Why You Shouldn’t Fret About Getting Unfollowed On Twitter

November 9, 2009 | 8 Comments | Leave a comment!

It has happened to every Twitter user at least once: gotten unfollowed from Twitter.

And for many users, they really take it to heart. After all, who would be so disinterested in a user’s updates to take the drastic measure of unfollowing?

Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t fret about getting unfollowed on Twitter.

  • Remember: just because someone isn’t following you doesn’t mean you can’t follow them back.

The truth about Twitter: not all follows have to be reciprocated. While you may find a user interesting enough to follow, the other user does not have any requirement whatsoever to follow you back.

Unlike Facebook, Twitter allows you to view someone elses’ Tweets in your stream, and you have full reign to decide who you want to follow (all the public profiles, at least). Take heart and realize that your Twitter stream can be rich with good content, even without some accounts following you back.

  • The followers count and lists count are not the same thing.

With the introduction of Twitter lists, a Twitter user no longer needs to be overly concerned with the follower number. If you think of lists as “social currency”, or value to a given set of Tweeps, being listed more often is much more important than someone who has say, 10,000 followers.

Through focusing on delivering consistent and solid value to your Twitter stream, you will see your lists number rise. Focus more on building up value with a small group than looking to a follower number to determine your worth.

  • Unfollowing can *indirectly* help you define your niche.

What is your purpose for joining and participating on Twitter? Assuming that most (if not all) of your unfollows are due to your content, the user is actually *indirectly* doing you a favor.

If you enjoy tweeting sports, and a few users unfollow you because they don’t like sports, then your network has slightly become more relevant to you and your followers. As unfollows happen and new followers take their place, you’ll find that your network becomes even more tailored to your interests and your personal style.

These are just a few points as to why you shouldn’t worry about getting unfollowed. How do you react when you are unfollowed on Twitter?

  • Anastasiam
    Sometimes I follow people that someone has suggested on #followfriday, but if they aren't really for me, I will unfollow. I also unfollow (& block) people who send ads via DM. I don't think it's that big of a deal.
  • Thanks for leaving your thoughts, Anastasiam. I think that people with smaller follower counts take getting unfollowed a bit more seriously than others.
  • Awesome post! Its true like you said.. when they unfollow you, they are *indirectly* doing you a favor, and creating a more relevant network to your tweets! Besides twitter users will come and go, and the ones who really value your content, will always stay. Its good to have lists also because you can "follow" someone without having to actually be on your "following list" (or timeline), and by doing that, its a way to learn more about that person's tweets and eventually if you like them, you will truly follow them! xD
    So never take it personal, unless of course you actually know the person and you had an argument and you end up unfollowing each other, usually that comes with a blocking each other's accounts as well.. but for the most part, theres nothing to worry, because, at the end you don't need people that hates you around you. A true follower is someone that appreciates your tweets, your content, and even your friendship.

    -Dae
  • Thanks for the comment Daehyun! There are too many connections to be made on Twitter to be concerned with a few that dislike you or diss your content. Glad you enjoyed the post.
  • I don't take it to heart at all. I've unfollowed people for reasons above, but you left out one MAJOR reason...people that send you to a link & when you go to close the window or tab, a pop comes up to get you to stay, whatever choice it gives you, it keeps you there. Click on the 'x' on the upper right of that box. Then close the window or tab. Sometimes you have to do this 2 or 3 times.

    Once, though it was an endless loop, I shut down all my running programs & then I just shut down my computer...that was so frustrating & very worthy of an unfollow.
  • Maria, thanks for the comment. People have set up sites that attempt to keep you in...almost like a pushy salesman! I'm sorry to hear that some users have gotten to you, and I'd agree that they are most certainly worth unfollowing for their trouble.
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