The growth rate of your follower base on Twitter is a reflection how the community values your presence. At the same time, the quality of your follower base is a confirmation of how you're effectively growing it. These numbers are not only valued by tweeps but also by Google and other search engines. Their algorithms may continually be evolving, but what is clearer now is they're not just about numbers anymore. The quality of follower base is turning out to be more valuable than ever.
• First things first
Tweeps don't only notice you through your tweets but also through your profile page. Imagine yourself as an artist trying to create a work of art through your profile page. Every detail of your profile must merge into one coherent concept. Your personal information should include the “appropriate” photo, the URL link you wish to share with and the right Twitter background to wrap it up. It doesn't matter if you're incognito.
• Use popular keywords
A quality tweet contains a combination of popular keywords which are related to your interest. Think of Twitter as a large ocean of fishes; with you as the fisherman trying to catch the specific ones you like. These keywords are your bait which tweeps find by either manually searching them, using “bots” to auto-find them, or simply noticing them as they flash on their pages.
• Keep your tweets interesting
Many tweeps fall into the trap of being too self indulgent - either on their promotional efforts or projecting themselves. What works in real life works on Twitter. You can't just barge into Twitter feeling like a celebrity or a world renowned guru - unless you have a verified account to back it up! Mix up the “moods” of your tweets with funny insights, profound ideas and breaking stuffs. Be as relevant as you can be to the community without being obnoxious. Your followers will grow consistently if you're a "live one".
• Tweets grow follower base
The more you tweet, the faster your follower base grows. The growth rate is proportional to the quality of your tweets. If you use keywords and key phrases effectively, then you'll also find out that your followers are of the same interest as you are. However, this is impossible to do on a 24/7 basis unless you use automation to a certain degree.
• Use "bots" to your aid
Automation softwares are also termed "bots". These are third party applications which do lots of automatic functions to make life easier on Twitter. They are free to some extent but you can also choose to use all the tools available on a paid subscription basis. You can use them to program scheduled tweets even while you're sleeping. There are many other automatic functions which these "bots" have with them which can be very useful in building follower base.
• Don't be a "bot"
Twitter support team is very touchy about spamming - and so does the “real” community. Twitter "officially" considers auto-follow back as the only allowable automation tool among auto-follow tools. "Vetting" is the best way to build quality follower base. It's like having a probation list of possible tweeps to follow back. Use the vetting option that these "bots" have. If you allow "bots" to do all the following and unfollowing for you, you'll most likely get flagged for spamming.
• Do the rounds of manual interaction
There are really just three groups of tweeps: those who use Twitter purely as a social networking site; those who use Twitter for marketing and promotions; and those which fall somewhere "in between". Be in the third category - closest to the middle. Use Twitter interaction tools manually on a consistent basis - tools like direct messaging (DM), retweeting, replies, mentioning etc. You can also manually vet the spammers away. Together with automation tools, timely manual interaction efficiently grows your follower base.
• Be a classy cool cat
Be true to your profile while projecting class in your interaction. Vulgar language is definitely not cool. Learn to segregate which messages are best relegated as DMs and which are best broadcasted “on air”. Double check your spelling and grammar - you can always use the delete button if you make mistakes. Rise above the seemingly petty tweets which clutter Twitter and tweeps will follow and look up to you.
• Check and double check Twitter rules
Spammers and "bots" are not technically the same but they are both despised by the community. You may not be a spammer but your tweeting habits may mimic one. Tweeps will unfollow you fast and furiously if they see it that way. Read comprehensively these Twitter Rules to best formulate your game plan. If you're really in doubt, you can always file a support ticket with Twitter.