Just read this: http://www.eggminus.com/2007/11/09/free-ribbon-ads-to-improve-your-clickthrough-and-conversion-rates/ and got thinking. Have you tried using such ads to increase signups?
How are they? I think they look great and would compliment any site very well. Peel Away Ads takes the ribbon technique to the next level though. I haven't bought it but have only heard good things about them.
the peel away ads are annoying. flickering and stuff. but i guess a good matching ribbon does not feel so bad... just want to know how the clickthrough fares...
Okay, my test results on split testing. Page loads with top central banner: 25689 Page loads with ribbons: 22145 Clickthroughs with banner: 1452 Clickthroughs with ribbons: 1327 CTR with banners: 0.057 CTR with ribbons: 0.060 Not much of an increase, but considering the fact that the ribbons occupy much lesser screen space and much less irritating compared to a flashing banner or a peel ad, I think this is a remarkable advancement in advertising. I will make more extensive research and write a white paper and sell it for a few bucks at warrior I guess. If you have any similar results, do post. I used the free http://www.websiteribbon.com/
From a marketer's point of view, I think it is pure gold - the concept. I am having pretty good success with it too, though I don't have any specific numbers like Pat to report...