Even when I first started this blog, I was seeing a lot of sites and blogs offering and giving away free advertisements in form of text links, 125X125 ad or whatever. Some people are even reluctant to give them away in contests or as an incentives like this blog for example (the incentivized q and a sessions). But the most common trend nowadays, is contests which claims to have $XXXX in advertising galores. Of course, its easy to say “I’m going to sponsor this spot worth $XX”. And saying that it worths that way doesn’t really mean it’s really the value of that.
Well don’t get me wrong, I am not against those stuffs and contests, sponsors that give away these things. In fact I do even sponsor something here as well in form of an adspot. But my point here is that, these free adspaces can really give you a nice estimate of how much you are really getting w/advertising. I mean, an adspot oftentimes is priced higher than the value it gives but one thing to keep in note when you advertise is not just the clickthroughs you are getting, remember that more than the clicks is what is called as “brand awareness”. Most of the time, people come to my site and tell me “I am seeing your site’s “my blog sucks” slogan on most forums and blogs so I just thought I would give you a visit” And actually thats it. Brand recognition is like you want to get all people reading that blog to know that you have a website. This way people will be more aware of your brand/product and believe me it helps in the long run.
So what about the free adspaces you keep on receiving day in and day out? My advice is always take a chance to use it. You don’t need to expect something “good” that quick with it, but then there will come a time wherein all the readers and commenters of that blog will also start commenting on yours and start following your blog. And of course, its always nice to get something for free, even if it seems to be of trivial value. 🙂
I would recommend giving out free ad spots when you’re first starting out, but not after that.
That is one of the reason why I don’t buy banner space on other sites. I think it’s a complete waste of money.
Free ads are good for starters. You don’t need to spend to bring in traffic. What’s bad about that?
Melvin Reply:
December 15th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
but sometimes you just dont really need to expect a lot about it… but again as you’ve said its good.
I do not think they have value at all. That is just my two cents.
There is no harm , offering these ad stuff for free and yes off course thse free stuff has some worth. My OIO publishers shows that the free link that i have provided to one of the contest winner gets 50 to 60 Clicks every week, thats is not a bad deal at all. What say.
I guess there is no harm in trying something that’s free. Some may have value if there is traffic and relevance.
I’m happy to give away free advertising spots in contests but I never give them a value and claim it as part of the prize pool. It’s ridiculous and I think most readers see through that sort of thing anyway.
I agree, I took advantage of this one free ads but it’e been ages but my banner didn’t appear on that blog…I was like, wt? That’s a fraud I think, but what can I do…I just think everyones different…Why?
I OFFER FREE BANNER/LOGO DESIGNS FOR BLOGS just asking a little post about it linking back to me…it doesn’t matter if its the shortest post ever…What dou you think about that?
Melvin Reply:
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
i just thought you’re looks are enticing enough to convince me to do that.. 😉
just joking… I need to think girl.