Adsense, Affiliates, and Advertising
Updated: 06/14/05 12:31:00 EST
Introduction.Over time, a range of affiliate programs, adsense and companies buying ad space on a CPM basis have been used. Here is one experience about their effectiveness, in providing income.Affiliate programs.Occasionally, there are programs, providing affilate income, which offer incredible CPM. This is relative to Adsense and direct advertising. However, it rarely lasts with any given program.Not paying.There is a problem with major brands not paying properly, on an affiliate program. It really hurts confidence and is a handy excuse to avoid joining any affiliate program.To get paid, the sponsor has to be sent details of transactions, which were not credited. Many times, they apologize and credit the correct amount. However, this hardly inspires confidence. Maintenance and cost.It requires quite a lot of time to rotate affiliate programs. This is necessary to provide appropriate offers to users, based on site content. Frankly, the time it takes is daunting, when not managed properly.Affiliate programs, offers, and payouts need to be checked all the time. Why? Companies leave affiliate networks. Or, they change their terms, to screw you over. Or, they don't convert. Or, in one case, they just go out of business! Adsense.Adsense, on the other hand, is fire and forget. Sure, there is a low CPM rate from it. But, it is ZERO hassle. It updates itself, to be relatively appropriate. Plus, it is easier to trust Google to pay regularly and mostly on-time. The only concern is being kicked out.Adsense vs. affiliates.Suppose a site is making 6 figure sums a year, through its advertising. It's well worth squeezing out, maybe another 20%, income with affiliates. What if you make 10k a year and spend a couple of hours a week rotating programs for the best return? Are you really up on the deal overall?Convenience, and reliability of payment, are always the main selling points for Adsense. When you value your time, you do not want to spend too much of it playing around with alternatives. At least this is true when the alternatives offer no clear advantage to Adsense earnings. Direct advertising.As a site gets bigger, expect to be contacted by companies, wanting to advertise direct. This is the best money maker of all. It replaces affiliate programs. Of course, this assumes the website has content someone sees as good for their advertising.Conclusion.The time spent playing with affiliate programs was time taken from doing other things, to make money. Time is money!Affiliates, adsense, and direct advertising are income generating options. But, it appears direct advertising is the most lucrative. Xanga Myspace LiveJournal | free pics images | free My space Backrounds |