Twitter can be a confusing place for the newbie.
There are character limits, mentions, replies, retweets and hashtags -- none of which apply to any normal modes of communication. But Twitter is more accessible than it seems at first glance, and embracing the short-form, emoji-laden medium can be a rewarding experience.
Take, for example, Cher. (Disclosure: Cher is this reporter's favorite person on Twitter. Ever.)
Cher took to Twitter like a fish to water. She tweets, she replies, she shares her life and her loves: There's no topic too controversial, no admission too personal, and no fan too insignificant to not have a chance at a response from her.
So when Cracked named Cher the most "awful" celebrity on Twitter, we (okay, I) felt the need to set the record straight. Because seriously, you don't get more than 2.6 million followers with awful tweets.
Let's face it: We'll never be as cool as Cher. But with this handy Cher Twitter guide, our tweets can get close.
Don't be afraid to be you
Timidity is not Cher's style, and there's no reason it should be yours. Prim and proper is great if that's your inner self, but if it isn't, own it.
I’m not one ! Am I Dyslexic? Yes ! When I started did I understand Twitter ? NO ! Am I 2 Open,Unguarded,Whimsical? Yes ! There r so many— Cher (@cher) December 22, 2012
Cher acknowledges her critics while owning her Cherness. (Pro tip: "Her Cherness" is also how you refer to her in person.)
Don't outsource your brand
This tip is for individuals and companies alike.
Sure, you can get an intern or hire a random millennial to run your Twitter account (they make excellent scapegoats. But the Internet rewards authenticity, and Cher knows that.
@ShanaMFoustner my assistants would have better grammer & Could Spell ! Your Uncle is a Cynic ! He’s probably Old ! 45 ?— Cher (@cher) December 23, 2012
A few typos here and there show it's really her behind the Twitter curtain.
Keep that emoji game strong
Like, really strong.
— Cher (@cher) June 28, 2015
There are few messages that can't be improved with a sprinkle, a dash or even a heaping spoonful of emoji.
Phone going.... Nite's — Cher (@cher) July 7, 2015
Cher has even made emoji part of the Twitter language she uses with her fans: Why waste all those characters on "chickadees" when two emoji get the idea across with panache?
Be loud and be proud
Last Nite I Celebrated My 50th Year As An Entertainer Follow THAT you Bitches— Cher (@cher) June 28, 2015
As we all know, haters gonna hate.
There's nothing you can do about them, except believe in yourself, and be proud to be you.
@StephMBuck HMMmm.... Do I Suck at Twitter I THINK NOT.— Cher (@cher) July 10, 2015
So next time somebody criticizes you, and you know it's not true, declare your awesomeness outright.
Show your softer side
All of the above doesn't mean you should go around shouting your own praises constantly. Nobody likes a braggart.
Cher makes a habit of showing she's human, too. A superhuman, maybe, but human is part of that. Her tweets show that even living legends have to recharge sometimes.
Going to wash my hair Put make up on. Off on new adventure.— Cher (@cher) July 6, 2015
And there's nothing like an occasional selfie to humanize even the most goddess-y of the goddesses.
Never take these But just got home & I was feeling Minxie pic.twitter.com/xSxOdelDpR— Cher (@cher) February 27, 2015
Even here, Cher recognizes the limits: Constant selfies are boring, but an occasional selfie is priceless.
Remember: A cat photo never hurts
That's just a standard rule of the Internet.
Mr big explores cantaloupe pic.twitter.com/bgjmY1Q9Xl— Cher (@cher) June 15, 2015
It's hard to go wrong with cute animals.
Pull back the curtain
Twitter isn't just for finished products.
Your audience wants to know what went into that big project, and a tweet here or there while you're preparing the Next Big Thing lets them in.
Just came out of 5 hr meeting,re Show! I FEEL“ALL”OF U WILL B HAPPYGreat balance btwn Favorites & CTTTI PROMISE IT Will b Spectacular — Cher (@cher) November 27, 2013
Twitter is also great for brainstorming, free association and getting feedback. Don't be afraid to make your thought process public.
When you know what you want, ask for it
Please RT— Cher (@cher) April 30, 2015
Apologize when it's warranted
Much can be lost in a Twitter exchange, and even the smallest disagreements can become full-blown fights.
I was looking at tweets & saw that i really hurt someones feelings ! Im sorry. It was light blue background with white egg shape . Bye— Cher (@cher) April 23, 2012
If you've hurt someone, apologize. Cher leads by example.
Engage with your audience
This is one of Cher's biggest strengths. No matter who you are, you've got a chance to get a response from her if you ask a valid question.
@WilliamTurton Well.... ...Yes...It's TRUE...I AM QUITE LOVABLE— Cher (@cher) July 10, 2015
At the end of the day, Cher's Twitter really is all about the fans. We're here, Cher. And we heart you, too.
Ok 'adees ..later — Cher (@cher) June 17, 2015