How to set up a Twitter account

Thanks to Twitter you can share short updates about your life and follow the updates of people, topics and organizations that matter to you. Twitter may seem silly at first. Like, who cares that you just saw a dachshund cross the street or that you are having baloney for lunch?! But within the circle of “tweeters” you’ll create, people will be talking about what matters to you. So, whether it’s dachshunds or democrats, football or fundraisers, you’ll be talking about what you care about. You can access Twitter from the web or with text messaging. It’s free, it’s fun, and there is a whole world just waiting to hear from you.

PRINT READY VERSION > GO TO TWITTER >

Step 1

Type www.twitter.com into the URL window or what is called the Address Bar at the top of the screen.

Step 2

Once you’re on Twitter.com click the big orange button labeled “sign up”.

Step 3

Choose your Twitter name. Unfortunately, many “regular” names are taken and you don’t want your username to be too long or complicated. Since Twitter only allows 140 characters, the shorter the better.

  • Type in the name you want. (BobSmith) Twitter will tell you right away if it’s taken.
  • Your first choice is taken? Try shortening your name or reversing first and last names. (BSmith; SmithBob)
  • Still no luck? Try a nickname or something that reflects your city, your hobby or your personality. (BobsterNYC) (BobFishingFool)
  • If you’re really having a hard time, try adding numbers like the year you were born (RbtSmith72) or a hyphen between words (bob_smith)

Step 4

Think of a password you can remember, but avoid using something too obvious like “password”. A pet’s name or favorite book or TV show title might be good. Just make sure it’s something easy for you to remember!

Step 5

Now type in your email address. If you don’t have an email, go to “How to set up a GMail account” and get one for FREE!!

Check the box underneath the email box if you want people to be able to search for you using your email address. On Twitter people can search for you using your full name or using your Twitter user name. If you check the box, people will also be able to find you by typing in your email address. It’s up to you whether or not you want people to be able to find you this way.

Step 6

Check the box indicating you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

There’s also a check box next to “I want the inside scoop – please send me email updates”. If you leave it checked, Twitter will send you an email every now and then with updates.

Step 7

Click “Create my account”

Type the string of letters you see into the box. (This is a security check to prevent computer-generated spam.) If you can’t read the letters, click the “try different words” link to get new words. If you have speakers or headphones, there’s an audio link. It may take a time or two to get it right, but don’t give up!

Step 8

Twitter will send you a confirmation email. Go to your email account and open the email, then follow the simple instructions.

Step 9

Coolness. You are now on Twitter and almost ready to send out your first ‘tweet’. Follow the simple steps to find friends to follow. From celebrities to your favorite sports teams, you’ll be able to find lots of like-minded people here.

If you don’t have regular computer access, you can tweet and receive tweets from your phone. Before you sign up for mobile twittering make sure you have a texting plan. You don’t want a bunch of crazy charges. To sign up for Twitter on your phone, go to “settings” at the top on the right. That’s where you can change your password, upload and personalize your profile, and sign up for mobile. It’s really that simple.

Keep in mind that @WeAreVisible is our Twitter name. If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Simply start your tweet with @WeAreVisible and then ask your question. We’ll tweet you back by starting the response with @ in front your Twitter name. It’s that easy to start a conversation with anyone. Don’t be shy. Say hello!

Last but not least!
It’s important that once you are on Twitter you come back to WeAreVisible.com, click on the “Be Seen” tab and then the “I Am Visible” Twitter button.

A new window will pop up. You’re now on the Twitter site. If you are not already logged in, it will ask for your username and password. Log in!

Now you're on your personal Twitter page, and the "What's Happening" box already has the #iamvisible tag filled in.

Just type your message into the box. Say hello! (You don't have to put in your Twitter name. It will automatically appear when you tweet.)

Be sure to keep your tweets below 140 characters. Messages longer than 140 characters will be cut off when you send them. One last thing - add #wearevisible to your tweets whenever you can. This let’s everyone know you are part of the “We Are Visible” community. And make sure to look for people talking to you and say hello back. Soon, you’ll be a social media guru like all the rest of us!