Does anyone even check what they’re sending on Twitter?
This has bothered me for a little, when I get a direct message on Twitter, I check the link. I don’t care if it’s a scam, MLM offer, or whatever, I just want to see what you’re trying to promote to me.
Almost 50% of the time these links don’t work.
That is very ineffective advertising, for the time spent promoting a link and sending it out to users, it’s a total waste of time for the promoter.
Next time you’re going to send out something on Twitter, post and then check the link immediately after. Also, don’t rely on Twitter to shorten your URL, do it before.
URL shortening services:
What’s best, is that most of these provide analytics too, so if you register, you can track how many clicks have been sent through the link. There are “Twitter Tracking” sites, but all that matters is the number of clicks through the link.
Since Twitter doesn’t have much of any measurements, base your clicks on the total number of followers you have. Followers vs Clicks can easily determine total penetration, although I assume this to be very low (100 followers = 1 click). This can easily be increased by posting content beyond what you’re trying to promote.
If you want to see results from Twitter, set aside your promotion for a minute, and work on engaging the users on the website.
I have had very good luck with TweetDeck shortening my Twitter URLs. I always double check them, but to this point have never seen a bit link generated.
David Zemens
6 Nov 09 at 4:32 am
Ah, I was speaking mostly on the web interface in Twitter, I have Tweetie for the iphone and it works great.
Justin
6 Nov 09 at 8:36 am
Imagine how scary it is if people don’t read their own tweets, how much less of everyone else’s tweets do they see.
Extreme John
6 Nov 09 at 5:08 pm
Are we talking about Sponsored Tweets?
If it is, this Sponsored Tweets is a great idea but can lead to instances just like this where the person who is being asked to promote their product doesn’t even bother checking the product that they’re are promoting.
Knowing that regardless of whether or not they agree with the product that they are promoting, they will be rewarded financially.
Interesting article Justin. I may have got the whole concept wrong, and forgive me if I have. I just discovered this Sponsored Tweets earlier today.
Brad
11 Nov 09 at 3:14 pm