Alright folks, BeTweeted is almost there. A grass-roots effort to begin a new trend of socially responsible advertising on Twitter--a sincere effort to see it monetized without spamming--now ranks number 12 on Google for the keyword "advertise on Twitter." This may seem like an unusual post, but I know so many of the readers are passionate about our mantra... we're asking for some link-juice.

That's right, linkbacks. I've watched with a bit of surprise as Twitter users openly tell their followers "I'm almost to 10,000 followers... can you help me" and loyalists jump right on board. But it's not just about us and our fame. Let me remind you what will happen when an ad service like BeTweeted suddenly finds itself on page 1 of search results:

Nearly 10x the traffic. That's the difference b/w page 1 and page 2. That means 10x more ads for you to tweet (if you're a twitterer). But more importantly, it also means 10x more advertisers getting the message that Twitter is not about SPAM!

So, what can you do? Link to BeTweeted from your own blog, website, facebook page, ning site, or linkedin profile. And, to be more specific, link a keyword-rich string like this: "Advertise on Twitter with BeTweeted."

Labels: Advertise, Blog, Monetize, SEO, Socially Responsible, Spam, Twitter

In a random email this morning, subject line "No question, just comment," Morgan writes:

Just wanted to write and say I think you guys are doing the whole "advertising on twitter" thing right. It's not about spam bots - it's about blogs and other sites paying tweeters and retweeters for doing what they're already doing. Hopefully we can see, through services like yours, a shift from the random spamming on twitter, and annoying banner ads, to really personalized advertising - personalized and personal, unlike Phorm's "personal" ads.

So... yeah. Didn't really have a question, but just kudos.

Well, Morgan, we thank you!

Labels: Affiliate, Monetize, Social Media, Socially Responsible, Spam, Twitter

I was watching the Tonight Show last night and was captivated by a commercial. Now, I know there's this unspoken tradition of hatred toward Microsoft among many computer gurus, but I have to admit I don't jump on that bandwagon very easily. And, to make the point that Microsoft isn't out of great ideas, I would like to introduce you to Bing.

If you haven't heard of it, Bing is a new search engine. That's right, they have the audacity to think they can play in Google's back yard. But guess what? I think they just might be onto something here. And, no, I'm not just saying that because I get higher page ranking for my keyword on bing than Google: "Advertise on Twitter."

The basic premise is that, as people change the way they use the internet, search has to change with it. What is this major change that they think search needs to react to. The fact that they claim 4.5 new websites are created every second. So, how much of that do you think is crap? How much is designed just for SEO with no content in mind? Bing thinks it's becoming an issue.

What's more, the site search functions that so many have come to enjoy have become even more prevalent and easier to use on Bing. For example, search Bing for "twitter" and the first result includes a site search field. Google doesn't offer that. Try the same for eBay, Amazon, even Google itself (ironically).

As for advertising, their revenue model looks strikingly familiar. Sponsored links occupy most of the right column, and of course, the top spot in search results. Nothing new there.

But, what I do find a helpful advantage over Google is the offering of related searches in the left column.

What are you thoughts? Try it out. See if it might replace your home page. It has mine.

Labels: Advertise, bing, Monetize, SEO, Twitter

Ok, all you Twitterers out there, listen up. Whether you're an affiliate guru or just a beginner, these ideas can help you. In a recent article on brand integration, Adage author Larry Dobrow gave a great example of crossing the line of validity when it comes to celebrity endorsement. Bret Michaels apparently gave a plug for how much he likes hanging out at Dave and Busters on the air.

Adage asks (and I echo): seriously? I'm expected to believe that Bret Michaels hangs out at Dave & Busters on a regular basis? This is most certainly not the venue of choice for Hollywood residents.

So, what can you take from this as a Twitter user looking to up your stock and make some dough of our links? Or, any links for that matter--blog sidebar ads, email footer links--anywhere you might hock a product for a referral fee.

It's simple: be real. I see far too often that Twitter users are so eager to make any money they will share any link, whether they believe in the product or not. Around here, I call that bordering very close on the line of spam, if not indeed crossing it. Your followers would agree. In theory, they're clicking links for two reasons: yes, they're intrigued enough by the tweet text to learn more; but also, they are clicking because you said you liked it too!

When you understand this influence you can have, and resolve to use it well: that's socially responsible!

Labels: Advertise, Affiliate, Blog, Monetize, Socially Responsible, Spam, Twitter

I've read this release syndicated on so many different sources today, I didn't know who to cite in my blog article. I'll go with PCMag since they were at the top of Google search. So, according to an article at pcmag.com, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone is not interested in advertising as a revenue model.

His reason? He says that they aren't interested by that prospect, first of all, but also adds that their current staff isn't prepared to do advertising. They don't know advertising and so they don't feel strong in that venture.

His alternative? Tools for the trade. Twitter has always believed there was something significant in their new minimal-character communication medium that would undermine the way we analyze "trends" in real-time. Now, they're asking businesses to believe the same thing. I think it could work. Their search tool has been wildly popular, especially since it was recently beefed up in capability.

The irony, however, is in the details. Stone's major cited reason for not going into advertising was the skill set of their personnel. So, what's all this analytical business going to mean for their staff. Well, at least doubling by year-end for starters. Which begs the question, if you're willing to hire 40 people to create a business model around something virtually unheard-of before, why not put a few ad reps on the low-hanging fruit while you're at it?

Oh well. More ad sales for me, I guess.

Labels: Advertise, Monetize, Twitter

Here are the top three ideas that are so genius, I wish I would have thought of it...

When I first started to dream of building an ad network on twitter, of course, I googled "Advertise on Twitter." Guess what came up first (and still does, if I'm not mistaken) - a Twitter user who managed to get the username "Advertise"... so, he really is "Advertise" on Twitter. No really, I mean it. See here: Advertise (advertise) on Twitter.

Now, on the same first page of Google results for the term "advertise on twitter" is yet another ingenious online marketer who, as recently as February as this year, was able to register the domain advertiseontwitter.com and begin monetizing it immediately. How was it still available? I don't know. Is he selling advertisements in the Twitter stream? No, he's using the site to earn affiliate revenue promoting all other ad services on Twitter. (goodie for me)

Finally, last but not least of the "So Genius I wish I'd Thought of It" list... tinurl.com. Yeah, I know it's simple, an out-dated looking site, and soooo 2008. But, I still love the concept and their ability to hold their own amid now hundreds of other URL shortening services made necessary by Twitter's 140-character limit.

Labels: Advertise, Monetize, Twitter

With a title like that, oh my, I bet this article get's dugg by 10 different people. Of course, each will claim it's a unique submission and I won't get the valuable benefits of being dugg 10 times. Curse that blasted interface. .... I digress.

Seriously, though, how many articles can we possibly need about monetizing. Is that even a word? My spell check keeps giving it the dreaded red-squiggly, which is a sure sign we're using flat-out jargon that is doomed to be either forgotten entirely or parodied relentlessly. That is why I've decided to give my top ten articles on how NOT to monetize your Twitter account. Enjoy.

1. Thou shalt not (yes, I think this will be a fun thematic style to continue, don't you) place ads in your Twitter background that can't be clicked on anyway. What's up with that?
2. Thou shalt not include links to your own products in an Auto-DM on follow. I open my outlook in the morning and immediately sort all DM's in my inbox... shift+delete.
   
3. Thou shalt not tweet the same paid link multiple times just because people didn't click it the first time. "Buy from me. No seriously, buy from me. Hey did you hear me say 'buy from me?'"
   
4. Thou shalt not subject your twitter followers to an advertiser's link without first visiting the link yourself... and, yes, considering the relevancy of its content to your followers.
5. Thou shalt not take Twitter's name in vain. I've clicked far too many links to products where people want to get paid for teaching you how to monetize your twitter profile. Absurd. I think so.
6. Thou shalt not sell your following to the highest bidder [clears throat] not to name any names.
7. Thou shalt not allow some advertising bot to place links to content in your tweet stream automatically (see number 4).
8. Thou shalt not bear false witness (yes, it's getting deeper) on behalf of an advertiser, no matter how much they pay you. If you don't use their product, don't say you do!
9. Thou shalt not tweet more than 1 in every 5 tweets that are advertising or promotional.
10. Thou shalt not @reply unaffiliated names in your advertising tweet for the mere sake of implying their endorsement, affiliation, or otherwise increase credibility.
    

Labels: Advertise, Monetize, Socially Responsible, Spam, Twitter