The Quest for the Elusive Blue Tick: A Beginner's Guide for UK Tweeting Royalty (or Delusional Wannabes)
Ah, the blue tick. That little badge of honour, the bane of impersonators, and the ultimate sign that you've "made it" on Twitter. But for us mere mortals in the UK, attaining this holy grail can feel about as likely as stumbling upon a pasty-fuelled unicorn parade. Fear not, fellow tweeters! This guide will equip you with the knowledge (and perhaps a sprinkle of delusion) needed to embark on your quest for Twitterverse nobility.
Step 1: Polish Your Profile Until It Gleams
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.![]()
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Bio that Slays: Craft a bio that's as witty as a Hugh Grant rom-com monologue and as informative as a BBC documentary. Bold keywords relevant to your field, like "Award-Winning Cat Whisperer" or "Chief Meme Officer."
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Profile Pic Power: Ditch the blurry selfie from last night's kebab adventure. Instead, opt for a clear, well-lit headshot that screams, "I shower regularly and can operate a camera!"
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Header Heaven: Let your header photo be a visual feast! Is your area of expertise gourmet sausage rolls? Plaster your profile with a mouthwatering image. A taxidermied badger enthusiast? Well, you get the idea.
Step 2: Become a Tweeting Titan (Without Getting RSI)
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.![]()
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Content is King (or Queen): Don't just retweet celebrity catfights. Share your own insightful (or hilariously nonsensical) thoughts on the world. Remember, quality over quantity! Ten well-crafted tweets are better than a thousand "deep-fried Mars Bar" jokes (although, one or two can't hurt).
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Engagement is Everything: Respond to comments, participate in relevant threads, and don't be afraid to throw out the occasional witty reply. Basically, become the life of the Twitter party (without being that one person who talks over everyone).
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The Follower Frenzy: While follower count isn't everything, a healthy following does show Twitter you're a voice people want to hear. Don't resort to buying followers (we all know those egg avatars). Organic growth is the way to go!
Step 3: The All-Important Verification Request (Brace Yourself)
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.![]()
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Digging for the Application Form: Finding the verification request form can be like trying to find a decent cup of tea at a motorway service station. Keep searching, brave tweeter! (Hint: It might be hidden somewhere in Twitter's labyrinthine settings).
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The Verification Rodeo: Fill out the form with the accuracy of a brain surgeon. Highlight your achievements, awards (even if it's "Cutest Toddler in the Sandbox" from 1998), and anything that proves you're not a crafty catfish.
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The Waiting Game (with a Side of Anxiety): Now comes the hard part: twiddling your thumbs and refreshing Twitter like a hawk on Red Bull. The wait time can be anything from a week to, well, forever. Patience is key (and maybe a good book to distract you).
Bonus Tip: Don't Panic (and Maybe Develop a Thick Skin)
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.![]()
Remember, verification isn't a guarantee of happiness (although, it might get you into that exclusive club with the free Greggs sausage rolls). There's a whole world of Twitter fun to be had, blue tick or not. So keep tweeting, keep it interesting, and who knows, maybe one day you'll wake up to that little blue badge glistening next to your name. But if not, hey, at least you'll have had a good laugh along the way!