We're considering an overhaul of our current banner ad systems here at SEOmoz. I haven't been exceptionally pleased with the performance of the banner ads, and I feel that it may be taking away something from the site.
My plan is not to rid SEOmoz of ads entirely, but to move over to a model similiar to Threadwatch's interactive advertising, where companies can offer advertising posts once a week for a fee and get real responses and feedback, as well as greater exposure. A sponsored advertisement would appear similiar to a current blog entry, with the exception of having an (AD) notation in the title.
Before I make a decision, though, I'd like to hear what the readers think. After all, as much as we at SEOmoz control the content - it's YOU, the readers who make this site what it is and it should be your decision as to how we move forward with ads.
Please comment below and give your opinion on the ad situation.
P.S. Thanks to Adbusters for the cool image - subversive though they may be, they're a truly creative bunch.
EGOL - I definitely agree. The "ads" would all have to contain content that we approve and that offers something more than "buy now!, lowest price!, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday at the Superdome!"
Here's how to make it win-win-win.... the advertisers should be asked to post educational content - sometimes about their product and sometimes about improving websites in general.
This educational content is not to be confused with product hype - but instead it should show us something that the product can do and how it will benefit the webmaster.
Ad sellers could show research results on how traffic or visibility was increased. Log analysis sellers could show us real data and graphs and how their analysis can be used for decision making. Convention ads could give us a short summary of one of last meeting's presentations, software sellers could give us a limited time trial or a free version. Products could be offered free to seomoz readers in exchange for participation in a feedback thread right here. Nice discounts could be given for anyone who signs up via the seomoz link. Many advertisers already do these things so it should not be a lot of extra effort for them.
I think that this would provide something useful to the seomoz reader; the advertisers could strut their expertise and wear the white hat of generosity; and you would get good content and some income. Win-win-win.
I challenge any advertiser to put up a post that they feel will be eagerly read by site visitors - not because it is about their product, but because it is useful information to all.
Personally I dislike the idea very much. However, I do realize the financial benefits...
I am very interested in what you find becuse i am about to change the entire business model of syndk8 and that will include ramming it with adverts but spookily the other day i was thinking of copying the ad format you have and putting ads on the right and content on the left.
Your post has come at just the right time for me.
Same comment as Mick...didn't even realize you had ads, till this post. If you want to try the interactive ad style, go for it. A site's gotta eat, after all. :)
Got your banner ads blocked a long time ago. :-) It is a smart thing to move to the TW model, do that.
I never look at your ads. I always look to the left hand site of your site and just dont bother looking right.
I guess i have ad blindness