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Using X

What is X?

A micro-blogging platform, X lets users share brief messages visible in the feeds of those who follow them. It provides real-time updates on various topics, demanding creativity to craft concise yet engaging posts within its 280-character limit, ensuring relevance to your audience.

Why should I use X and how can it help my department?

X presents an excellent avenue for instant engagement with your target audience. Whether you're promoting an event, offering tips, showcasing programs, or sparking discussions with compelling questions, X enables swift communication.

When time is of the essence, X stands out as the ideal platform for disseminating information efficiently. Its unique feature allows for multiple postings without overwhelming your audience with spam-like content.

Moreover, X facilitates audience understanding by providing insights into their interests, inquiries, and sentiments regarding your field. Delving into discussions about various topics related to your domain can uncover valuable trends in higher education.

Additionally, did you know that X offers advanced search capabilities? This feature empowers users to refine their searches for specific information, making it an invaluable tool for exploring diverse topics effectively.

How do I get started?

Starting a X account is simple, but the most important thing to do before starting any social media platform is to ask yourself the following questions.

  1. Do I have the time to manage this account along with my other duties?
  2. Do I have enough content to promote?
  3. Does my target audience use this platform?
  4. How will this platform help my department?
  5. Who will manage this account?

If you are planning to become an officially recognized social media account with Norfolk State University, your department must designate two administrators who will be in charge of those accounts. If you have not done so, please fill out the form to apply here.

Once you have decided that you want to go ahead and start X, the next few steps are pretty easy.

  • Go to X.com and sign up for an account.
  • Enter your e-mail address, password, and agree to X’s Terms of Service.

Optimize your account for X searches

To ensure the NSU community can easily discover our social media accounts, it's imperative to optimize them for visibility. One effective strategy for expanding our network and enhancing accessibility for fans is to tailor our account with keywords clearly associating it with Norfolk State University.

A key step in achieving this is selecting a username that accurately represents both the account and the university. Additionally, it's beneficial to choose a name for the account that highlights your specific department within NSU. For instance, while our channel bears the name "Norfolk State University," our username is @norfolkstate. Given the character limitations for usernames, creativity is encouraged in crafting one for your department.

A thoughtfully chosen name serves as the cornerstone for being discoverable in searches. Ensure that the name incorporates relevant terms such as NSU, Norfolk State, Spartans, etc., which are likely to be used in profile searches.

Customize your profile

Utilize the right-hand column of your account page to upload a profile picture, craft a brief bio, and configure X on your mobile device for convenient posting from any location.

The concise bio, visible alongside your username and name in search results, offers an opportunity to clarify your affiliation with Norfolk State University if it's not already evident from your username and name. Avoid potential confusion, particularly if your username consists solely of "NSU," by explicitly stating your connection to the university.

Know the rules

Once you establish an account, you want to keep it in good standing, so make sure you’re following their rules.

Make sure you do not:

  • Impersonate others through the X service.
  • Publish or post other people’s private and confidential information.
  • Publish or post direct, specific threats of violence against others.
  • Use the service for any unlawful purpose or for promotion of illegal activities.
  • Create serial accounts for disruptive or abusive purposes.
  • Engage in username squatting.
  • Use X.com’s address book contact import to send repeat, mass invitations.
  • Publish or link to malicious content intended to damage or disrupt another user’s browser or computer or to compromise a user’s privacy.
  • Use the X service for the purpose of spamming anyone.
  • Use obscene images in either your profile picture or use background.

Start Posting

Get creative with a catchy hashtag, captivating photo, and concise posting within the character limit. Tag other Norfolk State University accounts to expand your channel.

  • Include links to drive traffic to your website; use a link shortener like bit.ly for space efficiency.
  • Maintain a regular posting schedule; delegate if needed.
  • Tailor content to audience preferences; engage by following, reposting relevant content, and using hashtags to drive conversation.

TIPS

  • Explore third-party applications designed to elevate the X user experience.
  • Allocate time to interact with individuals interested in related topics, including identifying prominent social media figures within your niche.
  • Incorporate images into your posts as they are essential for capturing your audience's attention.