Twitter parties and such!

[amyt0915]

A good place to start would be by following other contesters like us! This is a good source to find out when there is a Twitter party! To join in a Twitter party, you will use a specified Hashtag (#) for the party. The party host will announce the hashtag prior to the event.

This is an actual tweet promoting a Twitter party:

"Join us! chat party TONIGHT on twitter at 8pm CST w/ @8thcontinentsoy. Prizes, Fun, & Last Brandcation Ticket! #nicejobmom"

So this tells you that you should follow @8thcontinentsoy and the hashtag is #nicejobmom.

Everyone that writes a tweet meant for that party will write #nicejobmom at the end of what they are saying.

During a party, the host will usually ask questions, you write the answers back (usually found on a companies website) and don't forget the hashtag! I will post here the next time I will be joining a Twitter party and can help out that way... It's hard to explain!

Another way to win prizes on Twitter is by Retweeting! A company may ask you to retweet something, and by doing this you are automatically entered into a draw. Here is an actual tweet asking you to retweet:

NEW CONTEST! Win a #QueenDuvetCoverSet from www.sleepbamboo.com To enter follow @sleepbamboo & re tweet this message - pls do not overtweet

So you would need to follow @sleepbamboo and retweet the message. Easy Peasy!

One last way I can think of to use Twitter to enter contests is to Tweet blog contests. These can take a lot of time, but generally you have pretty good odds of winning prizes through blogs! So if you chose to do this, go to the blog and follow the steps to enter. You can find the links to these giveaways from other Sc'ers! Often times there will be a ready made tweet from the author of the blog, you usually can tweet the giveaway once a day to gain one extra entry each day. Here is an example of a blog contest:

Win a children's book of your choice from Barefoot Books. Review & Giveaway by @jennieyuen - http:///cet2WU

So you would click the link to get to the giveaway, and follow the steps there to enter!

You can follow me if you want @leahsmama and let me know if there are any questions!

[Littlemoe0]

Wow Amy, you just explained by far so much more than I ever even knew existed in tweeting. Man, I don't know if I would be able to follow all that. But thank you so much for all the info, gonna maybe give it a try when the kids are in school. Thanks so much, Moe.

[guineapig]

great finds and info.

http://www.facebook.com/AllanLACES?v...anLACES?v=wall please vote daily till Aug 31 for the "octypus" must "like" facebook site 1st

[paicebailey]

Thank you Amy, I keep seeing all the SC'rs winning twitter contests and am very excited to try my luck. I still feel a bit dense about it but your comments help! Thanks very much!

[CarsMommy]

Thanks Amy!! Thats some info I did not know!! AWESOME

[swallow_046]

still confusing for me O_o but i now know what is retweet

[bellini]

Thank you so much for this I am now following you

[amyt0915]

So there is a twitter party tonight! Here is the Tweet:
Want to know the top 10 foods for healthy vision? (Hint: It's not just carrots). Join our Twitter Party 6pmCST http:///adAT8e #airwear
When you click on the link this is the info:
Time: August 18, 2010 from 4pm to 5pm pacific time
Location: #airwear (on Twitter)
Website or Map: http://search.twitter.com/sea…
Event Type: twitter party
Organized By: Megan Calhoun
Make sure you are following:
@Airwear_Lenses and
@realmomsluv2eat

and follow hashtag #Airwear
Good luck!

[misslollieputty]

Thanks Amy! I feel like I've been stalking you all day!

[Keeks]

Im following you too in case your wondering who the undomesticgirl is creeping on you thanks for the tips!

[amyt0915]

Tonight there is a Ralph lauren party at 8 follow @MomCentral for details
and another soft bums (for people who have little ones in diapers)
follow @softbums and @EcoChicParties for details

[Minowa]

Thanks for the tips! I've already learned so much about Twitter through your post.

How do you know the contests are available to Canadians? Is there a way to limit your search to contests that are open to Canadians?

[amyt0915]

If there isn't a link to the rules of the giveaway or party- I just ask the person hosting the giveaway!

[sullers]

thanks for all the info, just made an account and following you amy :0) (Im @kylab2010)

[Minowa]

Thanks for the reply, Amy. This might have the added benefit of helping me learn more about the ins and outs of using twitter. I'm now following you too