A Review of SocialSpark

SocialSpark is a fantastic concept, combining social networking and advertising to create a marketplace where advertisers and bloggers can pair up for mutual benefit. If you are a blogger who wishes to run search-engine-friendly advertising on your site, SocialSpark has set the standard for ethical behavior and compliance.





As some of you know, I had committed to keeping this blog free of blog advertising due to ethical concerns. SocialSpark has solved this issue by requiring "nofollow" tags on all ad links, as well as full-disclosure that the post was a paid-for advertisement.

Another thing I love about SocialSpark is that they ask for real opinions and reviews, not suck-up pieces. Readers of this blog know how much I value honesty. The ads that appear here will continue to reflect this value, just as the articles, opinion, and satirical pieces that I write reflect this.






On the downside -- friends who have used other services like PPP say that it takes longer to get opportunities. Usually, you have to go on a waiting list for an opp -- once a position opens up, you will receive an email saying you've got 12 hours to complete the ad post. This requires you to check your email on a regular basis to make sure you don't miss the 12-hour deadline.





My recommendation -- reserve posts that interest you, and then spend the time waiting getting to know other bloggers. Since you have to check-in regularly after going on a waiting list, you might as well make the most of it!

Like other social networks, SocialSpark gives you the opportunity to rate other blogs (prop or drop) and make new friends.

If you're a new blogger, you can also exchange blog reviews to help attract attention to your site. This will help you get better opportunities.

I don't plan on getting rich using SocialSparkAs long as it can help pay for fuel, I'll be happy.