For years MySpace, Facebook and Hi5 have dominated the world of social networking. However, there’s a new sheriff in town and its name is Twitter. Twitter has only been around since 2006, and it has already become the most popular social networking site on the web. Twitter’s setup is plain and simple, but attaining followers is quite the opposite. The following are a few effortless ways to gain followers and popularity on Twitter.

Unique Background – Twitter gives its members the option to upload their own background. Some people choose to use random scenery, while others use their picture as a background. Of course you can always use the default backgrounds that Twitter has for its users. However, if you want to stand out among the other people on Twitter, it would be best to use your own design or picture. Conforming to the masses is not the way to get more followers. Always be unique and it will pay off!

Keep Your Profile Public – If you want privacy, then twitter is the last site you should be on. If you have a private profile, no one will be able to see exactly who you are. No one will see what you’re about either. If you keep your profile public, then people will be more inclined to follow you.

Catchy Tagline – Twitter doesn’t allow its members a large amount of space for information. Your tagline will either make or break your popularity on the site. If your tagline states; “My name is Joe and I like cookies”, don’t expect to get any followers. Your tagline should be short, but unique. People always tend to forget that first impressions are lasting.

Cross Promotion – Link your Twitter account to your other websites. There are thousands of companies on Twitter and those corporations get followers through their main websites. If you use a cross promotion tactic, you will gain more followers.

Mingle – Even if a person isn’t following you, it doesn’t mean you can’t interact with him or her. Initiate conversations with random people on Twitter. Mingling is another way of saying social networking. There’s nothing wrong with extending yourself to others. Put your people skills to good use and get out there and start chatting!

Follower Your Followers – It’s only fair to follow those who follow you. Chances are you’ll be able to make friends with their followers. Only exercise this method with real people and companies. There are hundreds of robots and fake accounts on Twitter. If you’re being followed by a fake or robot, it would be wise to block that account. You can even go a step further and report fake accounts.

Search Is Your Friend – If you’re looking for people who have the same interests, you can always use the search option. Twitter doesn’t filter any words in their search bar. Don’t be afraid to search for whatever fits your fancy.

Tweet Trend Topics – Trend topics are the most discussed topics on Twitter. They can be found on the right hand side of the site. The more you participate in trend topics, the more people you meet. Trend topics are probably one of the easiest ways to build relationships with people on Twitter.

Be Informative & Random – Posting interesting information and facts makes you intriguing to others. This is also a good way to start discussions among your current friends. Sometimes a topic is discussed so often, that it becomes a trend topic for the entire site.

Twitter is certainly not for everyone. As a member of the Twitter community, you have to be willing to go the extra mile to make friends. Your experience can be fun and enlightening, or it can be dull and lifeless. Some of these strategies may seem time consuming, but they will ultimately help improve your Twitter status.