Twitter users are quick to get caught up in the follow numbers. For the most part, followers are a good thing. Without followers, there’s nobody to talk to. Without followers, your message get’s lost.

The problem is, Twitter gets noisy very quick and the easiest way to manage the noise is to cut out those that fail to provide something of value. Users create lists, use programs such as TweetDeck or even stop following all together as a way to manage the noise and increase Twitter productivity.

The secret to success on Twitter is to be one of those people who is regularly listed, who is still there when the follows are dropped, who’s Twitter stream is deemed important enough to survive when the others have been tossed off the island.

Here’s five tips that can turn your Twitter stream into a Twitter survivor:

1) Tweet topically

This is by far the most important thing you can do. Turn your Twitter stream into a resource and create a place people go to for information. You can do this by providing “topical tweets.” In other words, consistently tweet on a specific topic.  If you’re a Realtor, provide real estate information. If you blog about the environment, provide informative environmental Tweets. Consistently provide information of value and people will listen.

2) Sharing is good

The majority of your Tweets should share information relative to your tweet topic. (blog posts, informative articles, etc.). If you read trade publications or daily blogs, send links of interest to your readers. If possible, credit the author or publisher by including the twitter id. This can lead to positive relationships with others in your “topic” and add targeted followers.

The same holds true for Retweets. Retweets are an easy way to share information of interest to your followers and are a nice way to recognize the original sender.

3) Talk to others

The best way to stand out above the noise is to make personal contact. Look for opportunities to join discussions relevant to your Twitter topic. If someone shares a valuable article, reach out and thank them. If you read a blog post you like, Tweet the author and let them know.

Hashtag (#) discussions relevant to your topic can be a great way to add followers that listen. Twitter discussions often have huge followings, many of whom are just reading along. Adding thoughtfully to the discussion can quickly add quality followers. This also works well with live events. Live Tweeting from an industry function can provide valuable information for those who can’t attend the event.

4) Follow topically

Follow people who tweet about your topic or people who might be interested in your topic. Programs such as  Tweetdeck or Twitterfall allow you to search the stream by keyword which can help you find other Tweeters of interest. Directories such as Twibes make it easy to find and follow Tweeters by topic and keyword.

Be sure you give people a reason to follow back. Make sure your Twitter page tells potential followers something about yourself and your “topic.” Look at the tweetstream of those you follow and respond to tweets of mutual interest.

Whatever you do, don’t introduce yourself by sending them a link. Make it personal and they are much more likely to follow back.

5) Localize your Tweets

Look for opportunities to move your Twitter discussions beyond the Twitter stream. This could be as simple as meeting a fellow Tweeter for coffee or talking by email/phone. When traveling, take advantage of opportunities to meet a fellow Twitter “friends” who you may not normally have the opportunity to meet in person. You’ve already formed a common bond through your online discussions.

Networking in person can lead to much larger, mutually beneficial relationships.

It takes time

As with all social media, nothing happens over night. Set a plan, tweet with a purpose and provide value to your followers and you’ll rise above the noise and create a powerful Twitter following.

How have you built a quality Twitter following?

Do you have a tip to share? Please take a moment and add it in the comments below.