I have been running the Entrecard widget on my blog for around three weeks now. I wrote a review when I first added it to what my initial impressions were, so here is what I think about it after running it.
Pros:
- It will bring you some traffic, and the traffic is free. However, most of the traffic seems to be from “chain droppers” who just go around dropping their cards on every blog running Entrecard so they can get enough credits to advertise on Problogger or John Chow. One idea that I read somewhere was that maybe Entrecard could disable the 125×125 block for like 10 seconds after you drop a card so at least the person glances at your blog.
- Small chance to advertise for free on some great blogs. John Chow, Problogger, and John Cow are some of my favorites that you can get 24 hours of free advertising on. The only problem is, catching the ad when the advertising is filled up is extremely rare. I have never been logged in when John Chow or Problogger widget is open for advertising.
- Entrecard is motivated! It really seems like these guys are just going to keep improving and getting better. I really don’t understand why there aren’t more blogs available to advertise one. Maybe they should start some marketing?
Cons:
- The traffic is mostly from chain droppers, people who just go to every blog and drop their card so they build up enough credits.
- Only one size you can use. Maybe they could allow larger Entrecards, and depending on how large it would cost more and more credits.
So in my opinion, the pros out-weigh the cons. You definitely need to put the widget on your blog! It is free traffic, and a chance to advertise on some blogs that don’t normally allow advertising.
Popularity: 33% [?]
December 23rd, 2007 at 7:13 am
I agree with the con about the chain-droppers but I think that it ends up being similar to all referral traffic sources. I might get hundreds of hits via search engines but how many of them actually stop to read/comment? Same thing with MyBlogLog, StumbleUpon, BlogRush and all of the other referrers. Personally I would say that my EntreCard traffic has ended up being a little more on the quality side than these other services.
December 23rd, 2007 at 1:28 pm
As I surf my “chain drop” sites, yours included, I actually take time to take a look at the most recent posts (on blogs that I can find the entrecard quickly).
I’m sure I might be an exception, but I love to use this system to leave comments and develop ties in the blogging community. That’s why I mainly drop cards only in my niche, the IM/Make Money Online blogs.
And with that, I’d love to add a little tip I heard about over at (which I read also while “chain dropping” :P)
http://controversialmarketing.blogspot.com/2007/12/making-entrecard-easier-easy-access.html
Sam recommends that you should try and capitalize on these chain droppers by placing a link or something right below your widget outlining some sort of benefit just for them. Like how they can earn more credits or something, or get more traffic etc.
I thought it was a pretty great idea, and I’ll be trying to implement something like that on my own blog
So, I definitely think Entrecard rocks! Good review
December 23rd, 2007 at 2:09 pm
I like that idea also! Maybe just a simple 125×60 ad or something?
December 24th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Hey Bernard,
Funny I should read your post. I just created a post asking that my entrecard visitors subscribe or at least comment on something before they hit and run.
But you are right, the pros do outweigh the cons, and as far as traffic goes, it is targeted and quality, but I would like more people to sign up for something, donate comment or do something. I feel like a cheap date.
Here is the post: http://offbeatnewsandvideos.blogspot.com/2007/12/hey-entrecard-visitors-subscribe-to-my.html