Everyone has seen the Google AdSense heatmap however, it is very limited and very general.
As an alternative we can look at the map in terms of where the content actually goes:
- Logo and title at the top
- Links on the left
- h1 tag in the center
- 300×250 AdSense ad on the left with content floated around it.
- An AdSense ad block directly below the content (468×60 above the comments if on a blog or a 300×250 if a site).
Ah! But this does not fit everyone, only those who have either a two-column layout with the links on the left or a three-column layout with the content in the middle.
Google leaves us hanging after this. Where do we go? What if I want to monetize a three-column layout with both sidebars on one side? Or what about just a single column on the right side?
Two Sidebars Floated Right
- Logo and title at the top.
- h1 with a 300×250 AdSense ad block directly below.
- Content floated next to ad block.
- 468×60 (if a blog) or a 300×250 ad block directly below content.
- Links on the first sidebar.
To monetize the layout further there are a few changes that can be made.
- Move the links to the far right, using the left side as an ad block. Your users eyes are guaranteed to cross the ad block.
- Leave the links on the left sidebar, but instead float the 300×250 ad block to the right. Both readers who come to read your content and those who want to click through links will see the ad block.
- Change the top 300×250 ad block to a 468×60 and place it directly below the h1 centered. Use images only for a clean look, but image/text will monetize the best.
Why use the 300×250 AdSense ad blocks and not the 336×280?
The 300×250 is a favorite of mine as well as Google’s. The ad block generally looks the best when floated allowing more words next to it. Repeat visitors are less likely to complain while new visitors are more likely to see the ad due to eye movement.
One sidebar, Right Side
- The exact same as the two sidebar, right side except less eyes may go to the right. This is because of less content being there and a smaller width.
How to monetize it further?
- With the additional width of the content available, you are able to show a wider ad block. The 336×280 is a great option.
- Instead of using the 468×60 ad block at the bottom, a wider width brings the 728×90 leaderboard to our discretion.
Have a Blog or Forum?
Google chimes in to give their take on the best ad placements for forums:
And blogs:
Written: Feb 19, 2008
Tags: ad locations, ad placements, adsense, google adsense
Thurday Reviews Edition 7 | Jean Costa Blog
February 21, 2008 @ 11:52 pm | Reply
[...] Digging Deeper into the AdSense Heat Map - I liked this post, its funny the more I read imp nerd’s blog the more I can relate myself to it, since I too am a webmaster. Anyways, this post offers photos, and insights on different adsense ad placement positions. A good read! [...]
horisly
October 28, 2008 @ 6:27 am | Reply
Great Tips, I think it is fit for me.