Amazon innovation
It’s an innovation that has, largely, slipped under the radar. But it could have a big impact on how the travel industry deals with social media. I’ve a feeling that Amazon may have just changed the game.
Amazon affiliate program
For those who haven’t a clue what I’m talking about, forgive me: you might not have seen it. Only those with websites who are signed up to the Amazon affiliate program are likely to have done so.
New Share on Twitter feature
This website is signed up to Amazon affiliates (quick everyone – look at the box on the right and go and buy lots of things), and in the last couple of weeks, Amazon has launched a new feature. When I’m logged in and on the Amazon.co.uk, there is a little toolbar across the top of the screen. Recently, a new button has been added – ‘Share On Twitter’.
Tracked links
When you click on it, it opens up Twitter with a small blurb about the product and a shortened link. The key thing is that link is tracked and attached to the affiliate account. If anyone buys something as a result of clicking on that link, I get a small commission. These links can be obviously transferred to Facebook etc.
Implications for travel industry
All very nice, but how does it apply to travel? Well, just imagine what could happen if hotel booking engines, air lines, car hire companies and tour companies – all of whom already use conventional affiliate programs – started offering the same thing.
Make money from recommendations
If someone was looking for something cool to do in Cape Town, a cheap flight to Australia over the Christmas period or a romantic hotel in Tuscany, I could suggest something, used the tracked link and potential make money from my recommendation.
Possibilities for travel experts and enthusiasts
Suddenly, everyone becomes a potential travel agent – and a potential travel agent that can make some money. This, I feel, is a game-changer. There are some incredible possibilities for travel companies, journalists, bloggers and everyday travel enthusiasts alike. This could be the way that Twitter finally makes money as well.
Alas, there are even more opportunities for spammers too but, good or bad, Amazon has come up with something very, very interesting here.
Tags: affiliate advertising, airlines, Amazon, hotels, online travel, social media, travel agents
It’s a nice invention. BUT rife for mis-use. If I’m following someone and they suddenly start tweeting me loads of deals I will unfollow pretty quickly. I just don’t see twitter becoming that hardcore a sales tool – but hey… what do I know.
AND how does this relate to the new US Competition Commission (FTC)’s ruling about needing to make clear any financial connection between a ‘post’ and a writer of that ‘post’ (this includes tweets from my understanding?)
http://www.businessweek.com/te.....866275.htm
That is the nice thing about Twitter (and the nightmare for marketers) – the user is in complete control. Those generic-looking recommends via Amazon would have me unfollowing people pretty quickly. However, recommends that were rewritten with some personality in them would be a different matter.