Winners and an Ad Network – Need Your Thoughts
November 3rd, 2009
First things first…winners…
The 2nd winner of the Shade clothing $25 gift card is…
The winner of the Vintage Pearl $50 gift certificate is...Christie, from Divine Calling!
Email me please with “winner” in the subject line. :)
Now, I need your advice/thoughts…
I am thinking about joining a new ad network, but I want your thoughts as my readers. The ad would be one of those big long ones on the sidebar – it would be the first thing you see…the welcome would go below it.
I am having a hard time deciding. I like the idea of some extra bucks, plus the ad network is going to be very exclusive, which does give my blog more credibility when it comes to leveraging more opportunities. Those are the upsides…the downsides are that it is a big ad that takes away some of the pretty on my blog. Big ads can also be kind of obnoxious looking.
Even though I would still write whether I had a significant readership or not, I know I wouldn’t have the ability to make any money on ads if it weren’t for your continued support, so your thoughts matter to me.
Yay or nay on the ad network?
(More Titus tomorrow)
I say if the ads are representative of your content and not promoting something questionable or too commercial, go with it.
Otherwise, you might find that you do better by selling your own ads (I did an ad network once and now do my own- and I make more $ this way.) Ad networks usually require above the fold and that means smaller companies that are willing to pay nicely have to be moved down your page. I enjoy having only the ads I choose on my page- it does take more work sending invoices, but isn’t that much of a hassle!
Either way, it might be worth a try and you can always change your mind! Congrats on being asked into a network!
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing´s last blog post … One Year And Seven Weeks of Ivy’s Cheeks
Stephanie – “too commercial” – well, it’s definitely is going to be commercial!
You are very sweet to ask your readers! I personally struggle with blogs that are so covered in advertising you can’t find the message you were trying to read in the first place! But Steph is right, if you don’t like it, you can change it.
Blessings!
Cherie´s last blog post … Encouragement
Pray. Be still and listen. Ask yourself if allowing the ads help further His Kingdom. If the desire of the ads is money and greater readership, pray for provision and for God to continue to bless your ministry by sending readers of His choosing. God already knows your desires! And your faithful readers will continue to read regardless of ads.
I look forward to seeing where you are led on this. I’m struggling with the same issue…
Kristin gave some very godly advice. Pray and search for God’s wisdom.
I personally have no problem with blogs that display ad networks. It used to bother me before I realized that it provided each blogger with an income.
Regardless of what you do, I’ll still visit. :-)
Kelly @ Wisdom Begun´s last blog post … Homemade Christmas Gifts
Sarah Mae, the fact that you are asking us says so much…. Honestly, I read through a reader, so it would not make that much difference to me most days. But if I may speak for others – we come for content, and the fact that your blog is pretty is just icing on the cake. Do what your heart is telling you – but I don’t think you’ll lose any readers if you keep up what you’re giving us in your posts.
If it is a source of provision for you, then I think it is just a blessing. Your content will not change. What you do is a ministry that we all reap freely from and the Bible says that a worker is worthy of his wages; this might His way of providing for you because of the time you dedicate to this ministry!
Lisa Grace´s last blog post … Robbing People: A Past Time of the Christian Woman?
I would say if it’s useful then go for it. I have been trying to promote my own blog and add revenue without much success…would love to see it work for someone. Maybe then you could let us know how you did it!
Kristine McGuire´s last blog post … This Is It: The Creation of an American Idol
Unless a site is so covered with advertisements that it is more ad than site, the advertisements will not affect whether or not I visit/read. So I say go for it and, as others have mentioned, if you decide you really don’t like it, you can always take it down.
Rachel R.´s last blog post … ‘Tis the Season – Gifts for HIM
I find ads and sales pitches to be obnoxious, to be honest. I prefer quality content without always trying to sell something to the reader.
However, I’m hypocritical because I am thinking about running ads as well. I’m torn. See, I don’t want to clutter up my site or drive readers away by a commercial feel, but I could really stand to make some money. I’m leaning toward not doing it, but I waver.
If it helps at all, I will tell you that adding a big ol’ ad might make me do a big eyeroll, but it won’t keep me from stopping by because I find your posts thought provoking.
And now I feel all mean and stuff for being a dissenter.
Carrie – “a big ol’ ad might make me do a big eyeroll” LOL! Hey, I appreciate your honesty! :)
I personally don’t like ads on blogs. But I guess it is all in what is the purpose of your blog. I don’t mind when it is a company or person that the person is recommending from a personal experience or a hobby. Like a knitter shares where she buys her yarn, or sn Etsy artist. something like that.
We get ads bombarding us all over the world…driving, magazines, other places on the internet, email, mail, and for those that watch it, TV. IT is nice to have some places that are ad-free.
On the other hand, it is YOUR blog…so you should choose where you want to take it.
Sandee´s last blog post … Trick or Treat…..
Well you KNOW that wouldn’t keep me away – LOL! Nice to hear what everybody thinks. I don’t pay that much attention to those types of ads – sort of tune them out, so it doesn’t matter to me whether it’s there or not. I would miss the welcome at the top as it keeps it a little more personal. Also curious – where on your page will you promote your coffee? Wouldn’t you want that at the top?
Love ya either way and look forward to the input as I consider options for my blog as well!
Oooh Lisa, you make an excellent point about my coffee! Hmmmmm….now more to think about…
I do have a large Ad network on my blog and I am thinking of removing it. Mostly because of the restrictions the bigger Ad companies have in regard to giveaways etc and I like to have the freedom to write my blog how I want and how it fits my readers. I have seen others with the same Ad company do this successfully, but it just hasn’t been the same outcome for me. And I am okay with that. Eventually I may open up AD space for smaller WAHM companies (which I love and fully support) but I will have to pray about that first.
Overall, I will not stop reading if you have one of those large Ads….I ADORE your blog.
Tiffany´s last blog post … Halloween
This was obviously an issue I wrestled with and prayed over months ago when I did add one to my 1+1 blog. For me it came down to providing for my family in a way that was simple. As I studied Proverbs 31, I was even more convicted that I did the right thing. I was pouring my hear into my blogging ministry (that’s how I see my online life), and yet my family was not benefiting much. As I worked my way through Prov 31, I found that I can use my gifts and talents to financially bless my family and that does not make me less authentic (which was one of my main concerns about making money blogging).
Now, I will say, this is not the the right answer for all women, for all blogs, for all situations. I think God has different plans for each of us and our blogs. I am comfortable with my decision and the checks that have come in have been extremely helpful. God seems to keep validating that this was the right decision, as our missionary finances have taken a major turn for the worst and the extra income I bring in is allowing our missionary family to be more self-supporting.
So, there’s my 2 cents…or maybe closer to 50 cents. ;)
Either way, your blog rocks!
Carisa
Carisa´s last blog post … Raising Rock Stars ~ Noah’s Ark
Yay. And that is not exclusive to your question about the ad issue. I blog whether I have readers or not and to make a small income from it, I say why not.
I also say “YAY!” for finding your blog. I just read your post about your mom. My sister is in this situation right now and I kind of had given up praying for her. THANK YOU for that post. I am praying for her at this moment for her miracle.
Love the website and will be back. Oh, and I also am a SAHM/WAHM with a motorcycling husband. Banker during the week and a biker on the weekends!
Warm regards,
Michaele
Michaele´s last blog post … Joy Unspeakable
I don’t know… I agree about the “coffee comment”. I also am thinking here of late about “clutter” and how to keep that free from my life. SO, when I regularly read blogs that do have lots of adds, in their sidebars or have the adds that “pop up” in the middle of your page as your reading – I find it can be really distracting. It feels really clutterish! (to me) – if that’s even a word. Even buttons can get two much… for me, sometimes. I actually have this little secret thought; “Maybe if I ignore them (talking of adds), maybe they’ll go away”.
To each her own, I suppose. However, I think if they were WAHM advertisments or at least supporting of things you write about or personally promote… then go ahead. But KEEP your personality!!! Unless, you really do view your blog as though it were a magazine.
Hey, all I know is that I found your blog. I love it! and I look forward to this regular cup of coffee everyday…add or no add. Just one more thing, I like my coffee black – I don’t add anything. ;)
Bevy´s last blog post … Our AMAZING results! {from our own Halloween Challenge}
I agree on the clutter. My site is simple—like me. One could say it is simple because of my inexperience—and they could be right. But I really like the simple look. Less to dust! LOL!
I have had 2 ad networks, and I was generally pleased with both. I removed one when they made too many demands about the content of my site, and then I removed the other when I became convicted about how we eat and was blogging so much about that topic. I didn’t want to endorse the food companies that were advertised on my sidebars, and I felt I was compromising my credibility so I opted out of that network. I miss the income though! :-)
I will now only sign on with an ad network where I can opt out of the campaigns that I don’t like.
I also hate clutter so I try to keep them to one or two ads at the most, and only on my sidebar. I refuse to do the ad at the top.
It’s a very personal decision, and I think most of the time readers respect that.
Good luck with your decision!
I do all my reading in Google Reader and so it doesn’t bother me! Just keep doing what you do and I will be a faithful follower!
Becca
Sweet Sarah Mae,
I say go for it! You are in just my own opinion called to do what you are doing!
You are a Mom at Home spending and teaching time with your children which we all know is sooooooo valuable. BTW I love to browse around your blog sometimes and that sweet sweet baby gives me the “baby fever.” All your children are beautiful.
Anyway, you write so beautifully and are one of the people here doing great things.
You have certainly encouraged me. And given just a moment of your time to listen. That means the world to some people. Myself included. It takes some very special people to be willing to reach out to others, no matter what!
So, yes I say you should earn a few extra bucks!
And let this lead you in ways with blessings abound.
If I can find a blog button I will link you up.
Now, I am loving all the giveaways you have recently posted and it was hard for me not to enter! :)
But I wanted someone else to win and feel as great as I did, even if a great outfit.
Now, let me honestly say, when I wrote to you and you replied with some very wise answers and made me “see” some very important issues I needed to deal with……..I would still have loved your blog as much, even if I didn’t win the giveaway.
Also did I read here that you are getting your own coffee line?
Please let me know about this! I’d love to try it.
Many thanks and God’s blessings upon you!
A girl named Joy :)
Okay I like saying that.
Oh 1 more thing
I just received Serena’s book Grace Is For Sinners yesterday and cannot wait to have a quiet moment to dig in!
Have a great week!
It won’t bother me….your content is what I love :)
Christin´s last blog post … Memoirs of Diligence ~ Unplugged
Every decision I make for my blog is one I pray about- God will give you peace with the decision that is right for you… as your reader, I would still be here either way as I enjoy reading and learn from what you write.
Melissa Multitasking Mama´s last blog post … Just like a tree…
My first thought is, “Why does the welcome go below it?” Sorry, but that already makes me think they want to be more important than you are on your own blog.
I’m not a fan of big ads and find them distracting. However, they rarely distract me enough to keep me away from a blog. My biggest concern is that somewhere in trying to keep the ad company happy you might lose the feel and the “Sarah Mae” of your blog. That is definitely something I’d hate to see happen.
That said, I’m not going to quit reading your blog because of an ad and I don’t think your regular readers will either. It’s your blog to do with as you want. If it will be a blessing to your family and you want to do it then do it. Thanks for asking our opinions though. What does your hubby say about it?
Bonita´s last blog post … Help for Free Spirits
Bonita – he is all for it. No worries, this blog will never lose the “Sarah Mae.” :)
It always made me sad to see some of the bloggers I had loved and read for years get “monetized.” Somehow the intimacy went out of the reading experience.
Then I got over it.
And am constantly amazed at the power of women to provide for their families from the comfort of their computers. I think, at the end of the day, we understand.
thegypsymama´s last blog post … He sees Me
I’ll click on them for you!
Hannah´s last blog post … Be Aware….
if you added a second column to your side bar (three column format) you could keep the pretty face (yours) at the top and the ad beside it.
melissa stover´s last blog post … Boys
Go for it- I come for the content, not the pretty, and really, those sidebar ads are such a part of just about everything I look at on the web that I don’t even look at that part of a page – for example, I had to scroll over your page and check out the area you were referring to because I had never really noticed what was there before. It’s like my eye is trained to ignore that area of a page. Just my 2 cents.
How exciting! I sent you an email… let me know if you don’t receive it; I’ve been having some email issues! :)
Christie´s last blog post … A Little Fall Fun
Christie – I don’t think I received it…
Okay, just resent the email from a different email address… Gotta get my IT hubby to figure out what’s wrong with my main email! :)
Christie´s last blog post … A Little Fall Fun
I think it’s fantastic to be able to be able to provide for your family in that way! I say go for it! Like so many said, “if you don’t like it, take it down.” (if it’s that simple).
Sarah´s last blog post … A few zoo pictures