Don't auto-DM (for crying out loud)
Imagine you're at a conference chatting with a few people before the next session starts. Suddenly, somebody shouts across the room, "Nice to meet you! You can learn more about me and my consulting service at www.iampushy.com." From another corner of the room you hear, "Thanks for being in the same room! Can't wait to get to know you!"
You're likely to consider that sort of overture intrusive. And chances are, it's not going to lead to a meaningful exchange.
Auto-DMs—which are generic direct messages some people send when you follow them—work the same way: they're impersonal, disruptive and almost never spark a good conversation. In fact, when you think about them that way, they sound a lot like spam—which is what they are.
Take a look at the three examples here: can you imagine the recipient being delighted to get them? (She wasn't.)
If you must acknowledge a new follower, do a little research, figure out what you have in common and send a personal message.
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