Many bloggers use Twitter as a platform to promote their own blog.

I have seen many questions on retweeting from those starting to tweet.

The art of “retweeting” is best described as taking a twitter message someone else has posted, and rebroadcasting that same message to your followers. Of course credit should be given to the original poster. Retweeting is under-utilized by most bloggers: promoting other blogger’s content by “retweeting.”

How to properly retweet?
The common syntax starts off with the use of a label. The shortest and most favorite label to use is “RT:” , but “Retweet:” , “Retweeting:” and “Reading:” will work also. Obvious the shorter the better to fit the original message.

Next comes the crediting. Credit the original poster by simply using the @reply syntax, for example: “@originalPoster”.

A tweet received as:
lotcon I really want to watch TV
should be retweeted as:
RT: @lotcon I really want to watch TV
to your followers.

While retweeting sounds great for the original tweeter (since there is usually a link involved), retweeting can actually benefit the retweeter just as much if not more. Lets explain some basic concepts and rules of retweeting:

1. Only Retweet Content what is Truly Interesting and Relevant for your followers
If you retweet another individual’s content, then there is a better chance that the original poster will maybe retweet also your content sometime. But you should not simply retweet content for personal gain. Be selective when you retweet, it just should benefit your followers.

2. Retweeting Must Provides Value to Your Followers
There is a reason why people follow, value. If you can provide value to your follower you will not only make that individual happy, but you will most likely attract more followers. Providing quality content is always a great way to provide your followers with value.

3. Retweeting can Help Branding Your Name.
Retweeting might build your personal name (branding) as well as your follower’s loyalty. If you point to an external source that is relevant and of value to them, the amount of trust your follower has in you will increase.

4. Retweeting Will Help You Build Relationships With The Original Posters
The likelihood of being on the other end of a retweet increases as you retweet. Retweeting someone else’s content is respect, and many bloggers like to return a favor.

Retweeting is a great way to add quality and value to your Twitter.

Fred Lotgering
LotCon Biz Solutions
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lotcon