Real Black Network FAQ

What is the Real Black Network?

The Real Black Network is a collection of online publishers that produce content for and about the ever-expanding Black community, its interests or perspectives.

Who determines if a publisher's content is "real black"?

Any publisher can deem their content "Black," as we're not attempting to define the Black experience. We let the audience decide this by contributing to our efforts in aggregating content from around the Diaspora that helps to form an idea, visual and understanding of what is "real black."

What are the requirements to join the Network?

A site must meet one of the following requirements to be a part of the Network:

  • Produce content related to fashion, style, hair beauty, relationships, sports, finance, news, politics or entertainment, and geared towards the Black community.
  • Update content regularly, if not daily
  • While there is no minimum traffic requirement, priority will be given to larger sites.
  • There can be no pornographic or other unacceptable adult-themed material, including produced or member-generated adult images or text on your site.
  • But if you're just not sure feel free to contact us directly.
*Note that Real Black always reserves to right to deny a site from participating in the Network.

What revenue model do you offer?

Our primary revenue model is Cost Per Thousand. This means that you are paid for every 1,000 times an advertiser's ad is viewed on your site. You will receive a portion of the amount the network is paid by advertisers for activity on your website. Although we do not disclose the exact revenue share, our goal is to enable publishers to make as much or even more than they could with other advertising networks. Real Black also participates in Cost Per Click (CPC), and Cost Per Acquisition/Action campaigns.

How much will I earn?

This is totally up to you as a publisher. The more you update, the more reason your audience has to visit your site and help you generate more revenue. We suggest that publishers update their sites at least once a day if they are serious about creating value for their audience.

Our revenue model depends on traffic, so we try to increase traffic to all publishers in a variety of ways:

  • Realblack.com is programmed with a mix of content from publishers and the community, but publisher content is given priority (the page loads with publisher content up front; clicking on the "From the Readers" tab takes users to content submitted by the audience). We send users directly to your site if they click on your story after seeing it on Realblack.com.
  • Realblack.com has it's own identity in the social networking space, with profiles in Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and more. We use these social networks to speak with our audience and make them aware of exciting publisher content.
  • The Blackbird browser, a browser that gives preference to African-American content, powers the search box on Realblack.com. Search for something as simple as "Spring Break" on Realblack.com and then try it on Google. Notice how the results of a search on the first page of Realblack.com are from Black sites and blogs. This drives traffic to our publishers, as many of their entries would come up on the 5th or 6th pages (if not later) in Google and other search engines.

    • How do ads get on my site?

    Once you are accepted into the Real Black network you will be sent code for ad sizes on your page. You will place the code on your page and the ads will appear within 30 minutes.

    Who sells the ads?

    The Essence Communications and GNH sales teams sell all Real Black network inventory. We are also offered campaigns by our technology partner and external entities interested in targeting the Black audience.

    How do I get traffic?

    You will receive traffic from your content being promoted on the Realblack.com site as featured content, or as it surfaces in various search results due to our Blackbird search implementation. Traffic is also generated from Publisher stories appearing in the Real Black widget. However, updating your content daily is the best way to create interest and drive traffic.

    Is there a minimum contract length?

    All contracts are for one calendar year.

    Who is Adify?

    Adify is the technology provider we've partnered with to traffic advertisements and record all impression metrics for Real Black Network publishers.

    What are your payment terms?

    Real Black pays publishers in 30-day cycles.

    Does the Real Black Network have a minimum age requirement for participation?

    Yes. You must be at least 18 years of age to join the Real Black Network.

    How long does it take to be approved to join the Real Black Network?

    Approval for the network takes less than 72 hours.

    Do I have to display ads?

    Yes, if you are a member of the network you are expected to display advertising.

    Is there a cost to join?

    There is no cost to join the Real Black Network.

    How do I sign up for the Real Black Network and what are you Terms of Service?

    You can apply here and review our terms and conditions once your application has been accepted. We will contact you within 72 hours of receiving your completed application form.