Fun Way To Make Money Online- Scratchback Widget Lets Visitors “Tip” You
This is quick a fun, clever way to make a bit of money on your blog. Much more fun than adding “Paypal donate” button that seems like you are begging forum and blog visitors. Scratchback.com has come up with a unique way to let visitors give you a buck or two AND get something n return. They get a link on your site. ( and before you stop reading- all links are nofollow and will in no way get you a penalty from Google)
Takes to minutes to register and less to create your widget.
This is what it looks like:
How Does the Scratchback Widget Work?
How it works is a visitor pays ( via paypal) to have their link with their choice of anchor text in your “Top Spot” Widget.
You set up your Scratchback Widget in admin panel. You can offer choice of text link or small image with link. You set the length of time ( 1 day, week or month) . The number of links you will have in your “Top Spots” ( 5, 10, etc.). Then set amount of money for each link ( minimum 1.00). They have a interesting “autobump” option as well- as soon as some one new pays for a spot top spot is bumped of and everyone moves up a spot. ( I am tempted to try this) .
Scratchback Widget is not MEANT ( or so they say) as a form of advertising- but as a way for your loyal readers to buy you a cup of coffee or “TIP” you for all your great content. The widget would be excellent for a busy forum or blog or as a way to raise money for a non-profit site or event.
I have put on some kids sites I have set up- so no ads to worry about them clicking through…
Normally the money made on the Widget is 50/50. Right now it is 90/10- 90% for YOU. I think the 50/50 number is way off. Really not enough money for the publisher and I think they will be re-thinking this. When I tip my waiter I don’t expect the chef to get half… 75/25 much better.. maybe even 60/40 but nothing below that.
You can choose from a variety of designs. This is actually another small complaint I have. The widget style is the same except for different colours. i would really like to see different sizes. Currently the Widget is too wide to use in most of my own blogs and screws up the theme completely. The widget is still in beta and has lots of potential- I really like it and hope it takes off for them
Another note- you can customize your own widget or pay a one time fee of 50..0 for them to do it for you. ( add you own logo, saying, etc) however- they currently have a promotion right now where they will do for free!
Absolutely worth trying!
Thanks for the write up! We’re making improvements all the time. Right now we’re having a widget design contest that pays $200 to the winner. Details here:
http://contests.sitepoint.com/contests/4740
There’s a similar widget available from www.BringaBuddy.net which has a width of 160px and fits in most sidebars.
Check it out…