For a long time now, there has been speculation that Twitter will start some service that would provide the site with an opportunity to earn some revenue. They now seem ready to do just that.
Co-founder Biz Stone announced during an interview with Venturebeat, that Twitter is in the first phase of rolling out commercial accounts, which will help businesses to increase their profit margins.
To start with, they are likely to begin a service which will provide businesses with detailed analytics, thus allowing them to find out exactly how they are performing on Twitter. Later on they will also develop some business oriented API’s.
Although an exact date has not yet been set for the unveiling of these services, they should begin within the course of this year.
A guide released recently by Twitter, gives guidelines to businesses on how they can use Twitter to find more clients, and pass on good deals etc. In short Twitter is trying to show businesses how they can benefit commercially through Twitter.
They will also be offering ‘certified accounts’ for businesses. This service is already available to a few people.
The new API’s from Twitter will not interfere with or directly compete with existing third party applications.
Biz Stone also says that acquiring other firms is also a definite possibility although they are only two years old.
In spite of all these moves towards monetization, Biz Stone has clarified that Twitter will continue to remain free for individual users.
