Category: ChristianMingle

Spark Networks Reports Q1 Results

Posted on May 3, 2006

Sparknetworks_2SPARK NETWORKS NEWSROOM — Apr 27 — JDate revenue and average paying subscribers increased 8% and 13%. During Q1, Spark redesigned and rebranded its Christian community (ChristianMingle.com) as Relationships.com, already the most-visited Christian community.  Revenue for Q1 2006 was $16.8 million, up 2% on Q1 2005. Spark has reduced spending for AmericanSingles in order to lower customer acquisition costs. Net income was $710,000. EBITDAS profit of $3.4 million, the best to date, up 10%.  Direct subscriber acquisition costs for JDate was $13.20, up 47%, and $35.19 for AmericanSingles, up 37%.

The full article was originally published at Spark Networks website, but is no longer available.

Mark Brooks: One can argue that niche dating sites could be quashed by the big dating sites improving their search capability (e.g. reverse search). However, that argument doesn't take into account the power of a niche dating brand; the attraction of a focused site geared towards a particular demographic, interest, fetish, etc.  E.g. Jdate (Jewish), Webdate (first date on a webcam), ChristianCafe.com (Christians), DateMyPet (Pet Lovers), Sexsearch (Sex Lovers?).  All are powerful brands, worlds apart.  Specific interest dating sites will endure and enjoy especially good word-of-mouth marketing efficiencies, if they do a good job.  Spark (American Singles) has recognised, 'if you can beat 'em, might as well join 'em,' and is shifting it's attention to it's niche dating sites. 

Spark Networks Niche Sites

Posted on January 18, 2006

Logo_spark_4Jan 17 — I'm reviewing annual reports and noticed Spark Networks now has a lot of niche sites under it's wing after acquiring Minglematch.  3 month Alexa ranks are in brackets.  AdventistSinglesConnection.com (59k), AmericanSingles.com (767), AsianSinglesConnection.com (174k), BBWPersonalsPlus.com (37k), BlackSinglesConnection.com (14k), CanadianPersonals.net (163k), CatholicMingle.com (54k), ChristianMingle.com (5k), CollegeLuv.com (83k), Cupid.co.il (4k), Date.ca (9k), Date.co.uk (46k) DeafSinglesConnection.com (86k), FaceLink.com <discontinued> (109k), Glimpse.com (41k), GreekSinglesConnection.com (55k), IndianMatrimonialNetwork.com (160k), InterRacialSingles.net (43k), IranianSinglesConnection.com (298k), ItalianSinglesConnection.com (132k), JDate.co.il (3k), JewishMingle.com (27k), LatinSinglesConnection.com (37k), LDSMingle.com (12k), MilitarySinglesConnection.com (145k), MuslimMatrimonialsNetwork.com (18k), PrimeSingles.net (186k), SilverSingles.com <forwards into American Singles> (767), SingleParentsMingle.com (5k), UKSinglesConnection.com (256k)

Mark Brooks: Why did Spark kill off Silver Singles I wonder?  (It's 'powered by' American Singles now).  Seniorfriendfinder.com (9k) is now the 50+ category leader. 

Spark Networks Reports Q2 Results

Posted on September 1, 2005

Spark_networks_1PR NEWSWIRE — Aug 30 — JDate revenue increased 9%.  Also among the highlights of the company's quarter was the acquisition of MingleMatch, which added ChristianMingle, BlackSingles Connection and LDS Mingle, among others.  EBITDA for Q2 2005 was $368,000, compared to an EBITDA loss of $3.1 million in the same period last year. Revenue was $15.5 million, a decrease of 2%, compared to $15.8 million for Q2 last year. The company reported a Q2 net loss of $859,000, compared to a Q2 net loss of $4.1 million last year. Q2 2005 revenue for AmericanSingles was $7.3 million, a decrease of 16%.  Average paying subscribers for the company totaled approximately 215,600, a decrease of 6%. (Jdate 68,100, a decrease of 3% / AmericanSingles 109,000, a decrease of 18%).  Direct subscriber acquisition cost was $31.11, a decrease of 23%. (JDate $13.82, an increase of 90% / AmericanSingles $41.30, a decrease of 23%).

Mark Brooks: It's good to see the acquisition costs diminishing.  Looks like American Singles is finding it's balancing point between growth and profitability. 

A Date With Faith

Posted on February 20, 2005

HOUSTON CHRONICLE — Feb 18 — Thanks to everything from faith-based Internet dating sites to 1,000-member singles groups within congregations, spiritually minded solos across the country are looking to religion for love.  "It's not always so easy when you're single, so it gives them some common ground," said Diana Howard who estimates she has about 2,200 people on her Jewish Community Center singles mailing list. Faith is also an important factor for online daters at Soulmatch. Since launching in mid-2004, the site has picked up 100,000 users president Sujay Jhaveri.

Mark Brooks: Faith based sites represent one of the strongest online personals verticals.  Bigchurch, JDate, ChristianMingle and ChristianCafe.com are the market leaders.