This brings me unexpected high CTR, but is it compliant?

See the linkunit on this page: http://freshlonger.com

Should I put a border around it or blending this way is just plain dunno.. smart placement? (excuse my "modesty")

Thanks

PS I'm reprogramming the website so almost no extra content in there.

 

To me thats completely fine. There is no problem with blending, the only issue is with images when you make it look so much like navigation it violates the TOS in relation to encouraging clicks.

You have one big image (the header) and you have ad units below (Text links would probably do better )

edit: ahhhh you mean the left side text links hehehe - Yes, they are quite blended. That *should* be fine but you may want to fire off a letter to Google just for backup

 

I think it looks ok. You are right good placement..

 

I just did that

PS. Yup, the 'oh, that was an ad' thing gets me worried..

 

Nice blending. You should add some extra padding to the left menu items so the red text ligns up.

I have asked G-support a couple of times when the blending seems a bit too good on some of my sites and they always responded that there should be a visible border between the content and the ads.

I'd ask G just to be sure. (and if you do report what they said here plz)

How's that top banner doing CTR-wise ? I was thinking of making a similar ad layout.

 

Erm.. to be honest.. I got only one true visitor so far.. and that was from adwords.. and .. *cough* 5 clicks (?!) - all on the linkunit

 

I've put a border now, would this be enough?

EDIT: I'll actually delete the border until I get Google's answer.

 

I don't think you need a border since the ads aren't actually in the content. They have a natural border the way they are now.

I would put in a few pixels more of space between the navigation and content but not for TOS reasons, I think it would look better (and not affect CTR)

 

Thanks, I just have to finish putting everything into modules and I'll give that a try

 

Off topic - Speaking of rep: for some reason someone gave me red rep for a post in this thread, and I quote [excuse the language]: "mfa (p.s. - you're a motherfucka!!! bitch)"

How nice... Envious?

 

mihaidamianov - ignore it.

Admin - you should let us defend ourselves against red dots - especially in obviously malicious cases. I dont mean publish the names of the "rater" but some way of removing it if it is malicious.

 

Nice blending.

 

Wow mihaidamianov that looks really good. I havve to try something like that.

 

Very very nice ad link blended

 

Great news:

 

Awesome, let us know how the ctr goes.

 

I am using a similar tactic on my darts site, works out pretty well.