Do you dabble on Twitter? If you’re fairly new to the platform, you might be confused, uncertain, or unsure how to use it effectively. Though it has become a bit more complicated than when it was originally created, even Mark Schaefer will tell you, with a bit of practice, time, and patience, you too can become an effective user. After all, it really is, about as easy as Tic-tac-toe.

So how do you master Twitter, just like Tic-tac-toe? With a bit of strategy, consistency, and confidence. Here are three things you can do that will help you gain more followers, generate more interest in you or your product/service, and boost your internet presence:

1) Begin following people or brands that interest you. After all, social media is created by people. They tweet stuff that interests them, promotes their brand, and generates excitement about just about anything imaginable.

2) Use hashtags (#). They are the glue that binds every tweet together world-wide. Use at least one every tweet (if applicable), and no more than two or three or it muddies the water.

3) Ever seen the “@Connect” section? It highlights everything in relation to your handle. Retweets from followers, comments by others about you or to you, as well as informing you who’s followed you recently. Engage with them. Learn from them. Compliment them. Acknowledge them. Follow them. You’ll get noticed, remembered and will build credibility because of it.

Whole books have been written about Twitter and how to use it effectively. These three tips are just a start to get you off on the right foot. Learn them, use them, and watch the magic happen.

Thank me, @duanedrzadinski later on Twitter!

Duane Drzadinski is a marketing professional, father and social media enthusiast. Connect with him and continue the conversation on Twitter and LinkedIn.