we mentioned making revenue from blogs. But blogscertainly aren’t the only types of content online or the only types that canuse AdSense.
In an active Internet Community, users generate most of the content.You cannot completely control the keywords or the topics, which means AdSense might spring some surprises with the ads that show up. (Just havesome Alternate Ads handy, in case AdSense pulls up a series of non-payingpublic service ads.)Unlike passive surfers who like to explore your website for relevantinformation, forum members are very focused on their messages and there sponses they attract.
Many publishers that play host to Internet Communities complain ofnegligible CTRs, scattered keywords (low content relevance) and low cost perclick. What they don't realize is that Internet Communities are a hidden goldminewhich inspire fanatical loyalty, repeat visits, unique content and a highlevel of user involvement with the content.
Mega-brands such as Apple and Harley Davidson were built on the samefoundation — a deep sense of personal bonding, high involvement with the product and strong referrals. You can achieve the same result with yourwebsite!
While all Internet Communities are not the same, they do have the same keystrengths. You just need to recognize them and find new ways to cash in onthem — as some savvy web publishers are doing already!
On the next page you'll find a few ideas to spark off your imagination:
9.1 Forum Members are very focused on their topic of discussion. Adsthat appear on the top, bottom or side margins of the page maynot distract them from their main objective — which is to read and write the posts!
9.2 The best way to capture their attention is to put your ads at the end
of the top posting on each page. Posts that appear on top are read
more often, and usually set the tone for the rest of the discussion.
Many web publishers swear by Google's 728x90 leaderboard ad
with two ads trailing top-of-the-page posts.
9.3 What gets the most clicks in any forum?
The forum buttons of course! Put your ads close to these useful
buttons, sought out by users to search threads, create a new thread or
post a reply.
Without ever asking users to click, the heading "Deal of Day" turns theGoogle Ads into a recommended resource for finding the day's top deals.
Impressive forum stats, such as the number of members, threads and postsappear alongside the ads, making them look more legitimate. The sheernumber of users creates a sense of urgency to check them out before other members get their hands on the coveted deals!
9.4 Make sure you apply the same text formatting as the usergeneratedcontent. It's important to gain your users' attention first— then pitch your message when they're all ears!
9.5 Try putting the ads at the bottom of each post. If users spot thepattern and your click-throughs start to drop, try putting the ads atthe bottom of every alternate post. The key is to keep them guessing!
9.6 Don't break up a post by putting ads in the middle. Since forumshave user-generated content, people are more sensitive to theseintrusions and might be offended if you make it seem as if the ads aretheir personal recommendations
.9.7 Don't lump a bunch of ads together in the middle of the page. Itworks well with 'passive' visitors, but your forum members will readright around them!
9.8 Allow users to pull up targeted ads with a Google Search Box!How often has a forum posting piqued your interest enough to launcha Google search? Once? Twice? All the time? If you're anything likeme, the Google Search Box is an added convenience, welcomedby most users. It makes your visitors stay! And if they click an adfrom the results page, you make money!
Which of these strategies will work for your Forums?
Only time can tell — but don't forget to track your results with Google's FREEAdSense Channels. There are publishers who have made a fortune with theircommunity pages. It doesn't take rocket science. But a little persistence goesa long way!
