Do my ads look tasteful?

Jazzy · #1 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 10:27 AM

I have added google ads to 3 sections so far. I only put them on the pages that will not have affiliate links. Please check out a few pages and let me know what you think. I have ads on the following sections (tier 2 and tier 3's):

http://www.successful-homeschooling....formation.html
http://www.successful-homeschooling....g-support.html
http://www.successful-homeschooling....ling-laws.html

Thanks!

ssmorgan · #2 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 01:01 PM

In my opinion, they look totally fine.

The only problem I see is in the first one. You've aligned the ads with the image, which is kind of against the rules. So I would re-arrange it around a little such that the image and the ads are not aligned.

The point here is that Google does not want your site visitors to think that the image and ads are associated with one another, and when they are aligned, they appear to be.

Sherif

lisa · #3 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 01:12 PM

I agree with Sherif, definitely remove that image. That is against Google's rules to have pictures aligned next to the ads.

This is just a personal opinion, I don't like putting my ads in boxes. Some argue it makes them stand out but that's exactly why I don't use boxes. I like the ads to blend with my content so they don't shout, "Hey, these are Google ads, Click me!!"

I think people are getting smarter about recognizing them so highlighting them makes them seem more promotional.

This lady told me once she had no idea I was getting paid for the ads and she clicked on one thinking it was part of my content... and that's the whole point in my opinion.

Jazzy · #4 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 01:41 PM

Would this one be against the rules?

http://www.successful-homeschooling....-benefits.html

It is the same format. I don't know why the other page showed up with only one link next to the image. Usually there are 3 links in that square.

Now I am really worried. I have been working all week on putting ads up and I have a bunch of pages like this.

Lisa, at SBI they said the squares at the top get the most clicks. I think they look kinda tacky which is why I put an image next to it.

lisa · #5 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 01:57 PM

I just don't like the squares at the top and I didn't know that. I've had a very good click thru with flat-stomach-exercises with the two ads horizontally at the top of the article (no box) Have you tried that? To me the box looks too overwhelming and screams "This is an ad!"

It will really be hard to tell what works best until you start getting traffic. Are you getting many clicks from your ads yet? If so, one way to tell would be to leave the box up for a week and check your CT (click thru percentage) then remove the box and test that for a week. See which format gets the most clicks.

I'm almost positive adding an image that close is against the Adsense rules. You can leave the box but definitely take out the photos.

Jazzy · #6 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 04:29 PM

The square at the top idea came from Elad. He said his CTR tripled when he put a quote at the top with the square or large square underneath and others have reported similar success. I agree with you that it doesn't look good, but I do want to make money, lol!

I'll have to go look at the placement on your ab website.

I have only had the ads up a few days and I've had a few clicks, but my traffic is still pretty low. It's just over 100 uniques a day.

lisa · #7 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzy

The square at the top idea came from Elad. He said his CTR tripled when he put a quote at the top with the square or large square underneath and others have reported similar success. I agree with you that it doesn't look good, but I do want to make money, lol!

I'll have to go look at the placement on your ab website.

I have only had the ads up a few days and I've had a few clicks, but my traffic is still pretty low. It's just over 100 uniques a day.

100 uniques per day already? You started in November right? That's excellent. Keep it up, you'll get there. Just wait until Google falls in love with your site. It will be worth the wait!

Well if Elad said that and this info was published it in the SiteSell materials I'm assuming it's been checked against the Google terms and it's OK.

Jazzy · #8 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 09:09 PM

Lisa, just clarifying that Elad was talking about increasing clicks by having a square or lg rectangle ad at the top - not about having an image next to an ad.

Ken did address having images next to ads in one of his articles and said that google does not want it to look like the image relates to the ad. I am going to look into it further. I e-mailed google and I got back an automated, unrelated response.

lisa · #9 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzy

Lisa, just clarifying that Elad was talking about increasing clicks by having a square or lg rectangle ad at the top - not about having an image next to an ad.

Ken did address having images next to ads in one of his articles and said that google does not want it to look like the image relates to the ad. I am going to look into it further. I e-mailed google and I got back an automated, unrelated response.

Oh OK! That makes sense. Still surprised about the boxes though.

Yeah I hate those canned responses. I think if you check the FAQ's when you login to your account you can find info there.

Rob · #10 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 03:25 PM

I agree with what everyone esle has said, the boxes around ads merely emphasize them it just makes them look ugly and irritating, they need to be blended in with your site content.

I like ads positioned either in the header (depends what header graphic though) or at the bottom of an article or even embedded inside a long article.

If you use a short article and big ad unit it just makes your site a completely ad operating site which isn't the message you want to convey to your visitor.

Your site is looking good by the way! keep it up 100 unique s that's better than me!

Good job.

webman · #11 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 11:24 AM

So far I'm sure as long as the image is not deceptive it's alright.

However I agree if everyone else. The borders just make the ads stand out(second and third)...

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