Hi there! I’m Kelsey and I blog over at Eat, Drink, Be a Tourist - a lifestyle and travel blog that is all about the people, places and things I love! I’m a 24 year old self proclaimed professional tourist trying to finish school and figure out what the heck I want to do for the rest of my life. I’m a lover of all things sports, travel or beer related and can usually be found on the golf course, on a road trip, or at a sports bar. Blogging has become more than just a silly hobby for me, it’s become a way for me to meet amazing new people, all while making a little extra cash along the way.
And today, I want to let you all know how to do just that! SocialSpark is a great resource if you’re looking to earn some money through blogging. It’s a hassle free and simple way to monetize you blog by accepting advertising offers and writing posts about the products and companies. Read more about how it works.
#1: Why did you decide to go with that ad network?
When I first started blogging I had no idea I could actually make money from my blog. After learning a thing or two about different ways to monetize my blog, I noticed a SocialSpark ad on a blog I frequently read. After a quick sign up process, my account was created. The whole idea was foreign to me, but after reading a bit about how SocialSpark works, I decided to ride it out and see if I would receive any offers. My blog was still fairly small, with about 250 GFC followers and less than 3,500 pageviews a month. I received my first offer within a week of signing up, and have received many more since!
#2: Can you explain their compensation plan?
One of the things I like most about SocialSpark is their compensation plan. You can actually negotiate value of offers when you receive them if you feel you need more compensation for writing that particular post. You also set an “asking price” for offers so advertisers see what you wish to be offered for writing a post. SocialSpark will even generate an estimated minimum for you by using stats collected from your blog. They use a point system, 1 point = .01, so 100 points = $10.
I haven’t run into any minimums for number of page views, followers or size of audience through SocialSpark. My blog was small when I started out with SocialSpark and I received offers right away. They do have requirements for posts and what needs to be included, like a disclaimer at the top and a link to visit the sponsor’s site at the bottom.
Each offer that is presented to you also has different requirements for number of links included in the post, pictures and / or videos, and certain keywords in the title. This all contributes to the amount you should receive for writing the post. My general rule of thumb is the more requirements needed from a sponsor, the more the post should be worth.
#4: What do you have to add to your blog to make money with this network?
You don’t have to add anything visible to your readers if you do not want to. A simple hidden html is required to track impressions and page views. I have added a SocialSpark referral ad, as well as a SocialSpark generated ad that is part of their new ad program, to the bottom of my blog to increase referrals and ad revenue.
#5: How is their customer service support if questions or issues arise?
I have only had one issue with SocialSpark and it was regarding a post that was repeatedly being published on my blog. I filled out the customer support form on the website late that night and had an answer with a solution and apology waiting for me in my inbox in the morning. It was quick and helpful and the problem was solved right away!
#6: What type of blog/website is this network best for?
SocialSpark looks for all types of blogs / websites to utilize for their advertisers. I have seen featured offers that are for men bloggers, mommy bloggers, tech bloggers, business, lifestyle, family and more!
#7: Would you recommend?
I would definitely recommend SocialSpark. I have found it to be an easy way to bring in some extra cash through my blog, which I never thought would be possible due to the smaller size of my blog. I look forward to continuing to use SocialSpark and recommend it to all bloggers!
I hope this assured you that it is easy and painless to monetize your blog with SocialSpark! If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me, I’d be more than happy to help you out! You can find me at Eat, Drink, Be a Tourist or any of the social media outlets below. Cheers!!
Ad Series Posts:
Importance of Google Analytics
Passionfruit: Easy Blog Ads
The Do’s and Don’ts of Sponsoring
Are you interested in buying some ad space from fellow bloggers? Stop by our “Buy, Sell & Swap Link Party” for more than 75 bloggers are linked up until June 2, 2012!
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