This is a controversial topic and people will have differing opinions on whether you should monetize your blog with ads.
Let’s consider this:
As a serious blogger you may believe that you might not be taken seriously if your blog contains ads.
I suppose it all depends on what your blog is about.
You may feel that having ads on your website may distract readers. I actually believe that we are so used to them now that we tend to ignore them.
Unless you arrive at one of these sites that are plastered in them.
I find certain entertainment sites very frustrating.
You know those that use slideshows and you have to click on the next button. The ads are placed in such a way that I believe they want you to click on them accidentally.
I understand that you lose a visitor who clicks on an ad. So think about how important it is to you that your content is read.
I personally don’t see a problem with them and have them on my sites.
This site is to help people find jobs and they’re going to click away anyway to hopefully find their dream job.
So you’ve decided that you want to monetize your blog with ads then let’s look at the options:
Best Ad Services to Use to monetize your Blog
One of the simplest ways to monetize your blog is to introduce advertising.
You join up with an ad service, put the code on your website and they do the rest. The ad service will optimize the content and measure results.
Every time someone clicks on a link in the ad or buys a product, you get a little commission.
It’s a great way to start monetizing for beginner bloggers and anyone who wants to make a little extra cash from their site.
Here’s a list of some of the best ad services around at the moment:
1. Google Adsense to Monetize Your Blog
Google Adsense used to be the only kid on the block when it came to advertising and it’s still a popular choice despite growing competition.
It’s fairly easy to set up and there’s a lot of support available on Google’s main site including tips on how to improve performance.
Google essentially set the standard for blog advertising. The algorithms should provide ads that match closely the type of content you are producing. This, in turn, will improve click-through rates.
It’s a great place to start if you are a novice or don’t have great computing or marketing skills.
2. AdThrive
Most ad networks and services tend to operate at arm’s length.
AdThrive, on the other hand, claims to offer a more personal service. That means getting to know your blog intimately. It also works out how to get the best out of ad placement and content.
Their satisfied customers remark on how ad revenue increased almost immediately.
It does help, however, to have an established blog. Not the best choice for first-timers. It is, however, worth a look if you’ve got a handle on the basics. It also helps if you have a high visitor count.
3. Media.net
Media.net is run by Yahoo and Bing. It is a similar offering to Google Adsense. Media.net prides itself on having millions of different ads that will be tailored to your specific content.
You need to apply to join. Once accepted all you need to do is generate the code and put it on your blog site.
To qualify you need to have good levels of traffic from English speaking countries. Your site must also contain high-quality content.
4. Chitika
Chitika is symptomatic of the changing landscape of advertising online.
They’re a small American company that offers what they call ‘smart advertising’.
The good news is that their service is open to all websites irrespective of their traffic levels or size.
The other good news is that the platform keeps it simple so it’s easy to use for everyone from novice to expert. If you’re just starting out then this is a great option to go for.
5. NuffNang
Another new advertising service that currently operates out of Asia, NuffNang claims to create a community of bloggers and deliver the advertising revenue they are looking for.
Still fairly small compared to big players like Google Adsense, their aim is not only to install the right ads but to build relationships between bloggers and brands that last.
Not a site that’s for novices but one to check out if you are interested in the evolving face of ad services and monetization and want to become a brand ambassador.
Most bloggers will try a range of different ad services to help make money out their site.
A lot will depend on the quality of your blog as well as the amount of traffic that you manage to attract.
While you can start introducing ads to your content from day one, the most important thing you need to be focused on is growing a strong following. Get that right and most of the ad services will deliver the kind of revenue you are looking for.
Please comment on what you use to monetize your blog below.
