I have heard and read from many bloggers saying that they tend to hide or blend in their ads to that they won’t upset the blog readers. Well, here is my opinion: If you really want to monetize your blog, you should shout your ads!
I run many blogs and have been actively making money online via my blogs and blogging for 3 years. I learn that hiding your ads further down the web page, or in difficult-to-find pages won’t do you any good.
In life, you’ve got to choose: Readership vs. blog revenue. Sure, you would want to win both, but in reality, again, you’ve got to choose.
Prioritize above the fold ad spots
The basic rule of thumb for blog monetization is that you should place your ads “above the fold” (the part of the page your blog visitors see when they type in your web address.) Why?
One reason: The above the fold position gives the most exposure to advertisers. So, whether you display Google AdSense or clients’ ads, above the fold ad spots will give you the most money as they are attractive to advertisers.
What’s more, don’t dismiss the fact that some of your blog readers are actually potential advertisers. Hiding your ads to your readers is similar to hiding your blog monetization opportunities to advertisers who might be very well interested in what you have on offer!
Below the fold still rocks, somehow…
Sure, below the fold ads can yield you some revenues – placing your ads right at the end of your blog post can give them exposure as they shout “what next” to your blog readers.
Blend your ads inside your blog post (the online magazine style – i.e. Entrepreneur.com) can also work wonder, as the ads should be highly-related to your blog post.
Some more reasons why you shouldn’t hide your ads and any information about them
By displaying ads on prominent locations, you directly tell potential advertisers that your blog is open for advertising opportunities.
What’s more, you should have your “Advertise” page – containing advertising opportunities information and the recommended media kit – on you blog’s main navigational bar. If you hide it, how advertisers know that your blog is offering advertising spots?
So, there you go – go shout your ads and don’t let them sit on your blog collecting dust (or e-dust?) Show useful ads and – you might not believe it – your blog readers (well, some of them) will actually get useful information from your ads… I know because I personally benefit from ads on some blogs that can potentially answer the lingering questions in my head.
What do you think? Will you let your readers know that your blog is open for advertising?
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Primarily, Advertising is one of the great tasks to earn more money on here. Thanks a lot for sharing your post on here 🙂
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I think this is great idea to make money with your passionate but before that a blogger should maintain quality for his blog post, if it will be right on track then ads will prove more helpful for him/her.
Sam,
Agreed – placing ads too early when you are not yet a proven blogger won’t be effective.
Nice Post, I dont see any reason why bloggers should hide there ads as long as you have good Content.
Well said, Joseph!