it's typically one o
[2024-01-24 12:01:42 PM] : it's typically one of the larger sources, if not the largest, and one of the most durable. it can feel small at first, but snowballs over time.
different watering holes (and different kinds of participation) can vary, can you share some examples? we might be able to make some suggestions to improve click throughs!
1 Reply
[2024-01-25 06:17:32 PM] : Hey, I'm having this problem too. I'm assuming that it's mostly about investing more time in engaging with the watering hole, build my rep etc
But if you have a minute, would love any suggestions you have on improving click throughs:
https://x.com/ay0n_b/status/1749478569674522870?s=20
[2024-01-25 10:24:31 PM] : Is Twitter your only watering hole?
[2024-01-26 12:15:52 PM] : It's the main one I engage with. I use r/UI_design, r/UX_design, and some slack and Discord channels for research. But some of those have pretty strict policies on self-promotion
[2024-01-26 12:16:35 PM] : I did post this article on one design slack channel that has more sharing friendly community guidelines, but also didn't get any bites
[2024-01-30 06:55:05 PM] : Hey Alex, let me know if you have any thoughts on this
[2024-01-30 06:56:03 PM] : thanks for the nudge, Slack threads drive me nuts :joy:
[2024-01-30 06:56:43 PM] : so two things here:
[2024-01-30 07:02:56 PM] : 1 - this tweet uses pain as bait (better than not!) but on its own, there isn't much for the reader unless the click.
following ebomb dropping principles, I'd recommend sharing a LOT more of the ebomb in the tweet or in in this case a thread. doesn't need to be every word of the ebomb of course, but sharing more of the substance that would make people who follow you want to share the tweets...and include a link to the post in the last tweet for people who want more.
[2024-01-30 07:04:53 PM] : if this post were somewhere other than twitter, I'd consider it a drive by, because there's nothing for the reader unless they go to your site.
your job is to earn their trust, give them something useful even if they don't click. make them think "oh wow if the stuff here is this good, i wonder what else is on the site"
that increases the odds of them clicking, while also giving more substance that's share-able (which leads to more new people seeing your stuff!
[2024-01-30 07:08:33 PM] : 2 - watering holes have self promo rules for a reason: most people don't show up unless they have something to promote. I'd recommend revisiting the lessons near the end of Part 1 on how to share ebombs, including the parts about gatekeepers. if you think about it less like "how can I get people to click my links" and more "how can I help the mods make this a great community" the dynamic starts to shift into one where people don't mind you sharing links from time to time.
[2024-01-30 07:24:43 PM] : lemme know if that helps!
[2024-01-31 12:18:10 PM] : That definitely helps, thanks Alex! So my action items are:
1. Include more value in the tweet/post. The post itself is a mini ebomb. I need to give people enough value that they trust me and invest in clicking through to the article itself. That will probably mean using a thread or a long form tweet
2. I should think long term when it comes to water hole engagement, add value to the community and create a good reputation with the mods. I'll also revisit the lessons related to sharing e-bombs and particularly the one on gatekeepers. Then they'll take it easier on me when I share pertinent links out to my content
Appreciate the feedback!
[2024-01-31 12:19:08 PM] : I'll use this feedback when I'm sharing my next ebomb and post it here later this week
[2024-01-31 01:14:01 PM] : :raised_hands::skin-tone-3: :raised_hands::skin-tone-3: