Google makes online advertising fun with AdWords. Both small and large businesses are able to get the same face-time on websites and Google search results pages based on how well they construct their keywords. Twitter is now planning to follow suit with it’s own type of ads.

Twitter’s plan focuses on integrating ads as tweets in search results either on twitter.com or other sites using the Twitter API.

For instance, a search for "shoes" could yield a page of search results featuring the twitter pages of major shoe companies, other twitter users who have tweeted about shoes and an ad to buy shoes online.

The ads, like tweets, would all be less than 140 characters and only display in search results and on websites with embedded Twitter feeds. They would not be displayed on individual Twitter users’ pages. An ad-free "premium" version of the service has also been hinted.
The plan to keep ads in search results should keep the ads unobtrusive, yet allowing for some great marketing possibilities for businesses. Specifics on ad pricing, management and other aspects are yet to be announced.
What are the advantages/disadvantages to a Twitter with ads?

Pros:
•Business revenue maker via Twitter, much like Google
•Means Twitter is here to stay
•Ads can be focused on keywords, search terms, or trending topics
•Sites using Twitter streams can get a piece of the ad money
•140 characters is plenty to get your point across

Cons:
•The ad-free Twitter may be a thing of the past
•Will people want to place Twitter ads?
•Do enough people use the twitter search function?
•Twitter needs to treat lightly to not turn off users
•Ads could reduce the casual feel of Twitter

Advertising isn’t the only up and coming aspect of Twitter. New features are in the works. Geolocation, for instance, will interface with the advertisements to produce nearby business results. More information on these new Twitter features is still emerging, but in the mean time…

If you want to get in on the Twitter action, don’t hesitate to drop us a line. We can help you out!