By using a #FF post, you are showing your followers that you value their tweets. In order for you to post about your followers, you must feel they are worthwhile, and the mention lets them know you think so.
Next, it shows you as a "resource." You are not just tweeting about your latest blog post or book. You have actually taken a few seconds to tweet about something that make help your other followers, and this is where you see results from social media. Now, don't get me wrong. Many people post follow friday tweets, so it is not a new revelation, and your followers are not going to be amazed by your tweets, but the followers you mention will usually send you a thanks, and they notice you have noticed them!
How do I choose followers?
Most sources say you are recommending your followers (or those you follow) based on their value to conversations and other overall Twitter world. I agree, you should list people that would actually be interesting to follow, but here is a tool to make your life a little easier on #followfriday!
The Twitter Project: http://thetwittertagproject.com/followfriday.php.
This site allows you to enter your username, and it will give you a series of tweets for #FF with followers that tweet consistently.
The downfall to this site is that it just picks up consistent tweeps, which may include spammers, if you follow any. I recommend you screen the names before you tweet, but it helps you select some active followers.
How do you use #followfriday? How do you see this being useful in your social media marketing?
