Writing a Great Sponsored Tweet

Do you write great content for Sponsored Tweets?
 

 
I’ve been twittering for just over a year now and I feel as though I learn something new every day. Twitter is a powerful social media tool if used correctly, providing advertisers a huge audience with a simple 140 character ‘tweet’ or message. If the tweet is well written, from a trustworthy source and conveys sincerity it may be ‘retweeted’ with a potential reach to millions. That’s the power of this great social media tool.

Before I explain how I create a sponsored tweet, think about what makes YOU click a link. I know I often hesitate before clicking, asking myself if it’s going to add value to my day, or if the link will lead me to a get rich quick scheme or scam. If I know I have time, the tweet is well written and the link sounds interesting I will click.

If there are typos, lousy grammar, broken English or missing words I usually give it a pass.

I’ve tweeted over 20 Sponsored Tweets, which certainly doesn’t make me a pro, but I’ve gained some insight I’d like to share.

I prefer to write a Sponsored tweet in my own words.

Using my own words allows the tweet to fit in to my personality and writing style. Occasionally an advertiser wishes to choose his or her own wording. IF the tweet is well written and fits with my style while conveying interesting information, I will tweet it. Don’t compromise your integrity by accepting a tweet which you can’t stand behind.

I like to offer my personal feelings about the product or service.

If I am able to work my feelings, my dog or my 96 year young ‘Pop’ into the message to make it a true reflection on my life, I feel that will attract more people to click on the link. There must be incentive for users to click on a link.

Pictures are worth more than words.

I often include a picture in my sponsored tweets to make a point. If you see a picture of my adorable doggy with his new toy, I think you are more likely to click on the link to see where I bought it.

Keep it short ‘n sweet and easy to retweet.

By keeping your tweet less than 140 characters and by using common abbreviations you are more likely to be ‘retweeted’, thereby reaching an exponential number of Twitter users.

Grammar and Spelling Matter (most of the time)

I often see tweets which I think are sent from a cell phone and I will overlook the odd typo then because I’m not good at texting on a cell phone and I understand the difficulties and the hurry. Other times you know the tweeter is sitting at his or her keyboard, not under the same pressure as on a cell phone, therefore they ‘should’ be able to take a quick glance at what they’ve written before hitting enter. It’s not difficult to proofread, use punctuation or make corrections.

Want a great example of a Twitterer who knows how to grab your attention?

Follow @tedmurphy – his tweets are often funny, he adds plenty of unusual ‘TwitPics’ along with his regulars (which are usually unusual anyway), the links he shares add value and his tweets often elicit tons of responses from his followers. He tweets the good, the bad and the ugly. He occasionally intersperses sponsored tweets, but in an interesting, informative way and about products or services he actually LIKES.

Of course Ted Murphy is the CEO of IZEA and developed the Sponsored Tweets platform, so he provides a very good example of how to write a great sponsored tweet!

If you wish to write ‘Sponsored Tweets’ for advertisers you must write in a way that will make your reader click on the link – clicks count. The CPC on your profile shows the advertiser the value you are providing and he will compare your statistics with other tweeters, then when he’s ready to advertise again, he will choose the tweeters who have a proven track record.

Take a look at the statistics page on Sponsored Tweets – before you sign in. Hold your cursor on ‘Tweeters’ then click on ‘Sponsor these Tweeters’. Scroll down past the TV, Movie and Web Celebs to view the regular Tweeters. You will see a number of columns which show the cost per tweet, your follows, your friends, the ratio, CPMF, Grade, KScore, and your FAR. To learn more about these acronyms and how they affect your chances of being selected, read my post about sponsored tweets.

When you sign up with Sponsored Tweets, be prepared to do some research before simply putting out a tweet with the #spon and the link the advertiser provides. Check the advertisers site to see what product they wish to sell. Think how you can make your tweet interesting enough for someone to click.

 
This is always a good question to ask yourself – Am I providing value for the advertiser and for my readership?