Since its launch in 2006, Twitter has become a powerful platform for businesses looking to develop a closer relationship with customers as part of an effective, social media based online marketing campaign. With over 300 million users, Twitter helps even the smallest businesses create a big web buzz and connect with their demographic on an engaging, personal level.

Now, Twitter are masterminding new ways for small and medium businesses to promote themselves. After teaming up with American Express, Twitter are taking the online marketing potential of their platform to an entirely new level. Currently only available in the US, Twitter's new online advertising scheme is set to make the hop across the pond later this year.

The new online marketing scheme will make it even easier for businesses to grow their online visibility and boost their business using Promoted Tweets and Promoted Accounts products. To get the ball rolling American Express and Twitter are offering a fantastic introductory offer to small business owners and other parties looking for an even better way to promote themselves on Twitter. For the first 10,000 eligible businesses to sign up for the scheme, each will be rewarded with $100 of totally free advertising.

This exciting introductory offer is an opportunity for the social networking giant to show small-to-medium business owners just how easy and profitable their online marketing services can be. It is also a sign of things to come. Part of the appeal of Twitter is that it is free of the intrusive ads found on other social networking platforms, now Twitter are finding clever online marketing solutions which don't jeopardise the user experience or the streamlined features which make Twitter so compelling.

For smaller UK businesses looking to use online marketing and social media marketing to increase consumer awareness and maximise customer participation in their brand, these new Twitter online marketing services are set to arrive on our shores later this year, so keep your eyes peeled!

In the meantime, there are dozens of alternative online marketing services out there which can give your online business a real boost. To find out more about how to create an online presence and maximise your business on the web get in touch with the Liberty team today.

New regulations mean that from March 2011 companies will be subject to strict advertising rules as the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) extends its power over online marketing. In 2008 there were over 4500 complaints about internet marketing communications that the ASA did not have the authority to deal with. They will now be able to force marketers to remove any content or online advert found to be in breach of its regulations, giving the consumer much more protection.

False claims and misleading statements on websites, as well as untrue price comparison sites will be under the ASA’s control. These new regulations will give the ASA the capacity to position their own adverts in place of those of noncompliant advertisers. Companies that flout these rules will receive substantial negative publicity from the ASA which can damage an advertiser’s reputation.

Marketing statements on Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites will also be covered by the new regulations. This means that marketers will have to be careful to ensure that no offence is caused and that no misleading statements are used. Using foul language or sending malicious comments from official company accounts will result in complaints and possibly fines from the ASA.

Internet giant Google has provided extra funding for this extended remit and is completely co-operating with the ASA to help make the Internet a much safer place for the consumer. These regulations will provide an interesting challenge for marketers as some will have to change their current practices to comply.