How do I start securing advertising for my website?
I run a network of entertainment websites currently doing millions of impressions monthly; almost 3 years old. We are getting to that point were we are on the verge of expanding and are in need of ads for these budding websites. I have no idea where to start attracting people for advertising or what the sales process is like.
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Oct 10, 2014
Hello, like Jeff the format and beeing IAB friendly is very important. But those part are technical, you can place and change the code easily.
But one important part is your audience.
To sell your inventory you need to know your audience in order to attract advertisers.
Secure your business by gathering information about them.
Behaviour, profiles, interests, age, gender, where they come from, how do you attract them. Use a heat map to see how they browse your website. And then you can place your ads. You can use affiliate program or sell by yourself, depending on how big is your team.
I think these are the first step to validate.
Know your audience and write down a Presentation
Adapt your advertising space and get be IAB friendly
After that, you can think of a strategy, how to sell your audience.
I share with you my years working at the advertising department of Yahoo, where i could analyse advertising inventories
Oct 10, 2014
An easy way to get started is by testing affiliate ads, rather than soliciting real advertisers, until you know how your site performs.
Start with Amazon Affiliates, Share-a-Sale, and similar platforms that will match you with industry-related ads you can run on your site.
If they perform well (clicks, conversions) record those rates and let potential advertisers know their expected return.
Oct 10, 2014
First things first I would get the demographics of your site. That will be the first thing I want to see besides doing my own research on your traffic. The second would be to see your pricing CPM and placement of where my banner(s) would be placed. The 3rd would be how easy would it be for me to split test various banners and be able to update them should I need to during off hours. Fourth I would take this information and put it on your site labeled "Advertise with Us" or something like that so I can do my own due diligence prior to following up with who ever will handle this for you. Also keep in mind what types of ads you do not want etc and the guidelines you want for your viewership.
Oct 12, 2014
Two ways..
first you can directly go to the Entertainment or Corporates or business communities and seek their sponsorship
or
You can get in tough with the Web Media Managers, who distribute the sponsors against commission.
Oct 13, 2014
Thanks Sharmila... good idea...!! From looking at my sites you have any in your roladex who you think might be interested in doing some advertising...??
Oct 13, 2014
I would start with Google Adsense. This will allow you to optimize your ad positions and determine a value for your ad spots based on keywords. Once you have established which ad positions on your site are most valuable and which ad sizes, then you can take this data with you when you speak to potential clients. Right now you are going to them with impressions but no value associated with them. Hope this helps.
Oct 9, 2014
Ricardo ...Quite frankly your sites are not advertising income generation optimized. All your side bar ads are below the fold. And, none of the sizes meet IAB standards. Until you correct those issues you're going to have a very difficult time getting advertising feeds.
Oct 9, 2014
Thanks Jeff.... We are kinda new at the advertising game and how 1 would go about getting them so this; your knowledge and advice is greatly appreciated. Message me and lets talk some more about it...
It would be greatly appreciated...
Oct 9, 2014
Once you have your ad positioning improved, Ricardo, there are plenty of advertising options to try.
If you want high commissions because you expect your audience to be in the buying mood, you might consider affiliate programs like Amazon or Commission Junction. You have to be an approved publisher but that's usually pretty easy. Then you can go in and select products that fit your audience and link to them with a variety of units. Some of these can pay in the $50/$100 commission (cable and satellite providers) or 3-10% of the price of the purchase (Amazon Affiliates). You do a little more work than the traditional display category, but you get more for your effort.
Looks like you already have Google Adsense. You might also consider Conversant. They offer CPM payments in addition to CPC.
Oct 9, 2014
For your homeowner site, I would recommend considering some type of affiliate engagement. You might look at security systems (which can pay pretty well), furnishings, home improvement, etc.
If you overperform with an affiliate on CJ, it's also possible to approach specific brands for a direct deal. Then your bounty goes up 2 to 3 times.
Oct 12, 2014
Thanks Derek... been trying to stay away from affiliates and pay per clicks. Am interested in your CPC idea... sounds good...!! Inbox me... lets chat...
Oct 10, 2014
The answer is a bit simple. Think of companies that their brands align with the message of your websites. Then shoot them an email and ask if they'd be interested in advertising with your site. They will either say yes or no. If they say yes schedule a phone call and you are on the way to closing your first sale.
Oct 12, 2014
Thanks Brittany... good idea...!! From looking at my sites you have any in your roladex who you think might be interested in doing some advertising...??
Oct 9, 2014
Hi Ricardo, from what I see, I dont think your websites are getting enough traffic, specially when you say Millions according to Alexa reports. To attract people to advertise you need to prove you have traffic.
Oct 10, 2014
Hello Ricardo, Congratulations on your success. First, the way to go is totally on your part to decide, there is no set way to accomplish what you have set as your goal. That being said, I would first try the methods of forums and blogging. These have the potential to reach the largest audiences.You could depending on your budget, locate a local radio station and record a News release, so local radio have some very large numbers of listeners. News paper ads might be a good method for you too.
If your existing business model is already drawing a good amount of traffic, a few email campaigns, to your own clientele. As always there are benefits to Social media as well. Good luck
Oct 12, 2014
Hi, Ricardo! We are a Google Certified Partner enjoying a strong relationship with our fellow Google Partner. Together, we manage over 500K a month.
Would love to assist you. The first thing we do are audits to ensure you are getting the best for your dollar. Additionally, there are things that will help build your quality score. The audits are free just good to give you direction.
Hope this helps,
Renea
Oct 10, 2014
The Dafreshest.com site was forbidden by my virus protection. I believe Jeff hit it on the head quite well, Just wanted to tell you about the other site.
Oct 10, 2014
Sorry Chris... it will be back up soon..!! I spoke to my partner who handles the technical side and he is currently using that advice and making adjustments...!! Check back soon... it will be up...
Thanks... good idea...!! From looking at my sites you have any in your roladex who you think might be interested in doing some advertising...??