Adsense in forums has a horrible CTR. That is normal and difficult to combat. You can't expect regulars to click very often, there should be some ways to get them a little more open into clicking. So I've set my goal to improve CTR. I'll try to share my experience here. First step, using link units at the bottom of threads. When a user is done reading the last thread, he is ripe to leave. Why not give him a way that pays? I bet the link units are a good way. But use 4 in a unit, not 5. The bigger text will be easier to read. Anyone got tips to share along these lines?
Blending the ads into the site which has been mentioned lots of time. You also need to change the ads from time to time, the colours and what not because regular users get used to the ads and automatically block them out. I would also suggest creating channels so you can see more stats on the specific ad locations.
Rotating color palettes has been said to have good results in forums. This is done by holding down the control key when multi-selecting colors.
I've noticed a much higher CTR with using the text ads instead of picture ads or ads that well, look like ads. The text ads seem more of a link than an ad. Hope this helps
I think we are better off mostly to sell banner space to advertisers, rather than put text ads on forums. YOu might be able to turn a better profit depending on traffic. Good luck
One method of improving Quality Site Content (QSC) is to make the AdSense ads blend in with your site content. This is called camouflaging, and employs several techniques that involve making your Ad Units look like actual website content, producing a form of synergy, harmony, and balance. It is like a chameleon lizard harmonically blending in with the green foliage of a tropical rainforest. http:// 1)terrence1019.fortunecity.com 2)adsenseadvice1.blogspot.com
I developed a tool to be quite helpful! It shows you how to increase and control your CTR as much as you want!!! get quality content and more clicks, trust me Google won't let that go unnoticed as the better your CTR the better eCPM you get!
You can always have a feature where adsense is shown as the 2nd post for guest account, but disappears when you user is signed in. It should make you some money as well as encourage people to sign up.
Generic Pictures fitting your theme next to your Ads will improve your CTR quite a bit. Mine nearly doubled after I added them to the Ads in the 2nd post. It looks like this: Patientenfragen.net