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You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to eventually have a great following.

It doesn’t matter where I am — whether I am on a date or at a high school reunion — I usually get the same question whenever I tell people that I work as a social media strategist and a Rebel Wizard.

“So, how do I increase my Twitter followers?”

It’s funny how people who don’t even fully understand what I do each day would come to a conclusion that all that matters in today’s heavily connected world is to increase their Twitter followers.

I could go on and on about why the number of followers isn’t the most important; rather, it’s about authentic engagements in whichever platform you choose to be a part of. But I guess that’s for another discussion.

This post is my attempt at providing simple yet actionable tips that you can immediately start today to boost your Twitter followers.

1. Optimize your Twitter Bio
While it is going to sound cliché, Twitter is just like any other platform — the only way to be found is through your keywords! Be sure to optimize yours and include keywords that you want to be found and make it clear as to who you’d like to follow you.

Here’s a nice play at keywords by Kas Thomas (@kasthomas):

Humanist. @BigThink blogger. Opiner. Artificer. Followed by a president, a prime minister, and a certain musician’s artist-widow. And you, I hope.

Inspired by his Bio, I’ve changed mine to reflect not only with the keywords I want to be found but also a play at who I’d like to follow me.

Have a look at my Twitter bio (Erm. Wouldn’t hurt if you’d follow me too 😉

2. Connect with these two types of Twitter users
There are several types of Twitter users — broadcasters, occasional users, connectors and amplifiers.

Not all of them will be most helpful in boosting your Twitter experience so I’d be highlighting the two types of users that you can connect with (list of specific accounts that you should be following and engaging with).

Connectors — When starting out, Twitter is pretty much like your college frat where you need power users who will connect you with other users in their existing network who might be interested in what you tweet about.

These are not just Twitter users who have large followings but those who actually engage with their followers and are happy connectors.

Below are some of the users who are pretty good at that and topics that they tweet about.

1. Sean Gardner (@2morrowknight) — tweets about social media tips and social good
With over 500,000 Twitter followers, he is always part of Twitter Influencers lists.

Forbes #1, Social Media Power Influencer

100 Tweeters of Social Good You Have to Follow in 2013

Top 100, Must Follow Business, Leadership, and Tech Twitter Feeds

And the list goes on… it’s because he’s genuinely engaging with his followers, always looking to connect similar-minded individuals and constantly sharing (read: retweet) content that his followers will find most valuable.

2. Chelsea Krost (@chelseakrost) — tweets about millenials and branding
A quick look at Chelsea’s media appearances will make you immediately love Chelsea and her works. She’s a trusted voice when it comes to millennial branding and an over-all wonderful person, always responding to her followers and even introduced me to other inspiring millennial bloggers on the Thanksgiving eve! She’s always engaging, listening and looking to help build relationships with others.

3. Christel Quek (@ladyxtel) — tweets about social media for business
One of the Twitter Powerhouses, she constantly shares updates that are useful for businesses and always willing to connect individuals that are interested in the same topics. You’ll appreciate her fresh and interesting take on things so kickstart a great conversation on Twitter by following her.

Amplifiers — These are Twitter users who constantly share your content. Connect with them and be sure to thank them for being so wonderful!

1. NAMELESS™ (@iNFutures) — tweets everything awesome

2. Mehul V. Pithadia (@DeumIntra) — tweets inspirational quotes

3. Ben Francia (@BenFrancia) — tweets internet marketing tips

4. Michael Tan (@TanonStreet) — tweets social media and social good

3. Create a list of interest and importance
List posts have been proven to capture interests of readers, and people included in the list will most likely share that list because after all, we all want to be part of something bigger than we are.

Start by creating a board on Pinterest with a list of influencers that you’d like to connect with. Think of this as you master list of whom you’d like to engage with and whom you’d like as a follower.

Think of the influencers in your industry that you’d like to connect with and create a Pinterest Board — which you could then easily share on Twitter and @mention them!