Sharing research on Twitter
Twitter is essentially a micro-blogging site allowing the quick sharing of news, views, and information. Whatever you want to say must fit into 280 characters.
As a researcher the main purpose in using Twitter is to drive people to your published papers and research, your own web pages, and relevant other content online. While the University can share world-leading research on corporate social media channels, sharing your work on your own channels to your networks will prove more effective and impactful.
In looking to share your research on social media, first you must consider the following:
- Are you the lead researcher – if so, could your research make a science news story? Contact the Press Office to discuss opportunities to share your research through traditional press channels and on the University’s corporate social media channels
- What are the key messages you want to say about your research – how can you succinctly summarise your research in 280 characters
- Do you have the DOI or direct link to your paper – this is vital to drive followers to read and engage with your research
- Consider what photos or video content relating to your research you can share. Use of photos and videos on tweets increases engagement and is more likely to translate in to clicks through to your research
- Collect photos and videos at every stage of your research for future use online and on social media
- It is important to remember that you do not just tweet when you have a new paper coming out – otherwise people will lose interest in your channel.
- Look to share other research you are referenced in, newspaper articles, blogs or any online content in relation to your research. The key is to keep a continual feed of content on your channel that your audience will find of interest.
- You can share (retweet) research or news from other sources relevant to your field of study that your audience may find interesting.
- Use Twitter to provide updates about your research project, for example, key milestones, developments in the field, additions to your research team etc
- Look at national and international days to link your research to – such as Earth Day, World TB Day etc – this is an opportunity to showcase your research in the field on days when a larger audience on Twitter will be more engaged in the area as a whole. Find out more via the UN.