Entrepreneur: Dr. Malpani, I’ve been trying to build a following on Twitter to grow my startup’s visibility, but it feels like an uphill battle. What’s the secret to standing out on such a crowded platform?
Dr. Malpani: That’s a great question, and one I hear often from founders. The secret is simpler than you think: content is king. To build a loyal following, you need to consistently create and share valuable content that resonates with your audience. But let’s break this down step by step.
Entrepreneur: Content creation sounds straightforward, but how do I decide what to write about?
Dr. Malpani: Start with what you know best—your journey, your expertise, and your unique perspective. Share insights about the problems you’re solving, the lessons you’ve learned, and the values that drive your startup. Twitter is full of noise, but authenticity cuts through. People want to connect with real stories and original ideas.
Entrepreneur: That makes sense, but it sounds like a lot of work. How do I ensure I can consistently publish content without burning out?
Dr. Malpani: That’s where strategy comes in. The key is to batch-create content. Set aside time to write multiple tweets or articles in one sitting. You don’t need to write a novel—short, impactful posts work well on Twitter. Once you have a repository of content, you can schedule it to publish regularly. Tools like TweetDeck or Buffer can help you maintain a consistent posting schedule.
Entrepreneur: I’ve tried writing before, but I struggle with getting my thoughts down on paper. Do you have any tips for making the process easier?
Dr. Malpani: Writing doesn’t have to be intimidating, especially with the tools available today. Use speech-to-text software to dictate your ideas—it’s often faster and more natural than typing. Once you’ve captured your thoughts, you can use AI tools to refine and polish your writing. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s to get your message out there and start engaging with your audience.
Entrepreneur: AI tools sound interesting. Can you recommend any that are particularly useful?
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely. Tools like ChatGPT can help you brainstorm, organize, and even edit your content. Grammarly is great for catching typos and improving readability. And platforms like Canva can help you create visually appealing graphics to accompany your tweets. The key is to experiment and find a workflow that works for you.
Entrepreneur: Okay, let’s say I’ve created a steady stream of content. How do I make sure it gets noticed?
Dr. Malpani: Great question. On Twitter, it’s not just about broadcasting—it’s about engaging. Reply to comments, join conversations in your niche, and build relationships with other users. Twitter thrives on community, so show up consistently, interact genuinely, and be helpful. Over time, people will start associating your handle with value.
Entrepreneur: But what if I don’t have a unique angle or feel like my ideas are already out there?
Dr. Malpani: Don’t let that stop you. Your perspective is your differentiator. Even if a topic has been covered before, your unique experience and voice will make it stand out. For example, as a founder, you can share the behind-the-scenes of building a startup—the struggles, the wins, and the lessons. People love relatable and authentic stories.
Entrepreneur: That’s encouraging. But isn’t Twitter known for negativity and trolling? How do I deal with that?
Dr. Malpani: Negativity is part of the internet, but don’t let it derail you. Focus on the positive interactions and remember your purpose—building your brand and connecting with like-minded individuals. If you encounter trolls, don’t engage. Instead, block or mute them and keep creating. Consistency and resilience are your best tools.
Entrepreneur: What about measuring success? How do I know if my efforts are paying off?
Dr. Malpani: Success on Twitter isn’t just about follower count. Look at engagement—likes, retweets, and meaningful replies. Are people resonating with your content? Are they asking questions or sharing your posts? Quality always trumps quantity. A smaller, engaged audience is far more valuable than a large, passive one.
Entrepreneur: This all sounds practical, but it still feels overwhelming. Any final advice to simplify the process?
Dr. Malpani: Start small and stay consistent. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to show up. Over time, you’ll refine your voice, understand your audience, and find your rhythm. Remember, Twitter is a long game. The more you create and share, the more you’ll learn what works.
Dr. Malpani: To sum it up: Create authentic content, engage meaningfully, and let your unique perspective shine. Use AI tools to simplify the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The more value you provide, the more your audience will grow.
Building a Twitter following isn’t rocket science, but it does require intentional effort. As an entrepreneur, your insights and experiences are your greatest assets. Share them generously, and the right people will find you. Ready to start?