Money Chat: On Advertising Styles
When I opened this blog for questions from readers during an open mic, Michael Clark asked:
“Should I use one advertising style on my site, or mix-and-match? Google Adsense, vs Text-Link-Ads, vs. sell-my-own, vs. Adbrite.”
When it comes to income creation, I always support a more diverse approach. Relying on a single source of income can be very risky.
Having said that, I also believe that there’s such a thing as being TOO diverse. I have seen newcomers in the online money-making world who slap every single possible ad and affiliate on their sites and blogs. I think that’s a big mistake for two main reasons:
1) It makes your site/blog look too cluttered and messy. It doesn’t encourage a good user experience.
To me, it’s like walking in to a store where several retailers come and offer you all sorts of stuff to buy. It can be really overwhelming. And, I end up feeling that all I want to do is get out of there. Fast.
2) If you have too many ads on one page, you run the risk of having underperforming ads. This is especially true, I believe, if you have ads where folks need to click before you can make money. But, even if you end up with ads that are paid based on impressions, your advertisers won’t be too happy if they don’t get enough returns based on their advertising campaigns on your site or blog.
So, what’s the best thing to do?
Experiment what works best on your blog or site. Perhaps, try 2 or 3 advertising ’styles’ for a month or two. Then, move on to something else. Compare the types of ads you’re getting and how much you’re making. What works for one site doesn’t always work for another. So, there are definitely different variables here.
For example, I know some folks can make good money on Google AdSense. And, there are those who absolutely hate AdSense. Some will only sell direct advertising. Others manage to mix and match 3 to 4 different ad formats.
My personal experience: AdSense works well with sites and blogs where it can serve relevant ads. Text Link Ads is great if you have enough ‘blog juice’. Direct advertising is fantastic if you have a popular niche topic (where there’s not a lot of competition) and if you have a high traffic site. I’ve never received a payout from AdBrite even though I’ve been signed up with them for a while now.
Additional reading that you might find useful:
- 3 Reasons Direct Advertisers Ignore Your Blog
- How to Get Your Blogsvertise Blog Ads Approved
- How AdSense Publishers Can Make More Money
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POSTED IN: General: Making Money Stuff
2 opinions for Money Chat: On Advertising Styles
Michael Clark
Aug 31, 2007 at 6:22 am
Thanks very much for the response. I’ve been using Adsense and Text-Link-Ads for a bit over a year now. I just started experimenting with Adbrite. I’ll be redesigning the entire site in the Fall so it is more easy for me to add in new ad systems.
The Adsense Consultant
Sep 2, 2007 at 4:49 am
As much as I hate to admit it you are quite right when you said that one shouldn’t just depend on one source for one’s income. As much as I love being part of the Adsense publishers group I know that it is more wise not to put all of one’s eggs in just one basket.
I also agree with you about not “cluttering up one’s blog with a whole lot of different ads” but I know that once someone gets a “taste” of being able to earn money online - legitimately - some people do tend to go overboard.
It’s sort of comparable to the “tortoise and the hare story” where “slow and steady” wins the race and I think that people should remember that “staying true to your blog” is the best way to go instead of trying to earn it the “fast” way.
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