Adsense "Site Targeting" Renamed to "Placement Targeting"
Adsense has made several changes to their site targeting features. To begin, site targeting allows advertisers to select specific publisher sites to run their ads on.
Now for the changes-The first change is that they have renamed "site targeting" to "placement targeting" to reflect the targeting options they are offering. This is what the advertiser can do:
1) target their ads to an entire site,
2) target their ads to ad units or groups of pages - which is based on how the publisher has set up their ad placements through custom channels. Those who are not using channels may want to take the time to do a quick study.
Second Change
The second change is that advertisers can bid on placement-targeted ads on a cost-per-click basis. Before, advertisers could only bid on targeted ad on a cost-per-impression basis.
How will publishers make money?
They state that you'll generate earnings on contextually targeted CPC ads, as well as valid clicks on placement-targeted CPC ads. Since they are allowing all placement-targeted ads to participate in the ad auction with contextually targeted ads, this, they theorize will increase competition and your revenue.
Though they say this will increase earnings over the long run, I'm going with a wait and see attitude as how these changes will truly affect the publisher side.
Read more...
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Fonts Are They Really Important?
Fonts Are They Really Important?
By Vickie J Scanlon
Are your fonts important? Yes, your fonts are important. If you are a newbie wanting to build a website-you may care less what font you use. You’re even probably thinking- a font is a font-let’s just make it look nice. That may be fine if you are designing it for a brochure that will appear on paper-but not on the web. The printed word (paper) to that of the printed word (online) - do not abide by the same rules.
On the web, a wrong font can see your visitors quickly clicking away. Why? Readability or a lack thereof!
Fonts To Use
I have found that the most mentioned fonts that web designers suggest using are: Arial, Verdana, Georgia. Why? They are easier to read on computer screens with low resolutions.
Here was another mistake I made, I put my copy in Times Roman. What’s so bad about Times Roman? Times Roman is a great font and it offers a quality presentation and look, and you will notice that a lot of printed material is in Times Roman. But on the internet, Times Roman can really be hard to read. And as you know, if it’s hard to read-people click away.
Fonts that are unique or wild looking should not be used within the body of your content. Why? They distract the reader from the content. And if your visitors are distracted and cannot handle reading this creative endeavor, don’t be surprised that you will lose many visitors, and thus, possible sales.
Big Fonts and Color
Big fonts, color and bolding should help to emphasize your content. That does not mean you put your whole web page in a big font. Headings and small sections of content can be put in a larger size or a change in color, to help to emphasis a point or guide your visitor to something of importance. But too much of a good thing means a visitor has just clicked away.
To conclude, fonts are important to a website. So choose easily readable fonts to present your quality content. You'll keep visitors, and possibly make sales.
Read more...
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Manage Ads: A promising feature in AdSense
Google AdSense, few days back added a new feature in their AdSense program for all publishers.You may be knowing about this feature from a coming soon status message in your AdSense dashboard or from a sneak peek previous post from the AdSense Blog or from a Breaking news post from Problogger still here is a quick definition for it
As a blogger I think the key lies in experimenting with your Ad slots.For even changing the border of an Ad unit, I had to generate new ad code, parse it and then finally add the script to my XML template.This was a bit time consuming and a hectic process.This feature just makes the same results available with a few lesser mouse clicks.
I found this feature interesting and gave it one of my blog's slot.I always thought that perfectly blended ads performed much better than one having a distinct border and when I tried border for one day, the results amazed me(I only changed the colour pal latte). I saw a good spike in CTR and CPM.
Concluding it...
Likes
Read more...
This new ad management feature means that your ad unit settings (such as colors and channels) for new AdSense for content ad units will be saved in your AdSense account every time you generate ad code. Then, if you'd like to change any of these settings in the future, all you do is make the update within your account -- you'll no longer need to manually replace the ad code on all of your pages. For instance, you can quickly change the borders of all your 300x250 medium rectangles from red to blue with just a few mouse clicks.
As a blogger I think the key lies in experimenting with your Ad slots.For even changing the border of an Ad unit, I had to generate new ad code, parse it and then finally add the script to my XML template.This was a bit time consuming and a hectic process.This feature just makes the same results available with a few lesser mouse clicks.
I found this feature interesting and gave it one of my blog's slot.I always thought that perfectly blended ads performed much better than one having a distinct border and when I tried border for one day, the results amazed me(I only changed the colour pal latte). I saw a good spike in CTR and CPM.
Concluding it...
Likes
- A short and simple process for changing the look of the Ad unit
- Import feature which allowed me to import ads from other channels.
- Preview Ad feature.
- A bit short script :)
- It permits to change the colours of the Ad unit but not it's size.
- Once the script is uploaded, it takes around 10 minutes for the Ad slot to deliver Ads.
Read more...
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Google Rolling Out- New Ad Management Feature
Google is rolling out it's new ad management feature. Which is rather impressive and can save you a lot of time once you do the initial setup.
With the initial setup you will be asked to identify the ad. For example: if you have a 250X250 ad that you are only going to place on one web page you could name it - MyPage 250X250 with the desired format that you created earlier. You can then preview the ad before you place it on your web page and then after you place it on your web page (within your Google Account you can enter the url where the ad is and see how it looks on the ad).
How is this going to help you? Well, this is where the editing feature comes into play. Let's say that you are experimenting with different colors and you find that the color of the AdSense unit is not working for you. No problem. You can 1) create a new color scheme or, use an old color scheme and update your Adsense code-with the edit feature. These new changes will be seen on your web page within 10 minutes, without you manually going in and changing it yourself.
What about your Old AdSense Ads? Under the Manage Ads, you can paste in any older AdSense for Content code into the field to convert it to the new AdSense unit code. And again, for the first time, you will need to manually enter the new unit into your web pages.
Recap of Benefits:
1. Allows you to preview your AdSense Unit before putting it on your web page
2. Allows you to preview your AdSense Unit by entering the url
3. Once set up with the new system, it allows you to change your AdSense Units without manually going into the page to update-the change takes effect directly within your Google AdSense Account.
4. Allows you to enter your old Ad units into the new AdSense Code system
5. Ads flexibility in AdSense conversion
Cons:
1) If you have multiple sites with AdSense, the initial setup will take a little while to convert over to the new Ad Management System.
2) If you want a different size Ad, you will have to Get Ads, and manually set it up as before.
3) If you created your ad code through one of their partners-Blogger, DaDa.net or Apple iWeb, you will continue to use the standard ad code.
If you don't see it in your account yet, don't worry it will be there soon. They are still in the process of rolling it out to all it's publishers.
Read more...
With the initial setup you will be asked to identify the ad. For example: if you have a 250X250 ad that you are only going to place on one web page you could name it - MyPage 250X250 with the desired format that you created earlier. You can then preview the ad before you place it on your web page and then after you place it on your web page (within your Google Account you can enter the url where the ad is and see how it looks on the ad).
How is this going to help you? Well, this is where the editing feature comes into play. Let's say that you are experimenting with different colors and you find that the color of the AdSense unit is not working for you. No problem. You can 1) create a new color scheme or, use an old color scheme and update your Adsense code-with the edit feature. These new changes will be seen on your web page within 10 minutes, without you manually going in and changing it yourself.
What about your Old AdSense Ads? Under the Manage Ads, you can paste in any older AdSense for Content code into the field to convert it to the new AdSense unit code. And again, for the first time, you will need to manually enter the new unit into your web pages.
Recap of Benefits:
1. Allows you to preview your AdSense Unit before putting it on your web page
2. Allows you to preview your AdSense Unit by entering the url
3. Once set up with the new system, it allows you to change your AdSense Units without manually going into the page to update-the change takes effect directly within your Google AdSense Account.
4. Allows you to enter your old Ad units into the new AdSense Code system
5. Ads flexibility in AdSense conversion
Cons:
1) If you have multiple sites with AdSense, the initial setup will take a little while to convert over to the new Ad Management System.
2) If you want a different size Ad, you will have to Get Ads, and manually set it up as before.
3) If you created your ad code through one of their partners-Blogger, DaDa.net or Apple iWeb, you will continue to use the standard ad code.
If you don't see it in your account yet, don't worry it will be there soon. They are still in the process of rolling it out to all it's publishers.
Read more...
Monday, November 5, 2007
Is Website Color Important?
Your Website and Color
By Vickie J. Scanlon
Choosing the correct color for your website is not as easy as you may think. And sometimes, your favorite color may not be appropriate for a website. Let me explain.
When I first started, I did not realize the importance of color. So, with my first attempt at creating my website, I put it in a nice medicinal yellow. Now, this color may have been appropriate for a site offering vitamins, supplements or even advise on medical issues, but for an affiliate info site that sold products and services for business - I think not.
That realization clearly came through when I ask for some of my friends opinion on the look of the site. I had a mixed bag of –crinkle faces, a nod and walk-away, and a no answer. From that initial, unenthusiastic response I knew that I was in deep trouble. So, I scrapped my design (If you could call it that) and, I went back to the drawing board. I must admit, even the thought of that first website, made me cringe.
What you should consider
Your website should be easy on the eyes. So choosing colors are important, and should be relevant to the theme of your site, while making it easy for your visitor to read. So if you’re thinking about using dark backgrounds-you should have someone test how easy it is for him or her to read your content. Sometimes, these dark colors can be rather eye-bugging. So, if they jump back from the screen, or squint while trying to read your copy in all that darkness - that’s probably a good indication that you should scrape it and choose again. Not only do you have to consider color for readability but also for mood.
Listed below are different colors with the mood or actions that they can convey.
Red - Shows action, energy, strength and passion. Red is a good color for a call-to-action.
Pink - romance and a feminine appeal.
Green - Money, wealth, calm, hope.
Orange - Health, vitality, youthfulness
Yellow - light, pure, sunshine and warmth.
Purple - creativity, royalty and richness.
Brown - stability
Blue – Can give you two different sets of mood: confidence, wealth and power; or calm and dependability.
Grey - security and reliability
Black - Sophistication, serious, classy, power
White - In most case, purity and peace in most cases. But in some cultures, it can represent death and sorrow.
To conclude, choose your colors carefully, creating the right mood for the right niche can keep your visitors happy and clicking.
Read more...
By Vickie J. Scanlon
Choosing the correct color for your website is not as easy as you may think. And sometimes, your favorite color may not be appropriate for a website. Let me explain.
When I first started, I did not realize the importance of color. So, with my first attempt at creating my website, I put it in a nice medicinal yellow. Now, this color may have been appropriate for a site offering vitamins, supplements or even advise on medical issues, but for an affiliate info site that sold products and services for business - I think not.
That realization clearly came through when I ask for some of my friends opinion on the look of the site. I had a mixed bag of –crinkle faces, a nod and walk-away, and a no answer. From that initial, unenthusiastic response I knew that I was in deep trouble. So, I scrapped my design (If you could call it that) and, I went back to the drawing board. I must admit, even the thought of that first website, made me cringe.
What you should consider
Your website should be easy on the eyes. So choosing colors are important, and should be relevant to the theme of your site, while making it easy for your visitor to read. So if you’re thinking about using dark backgrounds-you should have someone test how easy it is for him or her to read your content. Sometimes, these dark colors can be rather eye-bugging. So, if they jump back from the screen, or squint while trying to read your copy in all that darkness - that’s probably a good indication that you should scrape it and choose again. Not only do you have to consider color for readability but also for mood.
Listed below are different colors with the mood or actions that they can convey.
Red - Shows action, energy, strength and passion. Red is a good color for a call-to-action.
Pink - romance and a feminine appeal.
Green - Money, wealth, calm, hope.
Orange - Health, vitality, youthfulness
Yellow - light, pure, sunshine and warmth.
Purple - creativity, royalty and richness.
Brown - stability
Blue – Can give you two different sets of mood: confidence, wealth and power; or calm and dependability.
Grey - security and reliability
Black - Sophistication, serious, classy, power
White - In most case, purity and peace in most cases. But in some cultures, it can represent death and sorrow.
To conclude, choose your colors carefully, creating the right mood for the right niche can keep your visitors happy and clicking.
Read more...
Friday, November 2, 2007
Understanding Social Media Marketing
As with anything new, you need to first understand it, then use it. But getting a handle on Social Media Marketing and it's potential is still well, in the "I'm not sure" stage. That is because I'm still a little green to this new media.
Anyway, I thought I would share a post my Maki of DoshDosh.com on the subject matter of Social Media Marketing. Here's a prelude of some of what he suggests:
He states if done correctly, it can help you drive traffic to your blog or website. In Maki's view you can leverage links for better search ranking to increase your site's income. But it's not a given-it depends upon loyalty and word of mouth. But it is a marketing method that, in his view is not a quick return on investment-but one that sees a return over a period of time.
As Maki suggests, it offers a low-cost/high return method of marketing that complements other marketing efforts without interfering with the other methods you are currently using to gain traffic to your site.
Another positive is it can create quality backlinks which helps with your search engine rankings.
Though this post is about a month old many are still reviewing it. It's a nice overview of Social Media Marketing and how you can use it to increase importance to your products and services and to increase traffic.
I need to get a better handle on Social Media Marketing, and hope to delve into it a little more. As they say, never ignore the opportunities while they are given- check it out and see if it fits you and your site.
Read more...
Anyway, I thought I would share a post my Maki of DoshDosh.com on the subject matter of Social Media Marketing. Here's a prelude of some of what he suggests:
He states if done correctly, it can help you drive traffic to your blog or website. In Maki's view you can leverage links for better search ranking to increase your site's income. But it's not a given-it depends upon loyalty and word of mouth. But it is a marketing method that, in his view is not a quick return on investment-but one that sees a return over a period of time.
As Maki suggests, it offers a low-cost/high return method of marketing that complements other marketing efforts without interfering with the other methods you are currently using to gain traffic to your site.
Another positive is it can create quality backlinks which helps with your search engine rankings.
Though this post is about a month old many are still reviewing it. It's a nice overview of Social Media Marketing and how you can use it to increase importance to your products and services and to increase traffic.
I need to get a better handle on Social Media Marketing, and hope to delve into it a little more. As they say, never ignore the opportunities while they are given- check it out and see if it fits you and your site.
Read more...
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Site Report for October, Perfomance report of AdSense referrals
Its the first of month again, so here comes my site report.We got 8,037 visitors who get generated 11,452 page views with 81.65% being the new visitors.Again Google organic search brought me the maximum number of visitors with the templates post being the most popular.During this period, Webtalks crossed the 100 RSS readers mark...
Blog Income Report
This time, I can see a good rise in the the Blog income.Here's a report
AdSense : 26$
Template business : 100$
Widgetbucks : 25$ + 4$ + 8 referrals
Reviews : 60$
Other :15$
Total : 230$
This time the earnings have tripled itself from the last month's.I draw three major reasons for that:
-Pagerank export.We got a PR of 5 while many others got slapped
-100 RSS subscribers.
-Alexa Rank in top 200,000
Google AdSense Referrals 2.0 performance Report
As some of you maybe knowing, I changed few Ad units on my site from AdSense to Content to Referral Ads.They have been up for a long time and here is a performance report.
I would say a big disappointment for me. I almost tried everything.The conversion ratio was extremely poor, more then 75:1.Still I got something in store for you if you still want to go with them
Conclusion-Referral 2.0 Ads sound interesting but their performance isn't up to the mark.Google AdSense team should consider the Referral section again.If you are a webmaster/blogger, implement them only when you have around 100k page views per month to get the best results.
Read more...
Blog Income Report
This time, I can see a good rise in the the Blog income.Here's a report
AdSense : 26$
Template business : 100$
Widgetbucks : 25$ + 4$ + 8 referrals
Reviews : 60$
Other :15$
Total : 230$
This time the earnings have tripled itself from the last month's.I draw three major reasons for that:
-Pagerank export.We got a PR of 5 while many others got slapped
-100 RSS subscribers.
-Alexa Rank in top 200,000
Google AdSense Referrals 2.0 performance Report
As some of you maybe knowing, I changed few Ad units on my site from AdSense to Content to Referral Ads.They have been up for a long time and here is a performance report.
I would say a big disappointment for me. I almost tried everything.The conversion ratio was extremely poor, more then 75:1.Still I got something in store for you if you still want to go with them
- Text based Ads perform better then Image Ads
- Smaller Ad units like a vertical banner 120 x 140 perform better than 300 x 250 Ad units.
- If available, go for Text links.They have a higher CTR.
- Always check the Pick Best Performing Ads Option.
- Don't give them the prime Ad Spot.A referral Ad in less visibility region will be ok but you shouldn't neglect them completely.Ideally, a small Ad unit in the lower sidebar.
Conclusion-Referral 2.0 Ads sound interesting but their performance isn't up to the mark.Google AdSense team should consider the Referral section again.If you are a webmaster/blogger, implement them only when you have around 100k page views per month to get the best results.
Read more...
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