What Not To Do With Ads

While I don’t (nor do I plan) to do this often, I have decided to compose a post while I am mad. Yes, I will step up on my soap box and let my voice be heard. Why am I mad? Glad you asked!

I have been searching (intently I might add) for a new swing set. Our son is two and we have been planning for about a year to make this purchase. Of course, I started my search on the internet. Things went fairly well over the weekend. We compared prices and browsed through a few local showrooms. For the most part, we decided what we wanted to buy.

Now, I must let everyone in on a little secret about me. I love talking about money, finances, getting deals, investing, and so on. So naturally, I plan on thinking and shopping all the “other” options before I make my final decision. I am not saying I won’t spend an arm and a leg for a particular product. Deep down I just want to make sure I am making the most wise decision. Yes, $25 can break a deal for me. Moving on…

This brings us to present day. I have now spent several days looking at lots of websites, talking with sales people, and browsing Craig’s List. It all came crashing down earlier today. Things just haven’t worked out. Reluctantly, about 2 hours ago I decided to spend a few short minutes looking through some classifieds or browsing Google for used swing sets. I wasn’t prepared for what I learned. Not about swing sets, but about how to NOT advertise ads/adsense/”fill in the blank” on your website.

I know the story was long and boring but I am sure everyone has felt this way before. Here is what I learned.

1. Make it real. Let me know someone actually exists behind the site. Maybe there should be a contact page with some information–you know, like an actual email address. Whatever robot is producing the site claims to be an expert. Well, let me contact the expert and ask a few questions.
2. The ads shouldn’t be the only content on the site. Hey, I want to make money too, but offer something more than just 6 sentences with maximum number of ads placed on your site. I wouldn’t mind seeing the ads if there was something more to the page.
3. Offer something more than just text. Maybe actually do some research and list a few options. Maybe scrap some customer reviews or other classifieds (upon owners consent of course)? Maybe include local information? I would like to read something more than just fluff. Give me some meat. Make me want to come back and spend time on your site.
4. At times it is  needed to be basic, but very rarely. Offer something more than the obvious. This might take a little more research but in the end it will make a huge difference in readership.
5. Put a little time into your site. Hey, I can build a basic site in 8 minutes and start posting things as well. Is that really how you want to do things. Sometimes, only very rarely at that, this method is okay. Don’t make it your biggest priority but spend time (or should I say…money) on making your site/blog appealing.

Whew, I am now stepping off my soap box.

I am now down. I feel better.

I know it was hard, but it was directed to me as well. I have fallen victim to the “I want money now at the expense of my readers syndrome” too. As sites flood the web maybe we should all think about what we are trying to offer and where we plan on being in 5 years. After reading what I wrote I have a personal site I plan on fixing tomorrow…that or take it down.

Maybe I forgot something? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Related posts:

1. A New Wooden Swing Set
2. 5 Blogging Apps For Your iPad