To be perfectly honest, I have seen an increase in clicks...which seems most odd. Maybe this is just a coincidence, and I will see the full effects soon...
This seems like the perfect time to link to my article "Making your Adsense rotate colour palettes for improved CTR". If we can't use images to draw attention, wouldn't bright contrasting colors be the next best thing? Read my article here - Adsense Article.
I see your theory...however would bright colours not just make the ads stick out, and make people just browse past them? I think the images just added to the blending of the ads...as opposed to making the ads really stand out.
I have always thought that the images next to the ads make them stand out so you take the time to read them rather than skip to the main content. If the idea is to draw attention to the ads using bright colours will help but if the idea is to make the ads seem like content then I guess we'll have to change our positioning or live with the lower CTR. Either way, I have removed my images and changed to rotating bright colours. Hopefully I see an increase in CTR.
There are much more subtle ways to guide the viewer's eye to your ads. Go to the library and read some books on art. Using colour and shape you can lead the viewer to any destination on the page you want.
I haven't noticed a big difference yet, as I am still removing all the images from my sites. However, I think with the less amount of clicks, the more value per click we will get, like the inverse of smart-pricing. Just my thought.
This has nothing to do with "misleading" people or not. It is all about competing with Googles pictures in their ads. They KNOW it is good to have the images but they want to control it all.
Great tip..will have to make a trip to the library tomorrow. Instead of focusing on what was...we should all focus on moving to the next thing instead
The problem that those art books aren't likely to cover is ad-blindness. But it's true blending isn't always the best option. In some designs having the ads look like the headers works very well - I mean designs where the headers stand out. But one needs testing, testing and testing to find out in each individual site.
I did not understand why you have changed your Image and Adsense block, or maybe I dont undertand the new policy, where say: Does this mean I can't place ads on pages with images? You can definitely place Google ads on pages containing images -- just make sure that the ads and images are not arranged in a way that could easily mislead or confuse your visitors. For example, if you run a stock photography site with a catalog of thumbnail images, don't line the ads up with the thumbnails in a way that could be misleading. Consider using a full border around your ads or changing your ad colors, for example. I think if you are using a full border around your add, its ok. Or I had not understand..... Best regards, Jakomo
Yes but in the same post they're also saying it is not acceptable to place 4 images next to your ad block, for example. Given everything else that they say in that post, to me the message is pretty clear, and basically disallows using multiple small images to draw undue navigational attention to ads. At least thats my take on it.
Hi, As you can see, in the google example, there is not border around the ads, and there isnot border around the image. Best regards, Jakomo
Did anyone do a test run with images and ads with borders? According to the post, it is allowed when you have borders around the ads. I'm curious if that will effect your CTR. I know that borders are usually not effective, but maybe next/under an ad it is?
In August, I have asked to the Google Adsense Team about use images with border + ads with border, and tell me, this is right. They have checked the webpage. Now I have sent an email again to the Google Adsense Team to know if this is correct..... I'm waiting for news.... Best regards Jakomo