You already know that ad units placed above the fold tend to get the most clicks.
But did you also know that Google automatically places the highest-earning ads in the first ad unit on the page?
That's very helpful. Before you've done any optimization, you're already getting the most valuable ads in the best spot on your page.
The problem comes when you start optimizing.
When AdSense allocates ads to ad units it does it on a first-come-first-served basis. The best ads go in first, the lowest-paying last... and if Google runs out of inventory, the Public Service Ads will be last.
Normally, that's not a problem. But if you're using DIV tags or tables or some other formatting code, it's possible that the first piece of AdSense code to appear in your HTML will not be the first to appear on your Web page.
That means your highest-paying ads could be appearing in places where you'd really prefer them not to turn up... like at the bottom of the page.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't be using DIV tags or other formatting code. It just means that you need to be aware that when you're doing it, the result could be not only better placement for your ad units but worse placement for your best ads.
It also means though that if you're not getting your best clickthroughs on the first ad unit on a page, you're not making the most of your site's revenue potential.
If, for example, you have a leaderboard at the top of your page but most clicks are made on a square ad unit embedded in an article, you might want to try removing the leaderboard and comparing your results. You might find that the extra cost-per-click on your most popular units make up for the lost clicks on the leaderboard.
What are your experiences with this?
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
March 9, 2007 10:22 AM
For me the worst problem is that I don't know what you are talking about because I'm not familiar with DIV tags,optimizing of ads et c. I can't even place an ad without help. Where can I go to learn? I can't afford books, live 8mls from town have no transportation. Thx for any good idea, Dieter.
March 12, 2007 03:29 PM
how do i know which google adsense ads are being clicked on?
November 4, 2007 08:44 PM
Peter
Using channels, when you make your ads.