Elena Adams Designs – News

When it comes to companies using Twitter, the whole thing comes down to accessibility. People follow big brands and celebrities in the hope of getting a little closer to the real people – an inside look without the glossy facade that usually blocks the way. It’s part of the reason that the service has been so successful.

Smaller brands and bloggers on Twitter follow the same logic. If they make themselves accessible and interesting on a scale that regular consumers can relate to, they build their identity and gain credibility. Every set of 140 characters goes toward creating an open dialog with customers and potential customers. If you can make yourself an authority in your field you’re one step closer to fame and fortune.

And then there’s the advertising. I realize that the Twitter creators haven’t yet figure out how to make money on their venture, but plenty of individuals are taking advantage of the new media buffet. Offering thousands of new followers and monetary compensation through pay per click schemes, they add a level of noise to the feeds that was pleasantly lacking. In the quest for fame and a little cash, many bloggers and small brands have fallen for the spiel, allowing advertising to appear in their post streams.

Naturally the point of all these brands being on Twitter is so that they can advertise their product or work, so really we’re all advertising. Why then is Twitter advertising from third part companies more of problem? Every post you make about a brand other than your own is, in a way, a personal endorsment for that product or idea. When you say you tried a great restaurant in San Francisco, or found a new source of jewelry supplies, your followers take interest because you are a credible source of information to them. However, when we start seeing ads for gaining new follows or losing weight you damage that credibility. If you’re willing to endorse those ads, what does your endorsement in your own posts count for?

I know the plight of the starving artist; I’d love it if someone handed me a pile of new followers and a little money to help out with the rent, but unless I’m putting in the hard work myself there’s no point hoping for success.

What’s your experience with these offers? Am I more bothered by it than I should be? How does paid advertising from those you follow affect your opinion of their brand?

Tags: jewelry, marketing, twitter, web design