What are ad links?
Link units are a new form of text advertising that we’re offering to our AdSense publishers. Using the same contextual targeting algorithm that targets Google ads to your content pages, link units display a list of topics that are relevant to your page. Each topic, when clicked, brings the user to a page of related advertisements.
It’s one of the ad formats that have be recently introduced to AdSense. But why would it not work on your blog? Here’s a rundown of points against it.
- It takes 2 clicks to earn from it. Unlike text and image ads, reader will need to click on the AdLinks first, then they are redirected to a Google page of advertisers where it needs another click in order for you to be credited for it. Howerer, a regular visitor will eventually find out about it on the first click and chances are they won’t click again. The worse scenario is that your reader closes the browser and you loose any more potential reads that may result to an ad click.
- Ad Links have very short span of attention compared to a full text ad. Readers tend to click on ordinary links that interest them hoping for more content. The second page of Ad Links do not provide this. It even looks like a pop-up spam page and could drive away your readers.
- They are too deceptive, giving the impression that other links may also result to the same ads and could eventually discourage readers not to click on links anymore.
- They don’t randomly change a lot. So, if the readers frequent your site, they would always see almost the same ad links and be already immune to them.
The only type of site with which I think Ad Links can surely bring in revenues are Online Directories and Yellow Pages. This is because these type of sites behave almost similar to the link units and thus, can theoreticlaly bring in a sizable number of clicks.
toni says:
I kinda find it amusing that you have adlinks published anyways….is it working for you now?
google adwords software says:
thank you for your blog, it’s informative
adwords tools says:
I’ve bookmarked your blog. Will visit again
google adwords says:
Your Blog is so fruitful to read, thank you. Keep your good work.
Travis Armstrong says:
It’s been a long time since I so enjoyed reading posts in the net. Two thumbs up!
Abe Olandres says:
It’s all about the right ad format for the right site. Check here for the full transcript of the recent Google AdSense Optimization Webminar.
mr nice ash says:
im hopeless with this adlinks thing.
Kates says:
Adlinks didn’t work with me. I will have to agree that it is a little deceptive. I even hide the “Ads by Google” title which made it even worse. I revert back to standard text ads and I now have more clicks than before (an increase of 1 click is more?).
Manuel says:
What doesn’t work on one site may work on another. So, it will help to test these tips on your own site. You’ll either confirm them, or you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Keep on testing, folks! :-)
Abe Olandres says:
Hi Mike,
With the ad placements you have on your site, I reckon the ad link units would have greatly contributed to the clicks you get from it. I myself have been deceived by the ad link units from other blogs on two separate ocassions.
Your blog is quite diverse and have rich content. I would surmise that first time visitors are really eager to read more of your entries which resulted to the overwhelming clicks on the ad links.
IO ERROR says:
Not true at all. I thought link units would be under-performing but I’ve had them on my site a little while and my AdSense revenue has gone up quite a bit. And almost 2/3 of it is from the link unit!
retz says:
im a bit on n00b stage when it comes to google adsense, buti na lang you share these nowhereelse infos. ty ditow kuya abe!