June 12th, 2009
Dell's Twitter outlet generates millions in revenue
As Twitter continues to grow and companies tap into is as a means of sharing their news, engaging with customers or promoting their products, others are looking for ways to turn tweets into dollars.
Dell, it seems, has found one.
In a blog post this week, the company revealed that it has generated more than $2 million in revenue from @DellOutlet, one of its many Twitter sites. Late last year, there were some headlines about Dell crossing the $1 million mark via Twitter. It’s only gotten bigger since then.
The secret formula for Dell has been to use Twitter as a way to extend exclusive offers, discounts and other forms of savings. Everyone loves a bargain, right? Before you knew it, thousands of people were following @DellOutlet -and it’s numbers are now in excess of 600,000. (see chart below) The company wrote in a blog post:
Deal-hunters are especially attracted to Dell’s Twitter presence. Dell Outlet sells refurbished Dell products at great prices, but inventories fluctuate, making it difficult to know when products are available or on sale. Dell Outlet uses Twitter as a way to message out coupons, clearance events and new arrival information to those looking for Dell technology at a discounted price.
And while not everyone jumps on a deal for a refurbished machine or other outlet-style bargains. the company has been able to track sales that originated from a Twitter click and led to other parts of Dell.com. If you count those sales, @DellOutlet has led to more than $3 million in revenue for Dell.
Sam Diaz is a senior editor at ZDNet. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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