Here it is Friday already. This week has flown by. For me it’s been month and quarter end on my real job, thus taking me away from visiting other blogs as much as I’d like.
To recap the week:
Monday – We discussed writing blog posts when creativity strikes
On Tuesday Eric Hamm of Motivate Thyself was named the New Blog of the Week (NBOTW)
Wednesday was a special day for me. I was the subject of an interview by Blogger Dad.
And yesterday, we talked about the misconceptions of blogging
My Friday question: Based on the fact some bloggers would like to make money blogging, do you click on ads or make purchases through a link you see on a blog?
My answer: Prior to blogging, I clicked on many ads assuming the “links” would take me to a specific topic. It would upset me when the click lead to an ad and not to information that could help my research.
Now that I’m blogging, I understand the concept. Although I go to other blogs for the content, sometimes the ads are just too intriguing, not to click. 🙂
What about you? Join in the conversation and share how ads on blogs affect you? And if you’re monetizing your blog, are you seeing results?
I look forward to reading your answers.
By the way, today is also “Open Mic”
The floor is yours. You know the rules.
All blogging questions, comments and concerns are welcome. You choose the topic.
Have Fun!
Keep it Clean!
And don’t forget to either check the “subscribe to comments on this post” box, or subscribe to my comments RSS feed (upper right sidebar), so you can follow along.
Happy Blogging & Have a great weekend.
.
Photo Credit: liewcf’s photostream
Hi Barbara,
I click ads on blogs out of curiosity, never really purchased anything I think.
I explored a number of sites to see how we can start monetizing our blogs. I read a bit about the 30 Day Challenge. Has anyone tried that?
Have a wonderful weekend!
Maya´s last blog post..The key to happiness and balance is right with you, just learn to use it – Part 1 of the thinkmaya framework
Hi Barbara
I remember when I started reading about blogging I was reading a really bad blog about how to make money online (it told you nothing) and I was so frustrated I clicked on several Google ads about making money online… later down the track I realised what she was doing.
I click on good-looking ads sometimes out of curiosity – but never adsense.
Robin´s last blog post..Ice And Global Warming
I would say that the ad would really have to jump out at me to encourage me to click through, Barbara.
There are some blogs that I’ve visited where the ads are a mess- either because there are too many or else they are poorly positioned.
I also, personally, do not like a page where the ads seem to be the main focus of attention over the content.
I guess, for me, it’s like a newspaper ad… I’ll follow through if the message addresses a need that I have. Otherwise, I’ll just keep on reading the content.
I think there’s a big difference between Web savvy, less savvy, and shoppers.
The biggest surprise for me though was how much more impactful it is when there’s continuity between the user’s purpose and the path you provide. For example, a friend of mine showed me how his posts that explained a product, then had ads for that product made a huge difference. I experienced this accidentally when I did a roundup of my favorite books. It was exponential results and it made sense once I thought about it.
I think Brian of CopyBlogger made a good point when he said don’t depend on Ads for your business; instead, sell your own products (information products.)
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..Strengths and Weaknesses vs. Personality Profiles
Hi Barbara. Ads do catch my attention, but as of yet, I haven’t clicked on very many. I’m not in a buying mode. I plan to monetize my blog and promote my business in the future, and will then begin to pay more attention to ads. Right now the focus is on writing, writing, writing and visiting and commenting on other blogs.
Davina´s last blog post..Creative Luny Landing In The Sand
I don’t like ads on blogs at all. I don’t think they should even be there. In fact, if a blog has too many ads on it, I won’t stick around.
I find that ads can be distracting. I would never click on an add on a blog.
The only exception is themanwithoutfear.com That website is a fan-run site about the comic book character Daredevil. It is so well done and informative that I will click on the ads there. And if it is a good deal, I will buy a book there as well.
Chase March´s last blog post..Q Mack – Basketball Trickster
Barbara,
as my blog is on wordpress.com, I can’t put up any ads there – and I don’t miss them! The only thing I am thinking of – but that’s in the future – may be offering and selling e-books (tutorials on how to work with photoshop or photoshop elements).
Regarding to whether I click on ads in other blogs – they must be really interesting and outstanding if I do so.
Ulla Hennig´s last blog post..The Colours of Autumn
I click on very few ads. That said, if there is a blogger I know well, selling something they believe very much in, not just another unknown ad – I am more tempted to click. And, if it really is something that I have an interest in and is being sold for the “right” reasons, may even buy something. But just ads, for the sake of possibility – no way. I pretty much completely stay away from those…
Lance´s last blog post..A Helping Hand
You know, now that I think about it, I don’t really click on ads on very many blogs. And I don’t think I’ve ever purchased anything through an affiliate link on another site.
BUT, individuals have purchased their new Typepad accounts through the ad on my website. Of course part of that has to do with the fact that I’ve helped them start/design their blogs so that plays a part for sure…
Morning Barbara,
Nah, I don’t click on ads, actually I have learned to ignore them 99% of the time. If I do see something of interest, I’m more likely to click on a Ad Sense result than anything else.
Natural´s last blog post..Filler Post
Yes, I have adsense on my site and Amazon. I think I am up to a whopping $16. But that’s okay, they can just sit there..heck $16 is $16 I didn’t have before. And no, I never click on ads, but I never did before I became a blogger. I’m not that type of shopper. When I shop online, I do a search on the product I want, get in and get out.
Urban Panther´s last blog post..The oh so virtuous Panther
Hi Barbara – Sometimes I do click on ads. Seth Godin has suggested it’s like a tip jar in a way – don’t know if I agree on that or not. We did get some clickthroughs on our recent post on camping tips and tricks. I’d like to think it’s because people found the information helpful – or perhaps I wasn’t describing the item well! The post definitely wasn’t written to make money, though, and I think that is the biggest key.
If there is relevancy to the topic or the site, then I don’t object to the ads. Cath Lawson and I had a chuckle about adsense piking up a reference to nursing homes in her post, and there was the ad “Need a nursing home?” Close, but no cigar! 🙂
Betsy´s last blog post..OUTSIDE, SEEING
I do not click on an ad often, but I certainly do if it is something I’ve been looking for, or I’m intrigued enough.
I feel it is a question of balance and being selective -on of the things I don’t like adsense-. Is it rellevant to the blog? Does it make it too cluttered? Then don’t.
Miguel de Luis´s last blog post..Todoodlist, Preliminary Review
I have clicked on a few ads but never bought anything…probably because I am not a big on-line shopper. I don’t mind the ads on the blog as long as they are not taking over. Some blogs seem to have so many ads, that I can’t find the content!
Caroline´s last blog post..The beauty of mistakes
I rarely click on ads. Although I would LOVE to make money from ads on my blog, I really try to limit the ads I place on my site. I play around with different ads and affiliate programs, but over time I usually remove them b/c I think they clutter my blog.
I hope to one day find the balance of making money from ads while providing ads that create value to my readers. This is not an easy balance to find.
Since I write about life balance, google latches on to the word “Balance” and often provides google links to transfer your credit card “Balance”. Uggh. I can’t stand that and feel bad for my readers that have to look at unrelated information.
Stacey / CreateaBalance´s last blog post..Yes, Oprah Really Did Call Me
I sometimes click on ads if its really interesting and even sometimes might buy from a link too. I don’t see why other shouldnt do that anyways.
If its something you really like why not buy from that persons affiliate link. Maybe oneday they’ll buy something from your blog.
Bruno Auger´s last blog post..Foolproof Website Promotions Strategy
Hi Barbara,
This one is a topic of interest to me 🙂 I do click on ads once in a while if:-
– I find a very exciting ad link (mainly some technical product or software that I am not aware of) and when I hover on it the actual URL is not shown (example Google ads)
– Somebody has written a great article and I want to help him by rewarding a few cents for that effort (sometimes I digg or stumble as well)
I do not click ads, if they appear on my site as that would attract an immediate ban.
Right now, as a blogger, I am sensible enough when to click and when not. If ads are not too intrusive in nature, I am okay with them.
Cheers,
Ajith
Ajith Edassery´s last blog post..Open Mic – Talk about you, your family, hobbies, halloween shopping,…
There is a particular blogger out there, who puts ads within the body of their entry.
I’ve heard people complain about it, which I find interesting.
Because, in all honesty, it doesn’t bother me in the least. I don’t find it distracting at all, as my eyes just skip right over it and continue on reading the article.
Bloggers put time and energy into their content, and having ads in my estimation is a non-issue. I know that wasn’t exactly the topic of this entry, but I thought it would be interesting to bring up.
Bamboo Forest´s last blog post..7 Things That Happen in Movies – But Probably Not to You
I click ads out of curiosity or if the text is offering some information that I am looking for.
I don’t mind ads but I hate feeling of being cheated. When ads are way too camouflaged and I click expecting something else, I am very careful next time and usually avoid clicking links on that blog.
I have put up one google adsense ad. Am not looking into the earning part till my blog is a year old.
Avani-Mehta´s last blog post..Anger Management Tips – Anger Management Series Part VI
I think the most effective adds are the ones you really believe in. A good example of this would be my add on Up-And-Coming-Blogger for a hosting company that I’ve used for years and have been really happy with. A new blogger who I was helping out, asked about a good hosting service. I mentioned the one I used and he ended up using it and clicking on my add to get there.
I think it’s important to have adds that YOU would be interested in. The more you practice this, the more your readers will respect your adds as ‘things to consider’, not just ‘things to ignore’.
Eric Hamm´s last blog post..Review: Pandora Radio From The Music Genome Project
Barb,
I have never clicked on an ad or anything other than “subscribe” on a blog. Perhaps we are going to different places, but I have never seen anything remotely “intriguing” to click on! Were that to happen, I believe that yes, I would click!
Rita
Hi Barbara, I was just looking at some of the ads statistics on my blog this week. A couple of them had gotten a lot of clicks, but no purchases were made. I removed one and considered just removing them altogether. I may just keep one or two because they are very relevant. Eventually I will probably end up removing all or almost all of them and just have some info. about the books and coffee. Ads can easily create a cluttered feel. The money’s not for me anyway.
And no, I don’t typically click on an ad unless I’m really interested, but that’s rare.
Jennifer´s last blog post..I’m a Star!
You see, I have a different take on ads. With the opportunities for affiliate programs abounding, and links scattered all over the net to make purchasing immediate and fulfilling, with quality products and services, why is it we don’t stop think FIRST, “Ah, here’s the perfect chance to SHARE and SPREAD the wealth! I’ll get this from my favorite blogger!”
Why give the money to the big corporations when we as bloggers could get it? So why not support ourselves and click on ads that may be of interest to you. Holidays are coming up and there are many of you that have products up that would be great gifts.
Linda´s last blog post..Make your search Lijit!
I have this paranoia that if I click on something I will be whisked away somewhere I don’t want to be. So I am very very careful when I do click.
I have a few times, when I trust the site. Not buy-ads, though, mostly links to other blogs which have been interesting to me.
I haven’t monetized. Yet. Maybe someday.
Pink Ink´s last blog post..I Have a Teenager
I most definitely “suffer” from ad blindness. I never click on ads. 🙂
Vered – MomGrind´s last blog post..Beauty Standards Have Sure Changed
Is there any way to make money aside from ads and selling e-books? So far I’ve made $2.36….YES!
chris´s last blog post..GUT CHECK!
Hi J.D. – I like the idea of how your friend incorporated ads with the content. I used that a few time on my other blog. It seems beneficial I also agree there’s a difference between those who are web savvy and those who are not.
Hi Maya – I haven’t heard of the 30 day challenge. Viewing other sites is a great way to see what others are trying.
Hi Robin – That goes to show how the bad content lead you to click on ads – the author was the beneficiary on that one.
Hi Scott – With so many options, everyone seems to place ads differently. When the content is lost, that’s frustrating.
Hi Davina – Like you, I’m not in the buying mode either.
Hi Ulla – Selling ebooks is a great way to earn a few bucks.
Hi Lance – Supporting fellow bloggers by buying their products or ebooks is a good idea.
Hi Ricardo – It sounds like your Typepad ad is working well for you. Offering support is an added benefit that would offer value to the product.
Hi Natural – We do become blind to ads, don’t we?
Hi Chase – I agree, some ads are distracting. Especially the flashing banners.
Hi Panther – Hey! You’re doing good with your AdSense. Like you said, $16 is $16. It’s like money in the bank.
Hi Betsy – I do understand what Seth is saying. And yes, AdSense will throw in some strange ads based on our content.
Hi Miguel – You’re right, if we’re looking for something specific and we see an ad for it, we’re more apt to click.
Hi Stacey – Like you said, ads can clutter a blog. I took all of them off of this one as it looked cluttered, and obviously (based on the answers), bloggers are not ad clickers.
Hi Bruno – Welcome to the BWAB community. That’s a good point; buy through a fellow blogger’s affiliate program. It’s good karma.
Hi Ajith – That’s a good idea to Stumble or Digg an article of a fellow blogger. They’ll get more traffic and maybe make a few coins.
Hi Bamboo – I’m seeing more of those ads in the middle of the content. Like you, I skim over it and keep reading.
Hi Eric – If we stand behind a product, our ads for those products do hold more weight.
Hi Caroline – Yes, ads can be overdone.
Hi Jennifer – It’s a tough decision whether to keep ads up or not. If they’re not producing an income or only getting a few clicks, that real estate space (on our blogs) may have a better use.
Hi Avani – Yes, those camouflaged ads can seem deceiving.
Hi Linda – You’re right, ads can give us the opportunity to earn an income from our blogs. I know you’ve tested many, and I’m guessing having success. Clicking on a fellow blogger’s affiliate link is a great way of helping others.
Hi Rita – Although I don’t see too many intriguing ads, there’s a few. Keep looking. Hehe 🙂
Hi Pink Ink – You may be right. Often I’ve clicked on an ad link only to be directed to another page of ads. THAT is frustrating.
Hi Vered – Yes, ad blindness is very common for bloggers or those who spend a lot of time online.
Hi Chris – WooHoo! You’re on your way. It all starts with a penny, so hang in there.
Hi Vintage Mommy – Amazon is great for books. They have good prices and service. An ebook? Have you picked a topic yet?
I wouldn’t put up adsense ads on Vintage Mommy b/c I know the word adoption would produce ads (lots of ads) for unethical agencies and adoption attorneys.
I would like to try an affiliate program to sell some of the books I recommend, and I have plans for an ebook at some point.
Vintage Mommy´s last blog post..Adoption Book Review: The Day We Met You
Barbara, I pick up magazines and newspapers everyday to read, and they ALL have advertising. When it’s good, I stop to look. Does it make me buy anything? Probably not.
But everything I am reading says that Google et al. are investing BIG bucks in online advertising. I would imagine sooner or later it will come our way in the form of ads that are really creative, to the point, and welcome to our Blogs!
G.
Grace´s last blog post..What is 400 feet tall and goes whoosh?
I never click on ads. Ever.
I read the posts typically to be entertained, inspired or educated.
Dr. Cason´s last blog post..Like Little Puppy Dogs
I don’t usually click on ads, but yes, I have Google Adsense up for grins more than money. Hope to monetize more, maybe some affiliate ads.
Lori
SpaceAgeSage´s last blog post..Lost childhood messages
What a great research tool this comment section is!
I hope everyone who’s considering trying to make money on their blogs through the use of affiliate links and AdSense pays attention and reads all the feedback here.
I believe the real insight here is 2 things:
1. Like Barbara said, she clicked on those links in the beginning, but as she grew in the blogging world, she realized what they were all about.
2. It seems most bloggers skip ads most of the time.
….hey, I think this might be my next blog article!
So who clicks on the ads? Take a look at #1, it’s the non-bloggers. This is kind of the point I was making in my comment on Barbara’s last article and in my last two blog articles I wrote.
Personally, I rarely click on ads. The best chance to get me to click on an ad is either I’m currently looking for (example) “how to write an eBook and sell it” or the author writes a blog article on how great this product is and how much it will help me.
The first few questions you have to ask yourself is:
1. Who’s my target customers that will click these ads?
2. Will this product solve their problems?
3. What people am I attracting to my site? Are they the type that will click on my ads?
@ Chris – your comment got me cracking up! YES!
Well, in business it’s all about testing. If what you’re doing isn’t working then you need to change it. What would Darren Rowse do in your situation to make more money? Who visits your website?
Other ways to make money. What problems can you solve for people? Charge them for it.
John Hoff – eVentureBiz´s last blog post..The Unplugged Entrepreneur
I use the ad blocker extension in Firefox but turn it off for certain sites. I rarely click on ads because they aren’t usually informing me of something that I want to buy. And I kind of miss the days of the Internet before all the advertising. I tend to click on them on the sites of people I like – to help the person out and show my appreciation.
That being said – last night I dreamt about the performancing ad on my site – I’m not sure what is was about exactly but there was something huge in it’s place. The dream either means I’m trying to decide about ads on my site or that I was up too late working 😉
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..WordPress: How Has Blogging With WordPress Changed Your Life
Hi Barbara,
It seems as if bloggers are not ad clickers… Mmm, it could be that bloggers see blogs in a different view than an ordinary reader.. Before I even knew of blogging, when searching and if I saw an ad that might of interest, I would just click it. So in looking at this question, we need to have two perspectives i.e The ordinary reader and the blogger views.
I dont know, maybe I am getting the wrong end of the stick here, but I am sensing that there is some negativity amongst bloggers regarding the use of ads..Could part of this be that ads make money for another blogger?
Based on my experience as a web surfer and not a blogger, I think ads enhance user experience. My purpose in having a blog is to use my site as a platform of information both from me as well as like minded sites. So relevant ads from Google Adsense really help me fulfill my mission. I like the fact that users can access various sources of relevant information via my site..
And I guess that Google introduced Adsense with mainly the users in mind rather than the bloggers. Google’s aim is to provide the user with relevant information and Adsense does that.
So my view is that I am very open to relevant ads on a site. I am click happy. Of course, I am aware of the fact that there are people who just splash irrelevant ads on their sites, but chances are that no one will buy as a result. So in a way that works out well in the end.
As a blogger and also a web surfer, I put ads that I totally believe in and support. I have got no objection with people who put ads on their site, I welcome this, the more information surrounding a certain subject the better!
sharon´s last blog post..You Lift Me Up, Thank You!
I have to admit that I hardly click on ads yet I do put ads on my blogs. I actually even use an ad-blocking plugin with Firefox, but it’s mainly because ads make it hard for a lot of web pages to properly load. Kinda makes me feel like a hypocrite 🙂
Al at 7P´s last blog post..Guest Post at Write to Done
That’s ok, Al. I challenge anyone to stand forward who’s not a hypocrite in some way or another.
John Hoff – eVentureBiz´s last blog post..The Unplugged Entrepreneur
Hi Barbara – I could have sworn I’d replied to this. But my Internet went funny on Friday so I guess something went wrong.
I do click on ads sometimes – depending how much time I have. I feel like if a blogger has taken the time to write, I owe it to them to take a look at what they’re selling sometimes.
When Adsense first came out though – I didn’t know what it was and I got really frustrated. I seemed to be clicking on one ad, then another and another and not getting anywhere. And I could never get back to the site I began on – that was really confusing.
Cath Lawson´s last blog post..Is Ebay Trying To Get Rid Of All It’s Sellers?
Hi Grace – You’re right, we do see advertising in/on any kind of media. Blogs aren’t much different.
HI Dr. Cason – The content is what blogs are all about, isn’t it?
Hi John – Wow! Your comment is like another who blog post. Thank you for the insight.
Hi SpaceAgeSage – I use Google AdSense on my other site and it slowly generates a passive income,
Hi Kim – That’s funny you’re dreaming about the ads on your site. Maybe you were up too late. 🙂
Hi Al – I agree, ads do make a page load slower. For those who are in a hurry, they may never see a site if it’s filled with ads.
Hi Catherine – I hear you. Those sites are like layers of ads. Hmmmm. I wonder how well THAT works?
Hi Sharon – You’ve shared an interesting concept. I do agree. A blogger does look at a site totally different than a regular (non blogger) reader. Although I do have ad blindness most of the time, I don’t have a problem if someone uses ads on their blog to make an income.
Barbara – if they get folk looking through them that are as clueless as I was – they probably do really well. I guess more savvy people would just hit the back button on their browser though.
I stopped using About.com because their site is set up like that – you click one Ad – then it takes you to another page of ads. I used to think it was a useful site but now the ads really overcrowd the content.
Cath Lawson´s last blog post..How Much Money Does A Blog Make? $3348 An Hour
@ Cath – I couldn’t agree with you more with about.com. I’ve had the exact same experience.
John Hoff – eVentureBiz´s last blog post..The Unplugged Entrepreneur
Hi Catherine – Yes, if a user is not savvy, they can waste an enormous amount of time clicking ads. In actuality, I believe that’s how most people make money on their blogs – by targeting an audience of those who are not bloggers.
This may be frowned upon by the big G but I usually click links from blogs I like. I also try and post something to let people know that buying from my Amazon links helps keep the blog alive.
So maybe if we’re pro bloggers we should do each other a favor every once in a while. Next time you’re gonna buy something from Amazon click on a link from one of your favorite blogs.
Paunchiness´s last blog post..Win an Apple® iPod® Shuffle
Hi Paunchiness – I don’t see anything wrong with letting your readers know you’ll “benefit” from their clicks or purchases. That type of transparency adds to our credibility.