I have been tempted to add Adsense (and some other PPC contextual ads) to my game price comparison site, but i can't bring myself to do it because I can't help but think the adverts look a little 'cheap'. I just think banner ads LOOK better (especially if related to your topic). I am aware that some of the big networks also use Adsense, but when I see a site with it, I immediately and subconsciously think 'small independent site' unless I know otherwise or the site has other redeeming qualiteis (e.g, exceptional design). I know this seems harsh, but I am interested to know if anybody else thinks similar or if I am just being plain stupid...
Adsense is shit...one day you'll get banned from invalid clicks...don't say it won't happen to you because that's what I used to say..
I'm pretty surprised at the responses in this thread. I've always prefered to have google ads on a site I'm visiting (or running) than banner ads. would you really want digitalpoint's adsense spaces to be replaced with seizure inducing punch the monkey who's face is this you're a winner now banners?
I have never liked Google Adsense either. Visually I think the ads are very poor and don't really integrate cleanly into websites.
Spam? I was providing information about another PPC advertising service. The information is on a website I created so to let others know about it. Should I just post the contents of the pages in a post, is that the best way to do it?
I think those kinds of ads can be implemented very well cleanly, or they can look horrible depending on what the webmaster does. The giant AdSense squares always look terrible to me (I know, I know, they convert the best).
The ads need to match the site's style and its users. And with your users, adsense may not be right. They're used to high-end graphics, so plain text probably does look cheap.
And wouldn't it be nice if Google let us provide one set of keywords for SEO, and another set for Adsense? I'd like to provide complimentary topic ads rather than to have them mimic my site's topic.
It is highly possible that with it's overuse adsense would also fall in to banner blindness category. Remember what happened with those flashing banners! Adwords might persist as in search engines they might solve a visitors query
You should seriously take a look at adsXposed. They look extremly professional and integrate into the look and feel of a website much better than Adsense. They also have better configurations which help when trying to place them on certain webpages. You can also choose which type of websites will be displayed in the adsXposed streams and even better, which countries, regions or even cities the ads come from. This may be of use if you have a local orientated website or online newsletter, or if you are using the adsXposed streams for advertising, it means it is more targeted towards your desired market.
Cheap and nasty seems to work better than attractive ads. The ads need to be looked at to get clicks. It's a sad trade off, but it's also a reality.
I also don't use the "G" ads on any of the sites I have. I think they are a little stank for value. I think a properly placed banner or text link is more valuable.
Text links out perform banner ads at least 5:1. Surfers have been programed to ignore banner ads. You have to decide if your "look" of the page is more important than the profitability of the page. I can show you hundreds is not thousands of examples of adsens used in very integrated ways. If you spend a little time with color and placement you can use adsense seamlessly in any site.
Which is exactly what I do with my sites. Keeping the basic colours will make the ads look shit but all it takes is some thought into the colour and placement and can actually look good.
I agree, but many people find it quite difficult to integrate adsense into their websites seamlessly due to there not being that many ad formats to choose from. It can sometimes be a right pain.
I have very mixed feelings about AdSense right now. I have had it on my site for some and have generated some revenue for it mostly to offset server costs. I got the dreaded We Will Ban you soon letter... without explanation and when they responded for my request for more information to help me understand the source of the problem, they refused to get specific claiming they did not want to reveal their secret formula for detection. So right now I am a bit turned off by them in general !!!! I will check out adsXposed as one poster suggested if I actually do get banned - for what? I haven't a clue they won't help me solve the issue. I have tried to use AdWords in reverse to promote some of my downloads... I find it to be CRAP as far as ROI. It is nothing more than a scheme to push out the little guy in favor of the big spenders with deep pockets. Just my opinion... also I received one check from Google and now all of a sudden I feel like big brother is watching me.
I think one common reason for people getting banned is clicking on their own ads, beit on purpose or accidental. Someone correct me if I am wrong. adsXposed has taken the accidental click out of the equation by using a validation page prior to being sent to the linked site in the ad. This is also brilliant for those who advertise through adsXposed as only verified clicks are processed so you are not losing revenue to others who accidentally click on your advert. You are only paying for those clicks from people who are genuinely interested in your website.