(Re: above photo… Okay, maybe penguins don’t make a tweeting noise. But they definitely do use social media. Just not when anyone’s looking. Besides, who doesn’t love penguins?)

So you’ve taken the plunge (another penguin reference?) and finally started using Twitter. Or perhaps you’ve had an account for a while, but have run out of things to tweet. Before signing up, you probably argued something to the effect of, “Who wants to know what I had for lunch? Or that I’m at the mall?” True, probably no one. That’s how kids use Twitter. For them, that stuff’s important. (Ah, to be a kid again…) For you and your followers, no so much.

So what should you be tweeting, in order to have something to say on a regular (generally, daily) basis? Following are 16 ideas to give you some motivation:

1. Your Original Content

First and foremost, you should be publicizing your blog posts (you are blogging, right?) and any other new online content you publish. Presumably you’ve put a lot of time and effort into writing that content. You need to use every avenue you can to get it “out there” – front page of your website, in your newsletter, on your podcast, social media channels, and so on. You never know who it might reach.

2. Promotions

If you’re offering a 2-for-1 deal, a special new service, or are doing some sort of contest… tweet about it!

3. Photos

These can be anything related to your business (e.g., a new product or someone wearing/using your product or service) or your geographic area (a beautiful sunset, rainbow, birds). You know what they say about a picture’s worth? (Let’s see 1,000 divided by however many words you can get into 140 characters…)

4. Inspiring Quotes

From favourite philosophers to pop music, a sentence or two that has inspired you may do the same for someone else.

5. Questions

Stumped on how to change text from all-caps in Microsoft Word? Or what’s the best online accounting software? Or how to get a curry stain out of your favourite white t-shirt? Pose the question and watch answers from your followers pour in.

6. Answers

Return the favour and offer up your knowledge on a topic someone else needs help with. A great way to develop online relationships.

7. A Quick Smile

Did something funny just occur to you? Or did you just witness something cute. Share it with your followers. Everyone can use a laugh.

8. Thumbs Up

If you received exceptional service, give kudos to that business. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it, just as you might if someone does the same for you someday.

9. Tips

Whatever your area of expertise, offer a quick how-to. Takes you seconds and could be a huge help to an appreciative reader.

10. Other People’s Content

“Just read a great article on…”

11. Retweets

Did you find someone’s tweet useful or enjoyable? Why not pass it on for your followers to appreciate as well?

12. Trivia

This can be a thought-provoking tidbit relevant to your business or just for fun.

13. Achievements

Did you just launch a new product/service/website/etc.? Or perhaps you just reached a milestone (e.g., 1,000th sale). Let everyone know!

14. News

This may or may not have to do with your business, but if it fits in the “OMG, did you hear about…” category, chances are people will want to know.

15. Olds

… or whatever the term is for re-posting older content. As long as it’s still relevant/useful, someone who could benefit may have missed it the first time you tweeted it.

16. Self Promotion

Try not to make this a frequent thing, but someone who follows you may not know that you have a newsletter they can sign up for, so the occasional shameless plus is okay.

Hopefully this list has helped break your Twitter writer’s block. Remember, each tweet doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece, just something useful and/or enjoyable. Now get out there and start tweeting!