[ikk157]

I thought to write this thread because of the recent discussion about sponsor backlinks. It was not practical to ask a backlink from those who don't run a web server and forcing them to set-up a page just for this is even can do more damage can any good. We all can agree on one thing. When you look at the server list we have today these sponsors truly deserve something worthy in return., Something more than a review, signature link, and a backlink.

So what do they really expect in return? I think all sponsors like their brand to be more popular and to get more paid customers. This is why we provide a Review, Signature links even backlinks, if possible in return. Can we do more than that to help them? Definitely!

So let's see what we offer already, Signature link - Well, it's nice, better than nothing but it's not gonna be much help. A backlink is better but I know not many of us can offer once and even if there are websites not exactly gonna make a huge impact in today's SEO. Unless you have a decent site with authority on Web Hosting. So the review is what really takes the cake.

So let's see how does a proper review would help our sponsors. In simple reviews gonna be ranked in Google if you do it properly. And potential customers will see those. Also if someone wants to research the provider and search in Google, the person will see many cool reviews and get positive vibes.

Now, what is a proper review? Here, I know many believe posting a bunch of benchmarks is the most important part of a review. Sadly it's not. It might look nice but it doesn't let the sponsor. Google doesn't read screenshots and the average customer would care about it either. They want to hear good things about the provider, personal experience, something more than one line saying how amazing the provider. They like to listen to it from someone like them. And if it's a seasoned hosting buyer for professional use, they would go to the provider and talk and ask for a 3-day trial and find out themselves. Someone like that wouldn't believe in someone else screenshots.

It's like reading a label of Jam bottle. Sure it says about expire date, ingredients, manufacture but everyone can read those. It won't give you an idea of the taste. You have to taste the jam and tell what you feel about it. Writing "Taste" doesn't do any good either.

So if you want to write a good review then you need to do more than a bunch of benchmarks. It starts with the title "VPS",  "Hosting", "Review" keywords are important. people search for these in Google. Then you can post those benchmarks if you want but you need to write more. Like for what you are using the VPS and how it's working for you. Also need to write about the provider and paid packages they offer and their features. Make sure to use the brand name in several places and link back to their packages page.

Also, you have to keep your review thread alive. Don't let it buried down under other reviews and die. Add something to the time to time. Ask questions from the sponsor if they have a rep in the forum.

If you can't provide a Backlink ----

There is a way you can give your sponsor something more valuable than a backlink. There are sites where you can write a small review and rate a web hosting provider. If you do this it will help your sponsor more than a backlink.

01. Google Review - This is the first place where you should rate your sponsor. Type in Google " Sponsor Google Review " You will see the current review and where to rate on the right side of the result.

02. Facebook Review - If you have a FB account and Sponsor has a page then Like, Rate, and write a small review.

03. Twitter - If you have a Twitter account then make a Tweet about your sponsor.

04. Rating sites - There are many of those. Here are few examples.

• https://www.whtop.com/review/shadowhosting.net.
  
• https://www.websiteplanet.com/web-hostin...w-hosting/
  
• https://hostadvice.com/hosting-company/s...g-reviews/
  

So here are few methods on how to give something back which would make your sponsor happy.

Excellent post that’s stuffed with great information! Kudos on the effort you spent putting this together!

I agree, our sponsors deserve more than what the requirements state... they are literally offering us a paid (and usually hella expensive) service for free! And no way in hell are the current requirements bringing them the traffic/paid customers they deserve.

Apart from reviews, we can also do other stuff.

Firstly, and probably the easiest, is informing family and friends about the sponsors and how well their VPSs perform. Along with educating them on the plans and pricing... heck, we can even introduce people who don’t even know what a VPS is to this great ecosystem! And who knows, they might decide to buy a VPS from the sponsor!

Secondly, we can post on other communities/forums about the sponsor (not necessarily a review, but more of an advertisement) provided that the community/forum rules allow for that of course.

And finally, those who will eventually become capable of affording their own VPS, can buy one from their sponsor and let go of their sponsored VPS for another holder that can’t get a paid one. I know many would choose the free path... but in all honesty, if you can afford it and are able to buy it, leave the free/sponsored VPS for someone else that can’t.