[FAQ]

Hey everyone! I’m planning to host my first Twitter Space soon and I’m a bit overwhelmed by all the things to consider. I’ve seen some amazing Spaces and some that just… fizzle out. What are the absolute best practices you’ve found for making a Twitter Space truly engaging and successful? I’m talking about everything from picking a topic, getting people to join, keeping the conversation flowing, and generally just making sure it’s not a flop. Any real-world tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated!

[Jeff Bullas]

When you’re thinking about content for a Twitter Space, it largely revolves around audio, but how you weave in other formats can make a huge difference.

Audio is King: Obviously, it’s an audio-first platform. This means your moderation skills are paramount. Can you facilitate a flowing conversation? Can you keep speakers on topic without shutting down genuine discussion? Are you good at bringing in diverse voices? If your audio quality is shoddy or your moderation is weak, people will drop off faster than a hot potato.

Leverage Visuals (Carefully): While it’s an audio space, you can definitely use other content formats to promote your Space. Think about creating an eye-catching image or short video clip for your promotional tweets. A visually appealing graphic with the topic, speakers, and time can significantly boost your audience. During the Space, you might even reference visuals you’ve shared on your profile, but remember the core experience is audio. Don’t expect people to constantly switch between the Space and your profile to see something.

Text as Support: Text is crucial for setting the stage and providing follow-up. Use your initial tweet announcing the Space to clearly outline the topic and key discussion points. During the Space, you can use the chat feature to share relevant links or key takeaways. Afterwards, a text summary or a thread of the main points can extend the life of your Space and provide value to those who couldn’t attend.

Engagement and Avoiding Pitfalls
The real trick is making it engaging. People have short attention spans, and there’s always another Space to jump into.

Topic Relevance: Is your topic genuinely interesting and relevant to your target audience right now? A great topic is half the battle. If it’s too niche, you might struggle for listeners; too broad, and the conversation can become unwieldy.

Speaker Diversity: Try to have a few different voices and perspectives. A monotonous conversation, even with an expert, can be a turn-off. Encourage audience participation, but have a plan for managing unruly or off-topic speakers.

Promote, Promote, Promote: Don’t just open a Space and expect people to find it. Use your other social channels, email lists, and even other Spaces to let people know when and what you’ll be discussing.

Steer Clear of Harmful Content: This should go without saying, but it’s vital. Never promote or allow discussion of anything that could be considered harmful, misleading, or discriminatory. Twitter has clear guidelines, and violating them not only risks your account but also damages your reputation. Explain to potential speakers that respectful discourse is non-negotiable. If you find yourself in a situation where harmful content is being shared, you need to be prepared to take immediate action, which might include muting or removing participants. It’s about creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Author]

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