Google Adsense

Shawn · 11-18-2004, 10:47 AM

Recently I've been getting more and more visitors from Google & Yahoo for search terms that don't have any listings in the categories yet. So, I added Google Adsense to the categories where there are no listings. The adsense will only show if there are no listings there, example: http://www.uncoverthenet.com/dir/7741/1.php .

I did it to make the directory more useful while we're still young (don't have tons of sites listed), and to make a return on the visitors who would otherwise just hit the back button.

So I have 2 questions for you:

1) Does it compromise the integrity of the directory? What I mean is, I've seen some directories that have 4 different adsense layouts on one page and above all the listings in the categories. So I'm hoping this doesn't make UTN resemble those directories. (In short, does it cause more harm than good?)

2) I'm new to adsense. Does the layout look ok? Do you have a recommendation for a better layout that would "blend" in better?

Thanks,

Shawn

DanM · 11-18-2004, 11:13 AM

It can make a directory look cheap and second rate and their is a chance that G could see it as a violation of TOS (because you dont have any other real content on the page..unlikely though )..

You blended the ad in well and it looks clean and I wouldnt think it would be a problem , but I would get approval fromthe horses mouth as they say and send G adsense the same link and just verify that is ok ..

Mostly they go after people frauding adsense ..using click bots and that type of stuff .. people that are stealing advertisors money..money that the advertisor could have spent on my site or your site

Shawn · 11-18-2004, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanM

I would get approval fromthe horses mouth as they say and send G adsense the same link and just verify that is ok ..

Yes, I've already got the ok on the implementation from Google.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanM

It can make a directory look cheap and second rate

That's what I'm curious about..

DanM · 11-18-2004, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn Steele

Yes, I've already got the ok on the implementation from Google.

That's what I'm curious about..

I think you blended it in well I dont see a real problem . some will be turn off others wont care ; cant please everyone .

Papadoc · 11-18-2004, 11:38 AM

It can look cheap but yours doesn't.

Salman · 11-18-2004, 11:58 AM

that's interesting that google gave you the ok to place adsense like that. It could also be because there see good potential in your directory in terms of listings in the future.

Salman · 11-18-2004, 12:59 PM

Actually after thinking about it, I think it lowers the quality of the site. If anything, some potential sponored listers might think that their link will be 'below the fold' since google adsense has take that top areas (although adsense is only shown on non-listed pages).

maybe have it on all pages but below a <hr> or something to make it look more like a non-adsense based directory.

Shawn · 11-18-2004, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salman

Actually after thinking about it, I think it lowers the quality of the site. If anything, some potential sponored listers might think that their link will be 'below the fold' since google adsense has take that top areas (although adsense is only shown on non-listed pages).

maybe have it on all pages but below a <hr> or something to make it look more like a non-adsense based directory.

Makes sense. A friend of mine sent me an email..

Quote:

The problem you will run into is that some visitors will see lots of
empty categories with Adsense and assume you set up Uncover to draw in
traffic to generate revenue from Adsense. They may question the
integrity of the directory.

So, I guess it's not worth risking the integrity of it, just for a few adsense dollars, so I took it off. Thanks for the help everyone

Salman · 11-18-2004, 01:42 PM

maybe you could do the opposite, show adsense on categories you HAVE listings for? wowdirectory has adsense but its down at the buttom and a small 468 ad size.

just an idea.

SFC · 11-18-2004, 01:52 PM

I would keep the adsense off your directory... Just my

DOS · 11-18-2004, 01:57 PM

It's a tough subject. If you put in a very unobtrusive banner in the unused categories it might be ok, especially if you are getting traffic on them like you said.

awall19 · 11-23-2004, 07:10 AM

no AdSense until your directory has had its reputation well established

I like how GoGuides included AdSense in their directory and search results
http://www.goguides.org/DIR/search.php?q=seo+book

Shawn · 11-23-2004, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awall19

no AdSense until your directory has had its reputation well established

I like how GoGuides included AdSense in their directory and search results
http://www.goguides.org/DIR/search.php?q=seo+book

I agree if ever, I was just testing