What Works Better – Banner Ads or Text Links?

Feb 28, 2023 | Blog, Web Design

Maximizing Your Website’s Advertising Revenue: Finding the Right Balance Between Banner Ads and Text Links

As an entrepreneur, you’ve probably wondered which type of advertising works best for your website – banner ads or text links? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a variety of responses. The key is to recognize that adding advertising to your website is a process of trial and error.

Tracking the conversion rates of ads on your site is crucial. Pay attention to which type of ads work best and where they are placed. Some website owners find that visitors respond best to ads immediately under the posts, while others see the best response from ads in the sidebar. Color is also important. Try to choose advertisements that complement your color scheme. Ads that blend in with your site foster a sense of confidence in your site visitors because they look like they’re part of the site instead of being placed randomly.

While banner ads allow for the use of pictures or animation in your advertisement, they also have some disadvantages, including banner blindness. Most consumers will navigate around banners to read the content they want to see. Some banners may even annoy site visitors, especially if they flash on and off rapidly.

In contrast, text links are often viewed as trustworthy and have higher click-through rates than banner ads. Text links load faster and are rarely blocked by web browsers. Unless you run a shopping website, visitors are seeking information, not ads specifically. Banners might grab attention, but they rarely generate high click-through rates.

Before you place ads on your website, it’s important to fully understand the settings for your advertising network. Some networks, such as Google Adsense, allow you to restrict certain categories so they never appear on your website. For example, if you’re running a family-friendly website, your visitors may not appreciate ads promoting a get-rich-quick scheme or male enhancement product. Blocking ads that aren’t relevant to your website or that might be deemed offensive by visitors can ensure high relevancy and soaring click-through rates.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between banner ads and text links will depend on your website and your audience. It may take some time to find the right mix, but by carefully tracking the conversion rates of your ads, you can optimize your website’s advertising revenue and deliver the best possible experience for your visitors.