Smart-priced or bad niche?

Discussion in 'AdSense' started by kingcaw, Feb 19, 2007.

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  1. #1
    I recently launched an flash arcade, and since I live in the UK, opted to use GoogleAds over the (reportedly for arcades) higher paying YPN option.

    Over the past week, i've found myself fairly disappointed with the return on these ads compared to clicks, however yesterday took the cake for me - 38 clicks for $0.84.

    I've never had reason to think i've been "smart-priced" before, but with this sort of yield i'm beginning to suspect something is afoot. I do realise that arcades are seemingly a bad niche for Adsense, and are more suited to ValueClickMedia (those flashy, loud ads for smilies etc) so I accept this could be a reason.

    Also, when it comes to smart-pricing, is it something Google apply to your whole account? Is it done on a site-to-site basis? Channel basis? Individual click basis? Clicks on ads on other sites are still doing okay; at least no different from before.

    Any info or opinions would be appreciated.

    Cheers
     
    kingcaw, Feb 19, 2007 IP
  2. herotm

    herotm Member

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    #2
    I personally own a arcade site, and I highly doubt that google applies the "smart-pricing" to your account or whatever the case is. I've been generating about 3-4 *cents* per click in the last few weeks. This leads to my conclusion that advertisers are probably paying pennies or almost a dime to have their sites advertised on adwords. I am currently using ValueClickMedia and their rate of eCPM generates over 10-15 times more than a click for adsense.

    Note: Do not use google adsense for arcade sites :-D
     
    herotm, Feb 19, 2007 IP
  3. jabb

    jabb Peon

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    #3
    Its not smart pricing its just the niche, arcade sites are better for CPM ads rather than CPC.
     
    jabb, Feb 20, 2007 IP
  4. kingcaw

    kingcaw Peon

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    #4
    As mentioned I did suspect as much - I'm under no illusion about the earning power of this niche through Google - just somewhat deflated after yesterdays drop from around $0.05 per click to just over $0.02

    Regardless, Adsense is just a stopgap until my VCM requirements are met and the application is processed, then i'll be dropping them.
     
    kingcaw, Feb 20, 2007 IP