Clickspiration archives
Stuck for ways to advertise on your blog? Or just wanting a fresh approach? Either way, we've got plenty of suggestions!
The fact that blogs consist of large quantities of text make them ideal candidates for inline text ads - the pop-up boxes that appear when visitors hover over an underlined phrase or word in copy.
While some claim such ads can be irritating and spoil a read, use them well and there's no reason why they should distract any more than a standard text link.
Virtually all ad programs offering inline text provide features for formatting its appearance, allowing you to tone down underline colors and even specify one underscore instead of the usual two.
It's often possible to specify exactly which content you'd like included, too, simply by applying easy-to-apply 'comment' tags that mark out specific areas in the html code.
Text types galore
Yet another appealing aspect of inline text is the large number of different formats available. Ranging from high-impact, chunky containers to sleek and decidedly contemporary looking designs, there's usually a type that's right for you.
Some, such as Miva's pop-ups, have different looks and colors that can be applied just at the click of a button; others allow publishers who are confident with CSS styling to make customised changes.
What's more, because setting up the ads involves adding just a single line of code to the page, it's easy to set up, track, then remove if it doesn't prove successful.
Images and rich media
Although blogs are generally considered a textual medium, entries will often contain images and, increasingly, video content too.
Adbrite provide a fantastic way to monetize such content by embedding ads into images themselves, a format that's simple to set up, relatively non-intrusive, and definitely worth investigating.
A similar embedding feature is available for your own video content, and since your referral id will remain in place throughout any further distribution, if your video is downloaded and used elsewhere you'll continue to be paid for any clicks to advertising.
Definitely a strategy worth considering if you're a budding filmmaker with a great idea for a viral movie!
Google AdSense units
If you're a seasoned marketer, Google's AdSense program will certainly be one you're familiar with; but for affiliate program newbies Google still provides one of the very best options for blog advertising.
Various formats are available, including image banners and even referral units operating on a Pay Per Action basis. The 'original' is arguably still the best, however, particularly if you're looking for a low-key, non-intrusive advertising solution that perfectly complements the classic blog layout.
Chitika goes contextual
Initially conceived as an advertising program specifically for bloggers, Chitika's classy, innovative formats have always been worth investigating.
The company's new move into contextual advertising will add a whole new dimension to its marketing flexibility, and for bloggers, Chitika provide some great little units that fit very discreetly within or under text.
They're currently in the process of being revised, but updating should be complete any day soon and will certainly be worth checking out.
And don't forget to check out our article on smargeting repeat traffic for some surprising ways to target regular readers!
