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Twitter Strategies: Do Not Use DM Feature Like This Twitter Spammer

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Inner Architect

DM spam

Holy smokes Scott this is the lamest attempt to persuade me to do anything-  let alone what I already do in my business. Did you even look at my bio my friend? Do I really “Rock”?  Wow what an offer how can I refuse?– deansguide

The worst aspect of Twitter, the microblogging sensation with multiple benefits, is their implementation of a Direct Message feature. Known as a “DM”, this feature has morphed into the biggest spam tool and channel on the social network. Affiliate marketers, Multi Level Marketers, hard sell rip off artists, and anyone with a scam can (and WILL) deliver their messages.

The problem of DM spam is so previlant that the majority of savvy Twitter users do not monitor this channel more than once a week. What can Twitter do about this problem?

3 Twitter Ideas To Curb DM Spam

  • 7 days: require a 7 day waiting period before a DM can be sent when a follow-follower relationship has been established
  • Opt In-Out: create a opt in-out option where Twitterers can either choose to receive DMs or turn the DM channel off
  • Penalties: automatically penalize Twitter spammers who violate “content regulations” created to stem the tide of unwanted hard sell sales pitches and phishing activities

Barbara Le Pine
ADVANTAGE REAL ESTATE, serving Lincoln County - Newport, OR
Your agent for the Central Oregon Coast!

Dean,

I recently attended a social media marketing class for Realtors, we touched upon the various ways you can use Twitter. Thanks for adding to my information about this mysterious marketing medium!

 

Nov 15, 2009 06:17 AM
Dean Guadagni
Inner Architect - San Rafael, CA

Barbara, you are always welcome and thank you. If you found this post valuable consider subscribing to my blog.

dean

Nov 16, 2009 10:17 AM
Irina Riley
American Dream Colorado - Woodland Park, CO
GRI, SFR, CNE, e-PRO, SRES

Dean, Thank you very much for information. It's always good to know how to get rid of something like this.

Feb 21, 2010 03:47 AM
Dean Guadagni
Inner Architect - San Rafael, CA

Hi Irina, you are welcome and I am glad I was able to help you. If you found this helpful would you consider subscribing to this blog- I write helpful tip posts for Realtors.

Dean

Feb 21, 2010 05:16 AM
Marcia Hawken
WILLIAM RAVEIS - Naples, FL
Naples Luxury Specialist

Dean, This sounds like a good idea to clean up Twitter.  I have subscribed and will be looking for new info to help this newbie to Twitter.  Thanks!

Mar 28, 2010 11:18 PM
Catherine Chaudemanche - Edison & Central NJ
Metuchen Keller Williams Elite Realty / Middlesex County, NJ - Edison, NJ
Full Time, Informed and Involved- Results Driven

Yes, I have to say that even using a third party App., it can become overwhelming to read all the DMs...I agree that the vast majority are automated "Thank you fo following me...." and "I am a spammer....". The thing is that I do not want to take a chance to miss a legitimate one...Its becoming a bit like emails with most of it being Spam. Dean, what about some kind of Spam filter for DM like an email inbox with a DM Junk folder and different level of filtering???

Apr 02, 2010 11:02 PM
Dean Guadagni
Inner Architect - San Rafael, CA

Hi Marcia, you are so kind thanks for making me feel good! Please look at my latest article which gives a very basic outline how to create a viral marketing "army" on twitter. If you want more go to my blog deansguide and input "Twitter" into the search box for at least 40 articles on the subject. Cheers!

 

Catherine, your idea is a good one but it doesn't fit in this situation. Micro-blogging is all about brevity. Twitter will never construct an email like filter or support spam folders.

I agree it is tough to ignore but here is what I do. I only check DMs every 2nd or 3rd day. Unless I am running somebody else's Twitter account (we run Whitehall Lane Winery in Napa) then I check every single day. Good luck!

dean

Apr 03, 2010 05:13 AM
Marcia Hawken
WILLIAM RAVEIS - Naples, FL
Naples Luxury Specialist

Dean, I will have a look at the articles.  Thanks for the help!

Apr 27, 2010 01:24 AM
Michael Collins
*ROCK REALTY|Broker|Realtor|Real Estate|WI Short Sale Agent* - Janesville, WI
CDPE, SFR , Wisconsin Short Sale Specialist Realto

Dean, liked your blog.  Hate those spammers.  I was going to follow your tweets, but couldn't find your username.

Jun 18, 2010 03:49 AM
Dean Guadagni
Inner Architect - San Rafael, CA

Hi Michael, my apologies for such a delay. I have been ill but making my way back. I run the following Twitter accounts: http://twitter.com/deansguide and http://twitter.com/innerarchitect . I hope this helps and thank you!

dean

Jul 19, 2010 04:59 PM
Michael Izquierdo
LA Pocket Listings - South Pasadena, CA

ive noticed a large amount of direct message spam also... thanks for the information!

Sep 28, 2010 07:36 AM
Michael Izquierdo
LA Pocket Listings - South Pasadena, CA

and if your open for constructive criticism... i cant stand looking at twitter pages that are hard on the eyes.... and for me the innerarchitect color scheme of white on white... confuses my eyes.... just my opinion, the look is cool once i focus a bit more... but ask your friends and colleagues to see what they think. No offense, just my .02 cents.

ps. im following you :)

 

Sep 28, 2010 07:39 AM
Doug Anderson
Tucker Associates Real Estate Services - Danville, CA
Bay Area Real Estate Views

Dean...fully agree about the DM's.  Just check them every few days now via TweetDeck and delete en masse.

Oct 05, 2010 05:08 AM
Dean Guadagni
Inner Architect - San Rafael, CA

Hi Michael,

No offense taken! Your input is very true and it is something we will address in the next week as the new Twitter is phased in. I agree the white background is a bit brutal- Thank you!

Nov 02, 2010 07:06 PM
Dean Guadagni
Inner Architect - San Rafael, CA

Hi Doug,

Thanks for the very kind note! Tell me how you like Tweetdeck.

Nov 02, 2010 07:07 PM
Pat Yoest
Century 21 Aadvantage Gold, 702-719-2100 - Las Vegas, NV
702-521-1442

Dean, thanks for the information.  I hate spam.  You don't even get a chance to network when they are treying to sell you something.

Dec 07, 2010 03:14 AM
Ilyce Glink
Think Glink Media - Chicago, IL
Best-selling author, award-winning TV/radio host.

Dean, Spam ruins the real benefits of Twitter: keeping in touch with clients, friends, and colleagues in your industry. Spammers waste our valuable time that could be spent interacting with real people instead of clearing out our Inboxes. Thanks for the great post.

Mar 07, 2011 09:18 AM
Dean Guadagni
Inner Architect - San Rafael, CA

Pat, I agree thanks for your comment!

Ilyce, I would have to take another position with your idea that spam ruins the benefits of Twitter. If the user does not filter and build a targeted following then they will be swamped with spam. I like to use Twitter lists and concentrate on reading the stream from my most important lists. Thanks for the kind comment!

dean

Mar 10, 2011 07:40 AM