This giveaway is now closed. Check back soon for the winners!
My lovely friend Alli Worthington (@alliworthington) just released her e-book this week, The Smart Girl’s Guide to Twitter. And if anyone should write this book, it’s Alli. She knows social media — and Twitter in particular — better than anyone I know.
I use Twitter for this blog (@simplemom), and I think it’s a fun tool, but I honestly learned quite a bit just from my first glance at her e-book. I’ve been on Twitter since the spring of 2008 (ancient, in the Twitter world), but it can still be confusing to me.
If you’ve wanted to learn Twitter for fun, or if you’ve wanted to better leverage Twitter for your business, this book will help you out tremendously. I really recommend the investment.
In The Smart Girl’s Guide to Twitter, you’ll learn:
- Twitter terminology and culture.
- Twitter Etiquette. Do’s, don’ts and best practices.
- How to follow everyone without getting overwhelmed.
- How to build your network in a smart, honest way.
- How to spot a Twitter spammer.
- How to set up a private, secret account for your close family and friends, and why this is so handy.
- Free Twitter tools Alli uses to do everything from saving money, staying organized, to storing photos on the go.
- How to combine your Twitter account and your blog and integrate Facebook easily.
- How to set up Twitter tools so you can use Twitter to save time, not waste time.
And tons more, truly. I haven’t come across an e-book this thorough and comprehensive! And lucky you, Alli is giving three Simple Mom readers a free copy of The Smart Girl’s Guide to Twitter!
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, telling me either why you love Twitter, or why you haven’t yet joined Twitter.
This giveaway lasts only for 24 hours, so it ends tonight, Sunday, September 27, at 11:59 p.m.
I hope you win!


















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I guess I fall in the middle – I’ve joined Twitter, but I have no idea how to use it!!! I would love to win Allison’s e-book.
I love Twitter because you can communicate instantly with all of your friends. If you are looking for specific feedback, or maybe a fun place to eat in a new city…Twitter can help communicate effectively. Plus, I love finding fun new friends to network with and share ideas.
Melody @ Party Cupcake Ideas´s last blog ..Stormtrooper Star Wars Lego Cupcakes
Just started a twitter account, am working on a blog and am at the very beginning of my learning curve. I’m glad to know Alli’s book exists! Thanks for posting this! It would come in very handy.
Use it, but really don’t understand it.
I love twitter because i get instant updates on all the things I love: my family, my friends, whats going on in the business world, the dance world, the couponing world and much more. It’s so effective!
I love that twitter messages go to Facebook and my blog. Other than that, I know little and would love to learn more!
Kelly Wilson
Author of Live Cheap & Free!
Kelly Wilson´s last blog ..Monday = Free Uncrustables
I like twitter, but I have it protected for only people I know to follow. I just don’t want strangers to know if I am at home or not.
With twin babies crawling circles around me twitter has been my remembrance savior this year. I love to tweet firsts, funny moments and embarrassing stories. It feels great to share with the world stories like- how my skirt was stuck up in my panties last week while maneuvering the babies out of the restroom.
Between my blogging and my tweets there are so many special moments from my babies first year saved for them and also shared with those I love.
Vicky @ thecitycradle´s last blog ..This weekend
I’m not using Twitter because, to be honest, I’m not yet convinced about the usefulness of a 140 character message – if I sign up, isn’t it just going to create yet more “noise” in my already busy life…. but yet, but yet writing a blog as I do I feel I ought to find out more as so many bloggers are using Twitter. Maybe this will be the book to convince me to use it!
Zoe´s last blog ..Whales
I have met a lot of great moms and women on twitter! It also helps to promote my blog Mama Notes
Samantha @ Mama Notes´s last blog ..Join Us for the Next Body After Baby Challenge!
Hi SimpleMom… If you are sending your giveaway overseas I would love it. My husband signed me up for twitter and I even have followers!!! But seriously I can’t get beyond blogging and have no clue about twittering!!!
se7en´s last blog ..Saturday Spot: Se7en at the Cape Town Waterfront…
I just joined twitter last week. I am still figuring out what I want to do with it. I’d love to read this book!
Angela Mills´s last blog ..Too Many Books? Here’s One Solution!
I have joined twitter but never used it as i am not sure how. This book would be perfect for me!
melissa´s last blog ..Flora and Henri
I have hesitated to join , thinking it will waste more time, but sounds like I might be wrong!
new to twitter. still pretty in the dark. this book looks like a “need”

emily hope´s last blog ..salt and light . matthew 5.13-14 . fine art print on lustre . 11×14
Been using it for a while but took me a loooong time to understand why it’s an alternative to Facebook. I’d love to get the book in order to learn more!
I have been using Twitter more these last few months as an outlet for short random happenings that aren’t blog post worthy. I know I’m not using it to its full potential, I would love to learn more about it. Thanks for the opportunity!
Holly´s last blog ..Fall Into Reading 2009 {The Challenge}
Love it! Simple yet universal. Used for whimsical comments or in moments of civil protest eg Iran. A simple tool that can connect the world.
Ainslie – Study Skills Mentor´s last blog ..Fun Ways to Study
I don’t love Twitter (yet), and I find it very non-intuitive to use. I would like to see how I can use it better!
Twitter is great fun
I love how I can keep up to date with friends and also know about any prayer requests. I love how the minds of my friends work. Some of them are outrageously funny, and their little off the cuff “I was just thinking” or “I just noticed” crack me up. The 140 character means you can mention things you might not normally in a blog post (which requires background and time to sit down and write) or on Facebook where not EVERYONE needs to know.
This book would be great fun to read.
Thanks fo the oppertunity!
I love Twitter. I’ve made business contacts online through twitter. I worked with a consultant that I found on twitter. I won 1800flower gift certificate on twitter. If I have a question, I ask it on twitter. Twitter comes in very handy. The ebook sounds great.
Debbie´s last blog ..Lexi Is No Typical Teenager
Signed up for Twitter and got alot more information about people I didn’t know than I wanted; I stopped using it. I could really use this e-book, because honestly, I still haven’t figured out any benefits to Twitter.
I’ve only really dipped into Twitter, so would love to read this book! But right now what I most love about Twitter is that it’s like a conversation, and during my day as a SAHM it’s nice to check in and see conversations and snippets happening in the world, and join in if I have time – sort of like walking past the water cooler in my old office life.
I just started using Twitter and boy do I need help! I love the updates from a farm but can’t figure out how to keep track of more then a fewfeeds.
I have had a twitter account for awhile. Actually, I do not understand how to use it for my online business. I am starting to see benefits in blogging so am anxious to have that happen with twitter, too. Definitely curious about the contents of this eBook.
I only use twitter to keep up with family and a few friends. I’d love some tips for using it more efficiently.
AmyM´s last blog ..Summer…huh?
I’m on twitter – but I just don’t “get it” – I mean, why does anyone care what I ate for my breakfast??? Which probably makes me a perfect candidate for a book on it!!!
Kirsty-Abu Dhabi´s last blog ..Style your Shoot – Colours of the Sea | Abu Dhabi Beach Photographer
I love twitter. Would love to take a look at her book.
I just joined Twitter a few months ago. I like getting news sent to my phone. I don’t understand all of the symbols people use though, so I would love a copy of the ebook. Thanks for a chance to win!
Holly F´s last blog ..They call it The Streak
I am a Facebook junkie but have not yet ventured into the world of Twitter. I thought it was mostly for business people and being a stay-home mom to 4 boys under 7, didn’t think it was for me. After reading your article I may rethink that position and check it out! Having Alli’s book would sure be helpful ~ pick me!!
@pick me please! (see I have no clue about Twitter!)
I have a twitter account–and that’s about it. I have no idea how it works. This book looks like a great tool to help!
I am intending to start my own blog in the next few weeks and since I am new to social media I figured Twitter would be a great way to start. Thank you for the opportunity.
I haven’t joined Twitter yet because I’m hopelessly clueless on how to use it!
I joined Twitter last year at Blissdom. I tinkered around a bit, mostly lost and confused. I haven’t even checked it in over a month. I know I must be missing something because so many people adore it. I have a feeling the instruction manual is what I was missing and Ali’s book will be my Twitter cure.
I like the idea of Twitter a LOT (really, it’s what everyone uses facebook for, but without all the extra mess!), but the only thing I know how to do is simple updates, and half the time I forget that I even have a Twitter account!
I am using Twitter mainly as a day to day journal and also to get updates on friends and topics of interest. But I would love to learn more about the other usages!
i don’t use twitter because it seems so ego-centric…i’d be interested in learning more.
I think i could love twitter. so far the only thing i use it for is to update my status on facebook and have it go to my blog too. i’m pretty lame when it comes to the whole twitter thing. i could use some help

tessy ´s last blog ..1st day of Preschool!
well, i thought i was going to be unique by saying that i have joined twitter but, have no idea how to use it. instead, i see i’m quite part of the crowd. i would love to win the book though and will likely buy it if i don’t win it because i want to use twitter to SAVE time and help to grow my budding little business and i’ve heard tweeting is the way to go. learning the do’s and don’ts would be a big help! i love your site, btw, and always get so many useful tips and ideas from you. thanks for all your hard work!
I do use twitter, but I’m pretty new at it. Even so, I’ve met other bloggers, found new blogs to read, found guest posters and opportunities to guest post and promoted my blog. I’d love to learn to use twitter really well.
Tiffany´s last blog ..Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
I enjoy Twitter because it’s allowed me to meet like-minded, eco-focused people. I think I may have found this blog via Twitter… so what better reason than that?!
Katie
Katie @ Making This Home´s last blog ..A Flying Journal
Yes, I LOVE Twitter and use it regularly! It’s been cool to have because I’ve met lots of interesting new people, I’ve been able to stay connected with close friends and family and have also been able to network – to help get my name and blog/shop out there.
If I won this book, then I would give it to someone in my family who NEEDS to be on Twitter – but just doesn’t get it yet!
Amber´s last blog ..Surprise Bebe Shower
I’ve joined twitter, but never use it. I find it confusing, so I would love to have this book!
have to admit that i’m scared of twitter as yet another electronic thingy that will incite me to waste even more time on the computer.
anja´s last blog ..the home stretch
That does look like an extremely helpful tool. I am on Twitter, but I don’t use it much – I find it a little overwhelming and a little superficial. I would love to learn how to make the most of its capabilities.
Jamie
steadymom´s last blog ..Inspiration for Your Weekend
Yay! Great giveaway. I love the quick interaction that twitter allows. I don’t really know why. It’s just really fun! I’ve also found networking to be extremely easy with Twitter.
I haven’t joined twitter because I honestly can’t see how it could fit into my life. But boy, so many other people use it – how do they do it??!!!
I’ve joined it but don’t use it – don’t know how and not sure if I can fit it into my schedule. I don’t have a smart phone – is there another way? Would love to know.
jen@odbt´s last blog ..Friday Finds
I do use twitter and enjoy it. I KNOW there is so much more I can learn. Sounds like this ebook was made for me!
I love that twitter is such an easy and simple tool to network quickly
Heidi @ Wonder Woman Wannabe´s last blog ..Revive our Hearts CHALLENGE!!
I do use twitter but I know there is so much more I need to learn. I just haven’t had the time to learn it on my own. Sounds like this new ebook will help me along the way. I could sure make use of this!
Nancyjo´s last blog ..Christmas SAS Merry
I use Twitter, but I have NO idea what I’m doing! Could sure use some guideance!
Di´s last blog ..Lemonade
I joined twitter when a friend asked me about it. I thought I’d test it out for a few weeks, and then quietly slip away after my experiment. My skepticism melted as I began to see connections forming with other bloggers. Now I use twitter daily to catch up on news, chat with friends, and even plan meetings with other bloggers.
It has been fun to watch Alli do such amazing stuff with Twitter. Thank you for the opportunity to win her book.
Renae´s last blog ..Where Is Home?
I would love to learn from Alli! I’ve been twittering for a few months, and I’ve connected my twitter account to my blogs and facebook. But I’m still trying to navigate how to be tweet savvy!
Ann at mommysecrets´s last blog ..Resources for Mentoring Programs
I haven’t joined Twitter yet because I haven’t decided if I want to keep up with another social network. I’m interested, though, and would love to see what this book says about it.
Sheena´s last blog ..Things I’ve Learned
I use Twitter because I feel it’s right to find any reason to be a Twit!
I only update…I have no idea how to do anything else….oh except I know how to make it look pretty. But I really don’t follow too many people because how would I ever keep up with everyone???
Visible Voice´s last blog ..Bokeh for Miz Booshay
love twitter for the quick updates and being able to catch up on other people by seeing their snapshots in time. the e-book sounds great! =)
I have not joined Twitter because I am not sure about it and not sure I need another social network to keep up with. This book sounds like a good tool!
I need this because I was on twitter but deleted my account because I got overwhelmed. I felt like it was an overload of information and too much to keep up with – I’m trying to simplify my life! I know I should be on there but have been too busy with a new baby to jump back in.
UncommonBlonde´s last blog ..All the single babies
I’ve had a twitter account for a long time, but only use it occasionally. During the day, when I’m working, I have limited access to my account and I’m inclined not to get sucked into another time drain in the evening, when I’m generally at my computer. That said … I’m curious to see if Alli has any tips for people with time constraints but who want to use marketing tools like Twitter to best advantage. I’m also not sure about the need to post the same things on FB and Twitter. Several friends do that and it feels -to me, as the reader – somewhat redundant.
diannewrites´s last blog ..Nonfiction that’s fun!
I do have a twitter & I really enjoy it. There’s still so much that I don’t know, but I’d love to learn.
I love twitter. I love seeing the responses I get when I toss something out there. It’s also a great way to keep in contact with friends.
tabitha´s last blog ..Today is a Velvet Revolver day
I am a little overwhelmed by the amount of time required for active social networking! I seem to spend my allotted computer time on blogs and don’t know how I would have time for Twitter, but I would love to learn how to do it efficiently.
I have not used Twitter….been a little scared of anything that tweets…but I’d love to learn! Thank you!
I love Twitter because it helps me keep my friends and family updated on what is going on in our lives without having to contact each person directly! I feel like we stay better connected that way. I would love to learn about other ways to use Twitter!
I love twitter, especially that you can dip in and out and often just watch. Tweetdeck really changed the way I enjoyed twitter. I don’t feel I need to be on there all the time.
Melitsa´s last blog ..Poetry for the little ones
I am so scared of the time that it would take to start following twitter or using twitter.
I’d love to know more about Twitter. I’d like to make better use of time, not waste time.
I don’t tweet yet but am intrigued! Would like to know the ins-and-outs!
One of the reasons I love Twitter is the daily connection it offers. In my IRL job, I don’t work with anyone other than my boss (who is never around). Twitter gives me people time.
Jennifer´s last blog ..You asked about … saving your layout files
I think this would be really helpful for me. The main reason I love to use Twitter is because, as a stay-at-home mom, it helps me feel like I’m still in touch with what’s going on with my friends. But I’ve also recently become the “Twittermaster” for my church’s account–I’m not very good at it yet!
Meghan´s last blog ..to my dad, on his birthday
I’m a twitter user but I am not clear on a lot of things. This is a great idea!
Mrs. Money´s last blog ..$78.48 Worth of Groceries
I have a twitter account, but I don’t get it
. I get a lot of random emails telling me that these people are following me, and today my husband told me that they are sex-bots like you see on myspace or facebook. I sure do wish I knew how to use it more effectively.
I haven’t yet joined Twitter, or FaceBook for that matter, as I have no clue about what they used for, and lack the time to log on & just “play & figure it out on my own.” This book would be incredibly useful I’m sure as I don’t want to exit the “baby bearing years” feeling like I have been living on the moon for the last 5+ years. HELP!
I have just started using my Twitter account, and I’m finding it to be such a vast resource! But, it’s a little daunting, and I want to use and manage it correctly WITHOUT getting bogged down in yet another time-sucking social networking site. There’s a life to actually live away from the keyboard and screen…I’m definitely interested in such a great tool.
This book sounds awesome!! I’ve also been on Twitter for quite awhile but struggle sometimes to really ‘get’ it. A ‘how-to’ is just what I need!!
April´s last blog ..Abandoning one’s self to the joys of summer
I haven’t jumped on the Twitter bandwagon yet. I guess it is probably because I don’t know much about it! I guess this e-book would be perfect for me!
I joined Twitter a while ago, but feel at a disadvantage since I don’t have a smart phone to tweet all day. However, I really enjoy following some friends’ tweets, as they’re always sharing great professional resources.
I just began a new job in the education field, and I know that Twitter would greatly help us publicize the good work we’re doing, and gain followers and hopefully participants in our work. However, I really don’t know where to start, so I could really use some expert guidance to push us forward!
I use twitter, but honestly it confuses me so bad. I don’t have the sort of phone that i can integrate with it either, so I guess I’m losing out there too!
Satakieli´s last blog ..Past, Present and Future
i haven’t joined twitter yet…maybe b/c i fear it will be pithy soundbites and take up too much of my precious “free time”. but i’m happy to be proven wrong!
I like the mundane details of lives…it’s such a great representation of the REAL living that is going on.
Jen S´s last blog ..Pizza
I joined Twitter quite a while ago, but haven’t figured out at all how to use it! I enjoy reading what others are up to, but would like to use it for networking. I could sure use that e-book!
I recently join twitter for my business but haven’t done much because I don’t know where to start. This ebook would really help me learn the ropes.
I haven’t joined Twitter yet because I haven’t figured out how I want to use it — how to tie it in to my FB, my current blug; the blog I’m thinking about starting….
When I was in Mongolia visiting my Peace Corps daughter, I was able to update my wordpress blog and facebook account with my status, with a quick entry on twitter. Internet access was caggy at best in Mongolia.
I also use twitter with the #fb application from Facebook, to twit about my yoga classes, or blog entries that I’ve updated. That way, my facebook followers can keep up to date with my going ons, and I don’t have to post in two places (actually three, as I do a separate account for twitter for my yoga interactions)..
http://www.twitter.com/gaileee
http://www.twitter.com/gpbmongolia
I’d be interested in getting the handbook/book, and in looking at some of the stuff in this post, using twitter to its fullest potential! Thanks!
gaileee@yahoo.com
Yoga with Gaileee Blog
Gaileee´s last blog ..NPR on Mongolia
I have been tweeting for about 6 months. I was skeptical at first, and I think there are a lot of valid criticisms that can be made of twitter, but I think many of them can be made for ANY media! I like it for some of the really powerful effects it can have (wrote a blog post after the Iran election thing http://www.paulanix.com/?p=138) and for the really fun, slightly less earth-shattering things I can do with it (like send a tweet to Derek Webb AT the Derek Webb concert!) I’d love to read the book and learn how to use it more effectively!!
Paula´s last blog ..Life, Intentionally
How wonderful to have an easy guide. I love Twitter, but am always curious if I’m using it the best way I could. I’d love to read this guide!
Know little of twitter. Need help. One fact I know, keep it short. Need ebook. Thanks.
I’ve signed up for Twitter, but I haven’t ever used it. I just don’t understand it; I feel like I’m missing something, because I know people who LOVE it and find it so helpful. A guide like this would be great!
I like twitter for following people, but I’m not all that comfortable with the lingo like retweeting, etc. This guide sounds like a great idea.
Claire´s last blog ..Veggie Lover
I like Twitter. I feel like I can chat for a minute when I am otherwise home alone with kids. The blog links and article suggestions have replaced my expensive magazine habit. And to top it all off, I am increasing my own blog traffic by making connections there. Love it!
Emily´s last blog ..Family game night
I like twitter because it is goes to the point, not full of games, such as another social networks. I only read tweets since I do not know how to reply to the tweets. I do not know how to use many of the commands or the symbols.
I’m interested in learning more from a PR perspective for the work I do.
I tried hard NOT to get caught up in twitter, and started with the intent of keeping it business-only. but people found ME. Knitters, knit designers, library enthusiasts, food bloggers, and more have found their way into my day, and I love the connection and camaraderie. I love tips to streamline use- it surely can be another time drain- and like everybody, have limited time to ‘play around’ and discover features on my own. Looking forward to checking out this e-book!
marissa´s last blog ..Summer Slumber Party
I haven’t joined twitter yet, cause I’m afraid it would consume too much of my time. The book could possibly make it work for me though…
I love Twitter! I feel like I can get some great info there in just a few clicks! With a magazine, there may end up being only a few articles of interest…but here I can find what I like without a bunch of other stuff. Plus- it’s super fun!!!
I haven’t ventured into the Twitter world just yet, but I would love to learn more about it! Thanks for the chance.
MaryBeth @ Four Silly Sisters´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Forever Friends
BTW- My twitter account is http://www.twitter.com/smilinggreenmom incase we need to post or if anyone wants to tweet
I have signed up for a Twitter account, but I don’t use it at all becuase I’m afraid I’ll get overwhelmed and not be able to keep up with it all. I would really love to have someone walk me through it so I know what to do!
I do not use twitter…Nothing happening in my life would be of any interest to anyone but me and I’m living it so why tweet?
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