Since the launch less than two weeks ago, ScratchBack has signed up over 500 users to the system. All with a spend of $0.00 in marketing and advertising costs. Not too shabby.
But even better… In the last seven days, the users who have created widgets have collectively generated over $1,000 in tips. Sure, not huge, but for our first week in beta with no ad push. Not bad.
What I REALLY love about this is that users are earning tips. They are earning money, and their readers are getting a chance to give back. Many people have been calling ScratchBack a “good karma” thing, and we tend to agree. Hopefully some of that karma will pass to you if you participate.
Updated note: Of the 500 users, only about 100 have setup widgets, we’re not sure why? Maybe just testing the system? Or probably because a lot of them can’t fit the widget on their sites or blogs. We’re working on getting smaller sizes soon.
3 responses so far ↓
Steven Hodson // Nov 10, 2007 at 1:56 pm
As one of the possible early adopters of ScratchBack and a promoter of it (with two posts regarding the service) I actually have high hopes for it. I also think that a slow and stead approach that you are taking with it Jim will benefit in the long run. Sure you could have done the massive BlogRush or WidgetBucks type push but I personally prefer the way you are doing it because this will give yo ua good solid chance at fixing any problems that may arise without affecting a larger number of users.
One thing I would suggest; although I don’t know if A) it currently works that way because I don’t use the images oprions or B) if your developers tell you if it is possible or not - but if the widget holder selects the image option for links give the link buyer an easy online way to create the image link.
Unlike previous ad network type widgets I’ll be sticking with ScratchBack for a long period of time because as I wrote in the latest post I like the control you have given back the the blog owner but I think that part of the success of the service will also lie with the widget holders in that they don’t just accept any old link purchase in order to fill up those spaces.
I have 2 ideas that could possibly help allieviate the “need to fill those blanks” and also so off the servie a little more but it would take the acceptance of the widget holders to host a few non-paying links.
First give us the option to include a default link back to ScratchBack as part of the setup .. maybe even let us fill in the mouse over text area. The second idea would be for widget holders to have one or two links to other ScratchBack widget users withing their own blog types - again at no charge.
sometime one has to be willing to give up a few dollars in order to help promote something. I know I would be more than willing to scratch the back of some fellow tech oriented blogs who are also widget users.
Anyway just a thought or two .. take them as you will
Steven Hodson // Nov 10, 2007 at 2:01 pm
oh and on the size thing ..
I notice that the actual code call is inside a div - is there any chance you can have it also center aligned.
I havea couople of other design ideas but I’m still working through my morning coffee so thet are in the foggy stage
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