Using SparkLoop As Your Only Recommendation Tool (Free or Paid)
The Loop Hole that make cross-platform promotions possible
I had a pretty enlightening chat with Sparkloop last week about the requirements for shelling out cash for subscribers. In a nutshell, joining the partner network ($2K minimum monthly budget) is worth considering once you're familiar with your customer's LTV. Makes sense, but I’m not there yet, like many of us.
But with curiosity piqued, I delved deeper into the program to learn how people use it and any plans in the works. I asked:
"Can one Upscribe user (outside the partner network) recommend another Upscribe user (also not in the partner network) for free?"
Why this question? beehiiv, ConvertKit and Substack all have free recommendation tools, so why not just use those for cross-promotion?
You can, but Sparkloop + one of those…it’s a lot. You also can’t promote off-platform newsletters for free on native tools.
In a stroke of writers luck, I got this message from Ricky of Ponderer this morning.
If my master plan were possible, I could have a multi-purpose recommendation pop-up Picasso:
Paid recommendations for revenue generation
Free recommendations to cross-promote buddies of mine on other platforms
Cut down on clutter and friction from an overloaded funnel
I laid out my idea, fingers crossed for Sparkloop to say, "Absolutely! Just add friends from any platform as long as they're Upscribe users."
The response? "No. Unfortunately, you can’t."
That was last Wednesday.
But last night, while updating my widget, I decided to put the theory to the test. Could I add Ponderer, an Upscribe user not in the partner network? Voilà!
Mission accomplished! Not sure what changed between Wednesday and today, but it's a go. I verified with Ricky this morning that he has begun receiving referrals directly from me via SL.
The catch? Your cross-promotion partners must be approved Upscribe users. If that's not you yet, sign up here. And hey, if you'd like to add "Newsletter Buzz" to your list, I'd be eternally grateful.