While those that feel brands have no place on Twitter and the like might facepalm over this news, the bottom line is that direct marketing on the Web (think “free iPod” ads) is just as huge as it is offline, and opt-in programs on top social networking sites will drive sign ups. To make inroads, Publishers Clearing House is doing what they do best: launch contests that reward users for signing up, or in this case, friending the company on social networking sites.
On those social networking sites, PCH is offering up links to various online games: things like quizzes, trivia, and lotto. Along the way, there are various prompts to get you to sign-up for promotions and newsletters, which is where PCH makes the money that allows them to offer up prizes. There are also straight-up landing pages for each service that PCH is participating in where users can enter to win gift cards.