I caught a tweet from Ted Murphy today, about how a celebrity was paid $2,500 to post a sponsored tweet.
Ted is the founder and CEO of IZEA, the company that owns SocialSpark and PayPerPost.
Both SocialSpark and PayPerPost offer bloggers the chance to earn money from paid product reviews.
It’s a contentious topic that generally splits blogger opinion down the middle, with both sides offering valid reasons for their views for and against sponsored posts or paid blogging. Personally, I’m neither here nor there on the topic as long as it’s handled properly.
Now it seems as if Twitter is IZEA’s latest target, with pre-launch details of SponsoredTweets allowing Twitter users to sign up for the service in readiness for its launch in a few weeks.
The way it works is simple. You sign up, set your price and tag your profile, and then wait for advertisers to offer you their details for an agreed price. You then tweet their message and get paid. Everybody’s happy – the advertiser gets eyeballs and the Twitter user gets money.
But will everybody be happy? Probably not.
Advertisers are already using sponsored tweets to get their message across. One in particular, Magpie, seemed to unilaterally piss off the majority of the Twitter community with its invasive ads (although this may have had more to do with the fact they changed their policy and didn’t require publishers to disclose it was a sponsored tweet).
At least with IZEA’s approach, all publishers need to disclose their relationship to the advertiser and that the tweet in question is sponsored (much like the company’s blogger requirements).
Yet it looks like IZEA might suffer the same problem as Magpie – the fact that non-users of the service can’t opt out of seeing the ads in their Twitter stream. Sure, you can always unfollow someone if their sponsored tweets get too much – but is that really the best solution?
Perhaps this is where Twitter use will diverge and the service will be monetized. There’s been talk of premium Twitter accounts for a while – would that work?
You could still have a free account but expect to see unwanted ads in your stream. Or, have a premium account and filter the ads out – see your friend’s normal tweets but not ones with ads in them. Whether this would be feasible or not is another thing, but it’s an idea.
What’s your take? Is IZEA’s sponsored tweets service a welcome addition or more noise to the Twitter stream? Would you offer your Twitter account for advertising or keep your tweets from you and you alone?
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As @tedmurphy and @IZEAinc get ready to launch sponsored tweets, where next for Twitter and ads? http://bit.ly/eF94L
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As @tedmurphy and @IZEAinc get ready to launch sponsored tweets, where next for Twitter and ads? http://bit.ly/eF94L
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We have learned a lot over the past few years pioneering sponsored conversations. Our goal is to roll out a twitter sponsorship solution that is focused on quality tweeters, disclosure, and freedom of authenticity.
While I realize that any form of advertising will always have its critics I believe we have created a system that best addresses the concerns of advertisers, tweeters and followers.
I am really excited about the launch of this platform! I think you will be pleasantly surprised : )
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We have learned a lot over the past few years pioneering sponsored conversations. Our goal is to roll out a twitter sponsorship solution that is focused on quality tweeters, disclosure, and freedom of authenticity.
While I realize that any form of advertising will always have its critics I believe we have created a system that best addresses the concerns of advertisers, tweeters and followers.
I am really excited about the launch of this platform! I think you will be pleasantly surprised : )
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RT @DannyBrown @tedmurphy & @IZEAinc get ready 2 launch sponsored tweets, where next 4 Twitter, ads? http://bit.ly/eF94L
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RT @mayhemstudios RT @DannyBrown @tedmurphy & @IZEAinc get ready 2 launch sponsored tweets, where next 4 Twitter, ads? http://bit.ly/eF94L
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RT @DannyBrown @tedmurphy & @IZEAinc get ready 2 launch sponsored tweets, where next 4 Twitter, ads? http://bit.ly/eF94L
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RT @mayhemstudios RT @DannyBrown @tedmurphy & @IZEAinc get ready 2 launch sponsored tweets, where next 4 Twitter, ads? http://bit.ly/eF94L
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RT @DannyBrown: As @tedmurphy & @IZEAinc prepare to launch sponsored tweets, where next for Twitter & ads? http://bit.ly/eF94L
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RT @DannyBrown: As @tedmurphy & @IZEAinc prepare to launch sponsored tweets, where next for Twitter & ads? http://bit.ly/eF94L
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Sponsored Tweets – what do you guys think of that? http://is.gd/1rFzm (via @dannybrown)
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RT @sonnygill: Sponsored Tweets – what do you guys think of that? http://is.gd/1rFzm (via @dannybrown)
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Sponsored Tweets – what do you guys think of that? http://is.gd/1rFzm (via @dannybrown)
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RT @sonnygill: Sponsored Tweets – what do you guys think of that? http://is.gd/1rFzm (via @dannybrown)
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@kevnbarnes Yep, I used that as reference point for this http://bit.ly/eF94L
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@kevnbarnes Yep, I used that as reference point for this http://bit.ly/eF94L
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Twitter: DavidSpinks
Meh…it's not even the ads I care about. I can ignore ads. It's the increased value placed on gaining a lot of followers which will then lead to even more spam that's really going to start to get annoying.
We have learned a lot over the past few years pioneering sponsored conversations. Our goal is to roll out a twitter sponsorship solution that is focused on quality tweeters, disclosure, and freedom of authenticity.
While I realize that any form of advertising will always have its critics I believe we have created a system that best addresses the concerns of advertisers, tweeters and followers.
I am really excited about the launch of this platform! I think you will be pleasantly surprised : )
Hey there Ted,
Thanks for jumping in, both here and on Twitter earlier. Having seen how you've handled the paid blogging formula, I am curious about what IZEA will bring to the Twitter table. As we discussed earlier, disclosure is a big plus point right away.
If you're focusing on quality over quantity, again that's a big plus. I guess the only concern, if you like, is from the noise potential (which, admittedly, may be minimal anyway). If the tweets did become too noisy, will there be a way to filter or would it be left to an unfollow of the publisher?
If I can't opt out, I will probably unfollow people that post sponsored Tweets. Inflated follower counts are already rampant, they will become more so. There is a difference between using twitter to send people to your own ads and sites, but a service that matches advertisers with people that twitter is different. I know that some people I follow and listen to are going to be involved with this, it makes me sad to see companies get behind this. Ads on the side or other areas are one thing, in my twitter stream = unwelcome.
I'm torn about this one. On principle, I don't like the idea of advertising to your Twitter users, but at the same time, if the advertisement is tailored to your audience and done in an appropriate way, is it any different than putting an ad in your RSS feed?
I don't have an answer, but I am watching this one like a hawk because what happens here will be followed on Facebook, Friendfeed, and other micro-publishing sites.
Certainly with IZEA's “muscle”, if you like, you'd imagine that the other sites will be next. But that also raises an interesting question, Brandon. This is a Twitter advertising model – what happens when your feed is shared directly to Facebook and Friendfeed from your Twitter account?
Many users have this cross-pollination, yet will that be breaking any Facebook or Friendfeed Terms of Service? Interesting – hadn't thought of that until your point, cheers!
manier om geld te verdienen met twitteren. maar ik betwijfel of het werkt. https://app.sponsoredtweets.com zie ook: http://bit.ly/WzBzJ
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manier om geld te verdienen met twitteren. maar ik betwijfel of het werkt. https://app.sponsoredtweets.com zie ook: http://bit.ly/WzBzJ
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@dannybrown ponders whether sponsored Tweets are part of the future. http://tinyurl.com/n9tyzh
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@dannybrown ponders whether sponsored Tweets are part of the future. http://tinyurl.com/n9tyzh
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Will anyone ever retweet an ad?
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Will anyone ever retweet an ad?
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RT @mayhemstudios @DannyBrown @tedmurphy & @IZEAinc get ready 2 launch sponsored tweets, where next 4 Twitter, ads? http://bit.ly/eF94L
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RT @mayhemstudios @DannyBrown @tedmurphy & @IZEAinc get ready 2 launch sponsored tweets, where next 4 Twitter, ads? http://bit.ly/eF94L
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Twitter: LCartaya
I guess there are some factors to consider…
1. Let's face it – traditional media is a stagnant and dying breed. There is (theoretically) no room for innovation or transformation of the advertising and marketing game in TV, print or radio mediums. Add to that the growing popularity, influence and the morph-able qualities of the social media world and of course you're going to get a full-court press from advertisers.
2. Then there's the 'green' factor. I guess what I'm saying here is that the incentive of money will always find willing people to participate.
3. The beauty of Twitter is it's user's active role and it is completely permission/opt-in driven. As long as ads are not cluttering main pages and stick to feeds only, Twitter purists could feasibly block any ad and curious users might choose to follow.
4. Will these ad twitter stream provide a user benefit to those who follow, as in codes for free gifts? What would compel someone to follow a deliberate ad twitter if there's no reward for their 'loyalty'?
! @dannybrown has a great post about sponsored tweets http://bit.ly/e2Y0I Check it out and let me know what you think. A post is forthcoming
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! @dannybrown has a great post about sponsored tweets http://bit.ly/e2Y0I Check it out and let me know what you think. A post is forthcoming
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Interesting…but I just don't see how an ad can survive in a 140 character statement that gets lost in the stream?
Will anyone ever retweet an ad?
Twitter: LCartaya
I think the only way you get people to retweet an ad is if there's added benefit, like a coupon or useful info/
Maybe it will do with how it's worded as well? I believe there's room for your own take on it, as long as you keep disclosure?
I pretty much agree with all your points apart from #3, Lesli. That was (and continues to be) the problem with Magpie, in that the ads in your stream aren't really permission driven. I haven't given anyone permission to place unwanted ads in my stream. I've given permission for that person to join in a conversation with me, if you like, but ads? No.
That could be the factor that determines much of their success (or failure).
With regards your first point, it'll be interesting to see how “traditional agencies” that are still playing catch-up with social media will compare to those that have been dabbling a while now, and if the two approaches will differ.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, appreciated.
I'm OK with people monetizing their influence as long as they don't sell out completely and tell me about crap I don't care about. It's the “make a million dollars with your blog in one day” people I can't stand.
…I can't help but but wish for the day when we have 1-to-1 relationships to the brands and products that we personally support. If they abuse that relationship with us then we have the controls to end the relationship … but that's just me dreaming.
I have and will continue to unfollow and recommend others do the same to anyone I see using these types of programs.
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I have and will continue to unfollow and recommend others do the same to anyone I see using these types of programs.
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Celebrity was paid $2,500 to post a sponsored tweet, (all I got was this stupid spam can). http://tinyurl.com/n9tyzh
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Celebrity was paid $2,500 to post a sponsored tweet, (all I got was this stupid spam can). http://tinyurl.com/n9tyzh
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I just want to say up from that I do work for IZEA and was able to add my personal Twitter account to the Sponsored Tweets system to test it out. I sent out one tweet that I wrote myself and it was retweeted twice by my followers (including the #spon tag). So, yes, some people WILL retweet a sponsored tweet if they find it informative/amusing. And, yes, I was a bit surprised!
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I just want to say up from that I do work for IZEA and was able to add my personal Twitter account to the Sponsored Tweets system to test it out. I sent out one tweet that I wrote myself and it was retweeted twice by my followers (including the #spon tag). So, yes, some people WILL retweet a sponsored tweet if they find it informative/amusing. And, yes, I was a bit surprised!
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Sorry, there's no place for sponsored tweets in Twitterville. I'm here for conversation, and a sponsored tweet is no different than a friend trying to sell me a box of breakfast cereal in the middle of our conversation. No one would tolerate that person-to-person, and I will unfollow in a millisecond if someone does it to me on Twitter. There's my two cents…
I have and will continue to unfollow and recommend others do the same to anyone I see using these types of programs.
I just want to say up from that I do work for IZEA and was able to add my personal Twitter account to the Sponsored Tweets system to test it out. I sent out one tweet that I wrote myself and it was retweeted twice by my followers (including the #spon tag). So, yes, some people WILL retweet a sponsored tweet if they find it informative/amusing. And, yes, I was a bit surprised!
Interesting post here about the future of Twitter. Are sponsored tweets in our future? @dannybrown is wondering http://tinyurl.com/n9tyzh
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Interesting post here about the future of Twitter. Are sponsored tweets in our future? @dannybrown is wondering http://tinyurl.com/n9tyzh
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It's marketing genius, full-stop.
Will everyone support it? of course not, remember the days when blogs began to have sponsor advertising and the BLOGGING world was up in arms…now look at them.
It's marketing genius, full-stop.
Will everyone support it? of course not, remember the days when blogs began to have sponsor advertising and the BLOGGING world was up in arms…now look at them.
Intersting Article: Sponsored Tweets and IZEA – Is This Twitter’s Future? http://tinyurl.com/n9tyzh
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Intersting Article: Sponsored Tweets and IZEA – Is This Twitter’s Future? http://tinyurl.com/n9tyzh
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Sponsored Tweets and #IZEA – Is This Twitter’s Future?
http://bit.ly/wZYd3
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Sponsored Tweets and #IZEA – Is This Twitter’s Future?
http://bit.ly/wZYd3
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Ted's a douche bent on ruining everything good in pursuit of a couple dollars. I'm all for capitalism, but not this guy's brand of slime.
Were your friends aware of what the #spon tag meant? A lot of new Twitter users (and even existing ones) many not even be aware of the sponsored tweets coming into the stream. I'm curious if there'll come a time when people don't retweet purely from the fact that you're getting paid for that tweet, and they're not?
A lot of the blogging world is still up in arms, Jason, as seen by the two very different sides of conversations about sponsored or paid blogging.
I think the big difference between ads on blogs and ads on Twitter is comparable to a conversation and background noise at a party. Sidebar ads or 125×125 banner ads are like background conversation; you're aware of them but they're not ruining the atmosphere. Sponsored tweets are full-on part of the conversation you're having with other friends and as such have the potential to be annoying as hell.
Just a thought
I never liked the idea of making money from tweets, but Sponsored tweet is one of few programs which I actually liked…
Probably control over ad tweets is something which I always wanted..and since its been recommended by some big players..I don't mind trying it out…