[Amy Ely]

Just curious - what do you think about advertisers running a twitter account specifically with updates for their affiliate partners vs. their general consumer base?

[rematt]

I thinks it's a great idea, the more points of contact the better. However, if you intend to make Twitter the ONLY way that affiliates can receive updates, many affiliates won't receive your message.

Twitter is a great ADDITIONAL information channel, but it doesn't replace the traditional channels already in place.

JMHO.

-rematt

[Amy Ely]

Originally Posted by rematt

Twitter is a great ADDITIONAL information channel, but it doesn't replace the traditional channels already in place.
-rematt

I agree w/that comment. Other forms of contact are also critical, but would you take the time to visit a merchant's affiliate-specific twitter feed? I'm guessing that affiliates would take notice if messages popped up in their twitter stream...but wouldn't go looking for it.

[writerguy]

I mostly agree with rematt -- especially that Twitter can be an additional contact point to more traditional measures, i.e., email, blogs/RSS feeds, etc.

The single biggest problem I have with Twitter is that the "tweet stream" flows so rapidly and is filled with so much absolutely worthless garbage that I soon tire of even bothering to go on Twitter. As a result, I probably wouldn't keep up well with info via Twitter and would absolutely prefer email, blog posts, other more traditional contacts.

But that's maybe just me?

Gary

[rematt]

Originally Posted by Amy Ely

I agree w/that comment. Other forms of contact are also critical, but would you take the time to visit a merchant's affiliate-specific twitter feed?

No, I actually wouldn't which is why it would be important to me that a merchant maintain their traditional modes of communications.

I've said it before (which won't stop me from repeating myself) but I currently check about a dozen or so e-mail accounts on a daily basis for merchant and program updates, I don't want or need additional tasks to fill what's left of my day.

-rematt

[Heather Hart]

I'm so glad someone asked this question! I'm considering adding a Twitter account for our program after having it suggested in the book I'm reading. Like most, I wouldn't think people would visit the profile often. But it would be a great way to remind affiliates of tools, resources, and promotions. Also, there are several twitter users that just follow anyone who follows them, so you could use it to recruit affiliates as well... I haven't made that leap yet, but I probably will.

[Independent]

I have created Affiliate Program Twitter Accounts not too long ago and I've seen some very good results. I would definitely recommend it

[Heather Hart]

Thanks, Independent! It's good to know someone is having success with it.

[Amy Ely]

Originally Posted by Independent

I have created Affiliate Program Twitter Accounts not too long ago and I've seen some very good results. I would definitely recommend it

When you say "very good results" - what did you measure? New customers? More sales? Just curious as to what lead you to determine it was successful.

-Amy

[Independent]

So far Twitter has been good in terms of inviting new affiliates (through direct messages) and communicating with existing affiliates in terms of their needs and comments about our program. There has been an impact on sales, but, since we just started, it is too early to say about that

[DeannaT]

I also have a specific affiliate Twitter account for the company I am the A.M. for, although I'm just getting into it. I definitely see the potential value in having one, and am anxious to continue growing it!

[Witzer]

Originally Posted by writerguy

The single biggest problem I have with Twitter is that the "tweet stream" flows so rapidly and is filled with so much absolutely worthless garbage that I soon tire of even bothering to go on Twitter. As a result, I probably wouldn't keep up well with info via Twitter and would absolutely prefer email, blog posts, other more traditional contacts.

But that's maybe just me?

Me to.

[Chuck Hamrick]

Me to.

For that reason we send the same information through newsletter, blog, Twitter, Facebook.

[deepak kumar]

Hi,

Its good to have specific twitter account for the affiliates site because twitter is the one of the most successful social networking sites and which helps to drive targeted traffic on sites. And in the affiliate world in plays the vital role because daily some new offers and deals are releasing by the company so we can directly share that with our audience without wasting time in sending the mails and updates.

[hermedia]

As an OPM my personal twitter is used as a point of contact for affiliates and I often post my affiliate program updates there with links to the monthly newsletter, posts, announcements etc.

I am not sure if I would create one for each program because I successfully network and correspond with affiliates through my OPM twitter account.

I can see the benefit, though maybe I would make the tweets private? Otherwise the general public would follow and find the affiliated exclusive offers.

If the general public grabbed a brand name and subscribed to get all the affiliate offers - it wouldn't help the affiliates It would help the merchant sales but possibly at the expense of the affiliates? (Just my wonderings - no figures to back that up)