front of potential clients. Send updates about the kinds of projects you are working on and what you find inspiring. This will hopefully create some synergy with potential clients and maybe gain you some new business!