small square vs. square vs. medium rectangle

Discussion in 'AdSense' started by Tomtom84, May 13, 2012.

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  1. #1
    Hi,


    I'm running a blog about European Internet startups (in English). In the right sidebar I placed a small square (200x200) with image ads. Now, I'm planning to make the sidebar a little bit wider and place a square (250x250) there. I'm aware of the fact, that a medium rectangle (300x250) would be better - since it seems to be the more common format with more ad inventory (more competition / higher cpm). My problem: The medium rectangle would be too wide and doesn't fit to the overall-layout of the site.


    Now my question: Is it worth it to change the small square to a square? I mean: Is there more ad invertory (+more competition) in the tech-space for the square then for the small square (or maybe less). Has anyone here already made some ​​experiences he/she could share?


    Best regards,
    Thomas
     
    Tomtom84, May 13, 2012 IP
  2. JamesColin

    JamesColin Prominent Member

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    #2
    On some sites I have tested 3 formats alternatively (A/B/C testing, a random size will appear at each page load)
    And I've found, not surprisingly that 336x280 is above 300x250 which is above 728x90 in terms of RPM which is all that matters.
    My testing is still going on since I let the random script on the site, I think it helps to fight off ad blindness for repeat users to change size and location for each page. Even if that means my overall RPM is lower, compare to if I was using only 336x280, it's fine it's already good enough for me (honest RPM for me is a minimum of $5)

    Note that I'm not restricting to text or image on those ad units. In fact I don't recommend restricting a ad unit to a certain ad type except if after some testing you see clearly in adsense performance tab that the ad type text or image is obviously performing way better than the other constitently, in this case yes it makes sense to restrict this ad unit to a specific ad type.
     
    JamesColin, May 13, 2012 IP
  3. Sherry Cass

    Sherry Cass Peon

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    #3
    It depend on the niche.

    You have to test to find out.
     
    Sherry Cass, May 17, 2012 IP
  4. thraagh

    thraagh Peon

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    #4
    I also think it depends on the theme as sometimes you can make it a bit more detracting to the audience if you crowd out the content with large ads. So its a fine balancing act, so id test different ads performance over a period and also check how its affecting the user exp within your analytics. It also depends on your priority revenue v's user experience, my own view is that user exp will drive traffic and revenue in the long run.
     
    thraagh, May 20, 2012 IP