Adsense Alternatives - How to Monetize Your Website by Selling Ad Space - By: Luke Bryant

Not sure how to monetize your Ad Space? Of course Google Adsense is a great place to start but there is one Adsense alternative which you should consider. After spending time and money promoting your blog or website, it seems only fair to make the most of your efforts.

Sell Advertising Space Direct
Why share your profits with ad networks? You can sell your Banner Space direct to advertisers and marketers yourself. All you need is an "Advertise Here" link and to promote your Ad Space.

Ad networks take a commission of 20-50% (depending on which network). Also, according to the IAB, publisher's inventory is discounted up to 90% by ad networks because of the oversupply.

If you decide to sell Advertising Space direct, you will save on commission and potentially get a higher price.

There's another benefit to selling direct to advertiers: you can sell based on time. For example, you can offer placements for a week, fortnight or a month. Rather than having to rely on viewers to click on a Banner Ad or to visit your website, you can obtain a specific amount of advertising revenue for that period of time.

How to Sell Ad Space
To find advertisers, contact websites you believe would be interested in advertising with you. You may also list your available spots at an Ad Space Auction website like Bidswamp.com. Auctioning off your Ad Space is a good way to find out its market value.

You should be aware, however, that there is more work involved in selling privately compared to taking the passive choice of employing an agency or ad network. Automated systems provide you with full reporting, enabling you to see how many clicks/impressions you served.

Unsold Inventory
While you are trying to sell Ad Spots, don't waste a single impression. You can still use the benefit of network placements such as Google Adsense, Chikita, AdBrite and ValueClick for unsold inventory. Remember, while they provide a relatively easy to use option, networks shouldn't be your only or primary revenue source.

Start by firstly selling Banner Ads directly. Contrary to prior belief, Banner Advertising is certainly not dead. Not only do Banners look flash on a website, they provide a larger profit potential.

Most websites and blogs start off by using Google's prominent ad network. The benefits are largely time saving and detailed reporting. However, placing only Google sponsored links gives your website more of a recreational feel, as opposed to that professional touch.

Further, the Ads are placed automatically by the ad networks, limiting your ability to screen individual placements. There is no initial outlay but there is a relatively large commission taken out of the advertising revenue before the balance is passed to you after some time. Network Ads should be used only for periods when your Ad Space remains unsold through the direct sale method.
When to Start?

There is no ground rule on how much traffic you need to have before selling Advertising Space for Banner Ads. It all depends on your niche and your target audience. If you feel uncomfortable selling Banner Space direct, create a Google Adsense account and experiment with ad placement, sizing and formats.

Don't settle for a mediocre income; use your web pages to their full potential.

About the Author

Writer of Banner-Advertising.info, an information source on internet advertising, Banner Ads and other online marketing strategies. Luke Bryant has a degree in Information Technology with secondary major in Economics after graduating in 2000. Since, he has gained extensive experience in online advertising and marketing tactics through building his own successful online businesses.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Luke-Bryant/60933

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