Maintaining an active presence on Twitter can be a great way to connect with current and prospective renters and build your online presence. Just like there are certain things you should do to be more successful on social media, there are also things you should avoid. Check out this list of four things NOT to do on Twitter.

1. Be an Egg

When you don’t upload a profile image on Twitter, your image defaults to this egg.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to follow a company who doesn't even care enough to upload a profile picture. Make sure your profile is complete and all information in accurate to portray your community in the best, most professional light.

2. Start a Tweet with an @ Symbol

If you start a tweet with an "@" sign, Twitter registers your tweet as a reply. That means the only people who will see your tweet will be the person whose Twitter handle comes after that @ symbol, as well as people who are following both of you.

Let's say someone tweets about how much they love living in your apartment community.

Instead of saying: @resident So glad to hear you love living at Sunny Lane Apartments.

Say this instead: Hi, @resident! So glad to hear you love living at Sunny Lane Apartments.

3. Set Up Generic, Automated Messages

Some brands choose to set up automated messages that go out to anyone who starts following them. For example: “Thanks for the follow, @person. Check out our Facebook page, too!” The thing is, folks can spot a generic auto reply from a mile away, and canned messages can be a huge turn off to your audience. After all, social media is about making genuine connections with other people. So be sure your interactions are always personalized and sincere.

4. Make it All About You

If you only post self-promotional tweets on Twitter, you’ll probably find yourself quickly losing followers. Instead, try following this 4-1-1 rule:

4: Share 4 pieces of new, relevant content.

1: Re-share 1 piece of content from your network.

1: Promote 1 self-serving piece of content.

What other Twitter “don’ts” would you add to this list? Please share in the comments below!