Share Your Thoughts On Blog Advertising

Welcome to What’s On Your Mind – a place to share your thoughts and see what others think about issues near and dear to a blogger’s heart!

This Week’s Topic: Advertising

When asked “What blogging topics would you most like to learn more about”, monetization was high on most people’s list – so this week, I thought it would be interesting to start a discussion on blog advertising!

How does advertising affect your perception of a blog? How much is too much? Do the amount and types of ads you see on a blog impact your decision to follow them? What benefits have you reaped – or problems have you experienced – by the ads you’ve placed on your blogs?

The official questions are below but, as always, you are welcome to discuss anything related to this topic (just keep it family-friendly, please!) The information you share benefits us all, so we eagerly await your response!

Questions

1. Do the quantity and types of advertising on a blog affect your perception of a blog (and your decision to follow or not follow)?

2. What benefits or problems have you experienced as a result of advertising on your blog?

Thanks for participating and have a fabulous weekend, my friends!

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52 Responses to “Share Your Thoughts On Blog Advertising”

Read below or add a comment...

  1. Maura says:

    If I see raunchy ads, I won't want to read a blog.
    I hate seeing google adsense ads in the middle of the post – same w/ the ads with underlined word links and ads pop up when you are hovering over a word – way annoying!

    As for my advertising, I'm just not finding one source that pays anything decent. I really want a pay per view, rather than click, ad source. But my blog isn't big enough….
    🙁

  2. spearmint baby says:

    i have no problem with ads on blogs. as long as they are organized nicely and not cut off i say, YES!
    i blog for my career and know how much work it takes to keep a daily blog- anyone who does this should be compensated ;))

    xo, shari
    (a post i wrote today about the 1st way i started making money on my blog:)
    http://www.spearmintbaby.com/2011/04/blogging-101-time-to-make-money.html

  3. Marlene says:

    I just ignore the ads.

  4. Grandma Yellow Hair says:

    Good question to have here for discussion. I have been approached by a dozen companies to advertize for them but after giving the first offer a lot of thought and turned it down I have followed suit since.
    It does not effect me following someone but if there are too many then I don't go by often because I have too much trouble downloading their sites.
    Just wanted to wish you a Happy Easter
    Love
    Maggie

  5. Love You Always & Forever says:

    I currently don't charge for ads, but I also don't give free advertising. Mainly I advertise for the companies that sponsor my giveaways right now. Maybe someday I will feel my blog is worthy enough for people to pay for a spot! LOL! As for other blogs, I hate it when a blog is over taken by ads or they are in the middle of a post. It is really distracting! LOL!

    I love all your topics you have each week and look forward to stopping by to read them! Thanks for the info on my possible Alexa Hop as well! I appreciate it!

    Visiting from Real Mom's Alexa Hop!

    Stacie

  6. Terra says:

    I am not a big fan of blog advertising…I even tried it once on my blog or about 6 months…it changed the whole way I felt about my blog. That is just my opinion.

  7. Xenia says:

    Great topic! I agree with Maura and Stacie that having distracting ads in the middle of posts is a little too much for me, but I'm all for having them in the sidebar, etc. Like Shari said, it takes a LOT, LOT, LOT of work to run a blog and selling my ads is one way that it makes it worth it!

    Thanks for joining us for Friendly Friday once again, have a wonderful Easter weekend!

  8. Diane Writes says:

    Hello Paper Princess! Thank you for following my blog. It made me happy. I'm already following you too.

    I have nothing against blogs that host ads. For me, there is nothing wrong in earning money through blogging. Hosting ads combines the author's passion to write and earning some money. But in my own opinion, hosting ads should be limited to some extent. The ads should not defeat the real purpose the blog's existence. The ads should not occupy a big portion of the blog. They should be kept organized and does not appear to be covering the a significant space in the blog.

  9. I am Harriet says:

    Ya gotta pay the bills somehow however, overkill is just that.

    Have a great Friday!

  10. Sabina Bint Benjamin says:

    It depends on the ads and what the products represent whether I would have them on my blog or not. I understand the concepts of using your blog to make money, but i prefer to use ads I trust are good. I'm still learning about it all though.
    Running a blog is hard work, but I am big on keeping things in balance these days so I don't go overboard on anything. I want to keep the enjoying it and i don't want it to become a joy. It used to stress me out at first or at times I would burn out trying to keep it all fresh. Like right now my blog is running its first big giveaway, I'm doing my part daily to advertise it. Sure it would be nice if it lands a lot of entries, but if it doesn't I won't stress. I would really like to do is more reviews (I'm patient)

  11. Stacy Uncorked says:

    Ads don't determine if I'm going to follow a blog or not – but like others have mentioned, the ones that are in the middle of a post are very distracting (and annoying). 🙂 I got rid of Google Adsense because they tend to be annoying, and they really didn't pay. Ads in a sidebar are excellent way to go – that way it doesn't distract from the blog posts themselves. 🙂

    Be Kind 2 Earth Day – Aloha

  12. Simply Stacie says:

    I need the ads to afford my hosting. I'm on my own server now and it's so darn expensive. Ads don't bother me except those ones that are the underlined with links popping up.

  13. dlmsliceofpie says:

    I'm struggling with this regarding a business blog I host. I'll never put ads on my creative blog … it is just for fun and I don't like creative blogs that are filled with ads. So what to do with my business blog? Still haven't decided.

  14. Cuzinlogic says:

    I have nothing against blogs that have ads, but too many ads can be distracting and annoying.

  15. Pamela says:

    I only have advertising that is relevant to my blog. As long as you don't overdo it, I think it is acceptable.

    Following you from blog hop!
    http://www.savingwithpam.com

  16. Sue says:

    My policy so far has been to "just say no," and I will continue to say no because I don't want the ads to influence the personality of my blog, as they inevitably must.

    However, I don't judge others for placing ads, as long as it's not over the top. If I were a young mother trying to earn some money, maybe I'd do it myself.

    It does change the feeling of the blog a bit, though. No way around it.

    =)

  17. Mama Chocolate says:

    I am not usually bothered by ads on other blogs, as long as they do not dominate the page, distracting from the actual content.
    I haven't done too much with advertising yet, but I've made a little money from a couple companies.
    I hope to do more and gradually be able to charge more as I get more traffic, so I can keep the amount of ads to a minimum.

    (Stopping by from the Alexa Hop!)

    Johanna at Mama Chocolate
    Family life, tips for mom, reviews, giveaways and more!

  18. Judy says:

    Hi,

    Thanks so much for stopping by my two blogs and leaving such nice comments. Much appreciated.

    Advertisements on blogs don't bother me one way or the other. They don't influence whether I'm going to follow a blog or not. In fact, I'd like to look into adsense through blogger and see where it takes me. Just don't seem to be interested in it at the moment though.

    Have a blessed Easter weekend.

    Blessings,
    Judy

  19. Laura says:

    Great feedback! Thanks for this post! I run ads but I plan on having a limit. However, as others said it is hard work and the bills have to be paid!!

    Laura
    http://www.agoddessoffrugality.com

  20. Jenny says:

    I think there is a limit to the amount of ads one should have. Too many is very distracting and annoying. I'm not against them, but I only have two and they are in my sidebar.

    (from Alexa Hop)

  21. Jennifer says:

    I have been testing out various forms of advertising on my blog and am weighing the advantages/disadvantages against the money they bring me. I currently use info links and am waiting for the end of the month to see what the pay out amount will be. If it is substantial, I will keep it…if not I won't. A lot of us bloggers are SAHM who need the money to keep their household running. Very good topic for discussion! Stopping by from the Alexa Hop. You can read my Alexa Post here: How To Find Products To Review
    -Jen Makobi Scribe

  22. SquirrelQueen says:

    I don't mind ads as long as they are tasteful and don't interfere with the posts or the way the blog loads. Some blog ads make loading very, very slow. I like the way yours are laid out.

    While I do a lot of reviews and giveaways on occasion on my blog I don't have any ads, just personal choice.

  23. Julie says:

    I tend to shy away from blogs with too many ads.

    Great post! Following from the Welcome to the Weekend blog hop. 🙂
    http://juliesbits.blogspot.com/
    http://dinkalulu.blogspot.com/

  24. Callista says:

    I sell ads on my blog although I don't currently have any. I agree with the majority here that ads are fine as long as they aren't overboard and not the ones in the post. Ads should stay in the sidebar as far as I'm concerned.

    Visiting from (both) the Alexa hops.

    Callista's Ramblings

  25. The Old Block House says:

    My complaint with ads are when they make a page too busy and look disorganized. If it hurts my eyes, I'm not sticking around to read anything.

    Currently, I'm trying to figure out just how to do the "ads" that are on the blog for free. I don't want them to be a turn off to potential readers.

    Following from Lower Alexa Hop.

  26. Skye says:

    the ads with random underlined words that have ads that pop up when you are hovering over them..horrible.. REALLY horrible..

  27. Darcy says:

    I don't mind ads – I sell advertising space on mine.

    However, I don't like blogs that don't disclose sponsored posts. I might still follow, but that's a turn off.
    I hatehatehate popup ads, especially when it covers content. I will avoid those.

    Ads in the middle of a post or are laid out to make the post look confusing are a big turn off – you shouldn't be trying to trick me into clicking. I don't like the keyword ads either.

    Sidebar, a little up top and at bottom of the page are fine. I don't like moving ones too much b/c they can be distracting and slow down loading.

    If the content seems to be lost and drowning amongst the ads, then I stay away. If it looks nice, I don't care if the whole sidebar is ads.

    ~Darcy @ Tales From the Nursery~
    http://www.darcyandbrian.com

  28. TheAngelForever says:

    I once had BlogHer Ads on my blog. I liked them until they started to dictate what I could and could not do in MY space. Soon after this I became a part of the Lifetime Mom ads network. I like them because they promote family friendly items that go with my views. IF we ever find something that crops up – we notify them and it is taken care of immediately.

  29. Mary says:

    Happy Saturday!
    Wanted to stop by and say hello then I saw this lovely post. I think Ads are fine. Most of the time I don't pay to much attention to them. What really bothers me is the fonts and backgrounds on some blogs. If it's black for me (eye problems) it's really hard to see so I usually just move on. Tiny writing is also a no no.

    Happy Easter!

    Mary

  30. Mrs4444 says:

    Sometimes, ads slow the page-load time down. If a page consistently takes more than a couple of seconds to open, I'll stop visiting. I like blogs with ads, as long as the blogger's focus is non-advertising related. A review now and then is fine, but constant pitching doesn't appeal to me; I can watch TV for that 🙂

  31. missykade says:

    I love this topic!!! I simply CANT STAND clicking on a blog and having pop up/under/over ads come out! It usually opens up in IE and literally STOPS my computer. I will shut it down and NEVER visit a site again that has pop up ads! I almost feel like I've been violated in some way. My choice of reading or looking at an ad has been taken from me!

    As a full time blogger, it takes a LOT of hard work!! I work on my blog all of the time, full time actually. I don't make money off of my blog, even with some ads on there!

    I have them there but not in a push it in your face kind of way! I can't stand it when people try to push me into buying something, but if I see something that I would buy myself, I will mention a good deal.

    1. Do the quantity and types of advertising on a blog affect your perception of a blog (and your decision to follow or not follow)?

    Yes, as I mentioned above. All it takes is one pop up ad and I'm gone! I also can't stand blinking and flashing ads! It just does something to my SPD issues and sends me into a meltdown, I can't focus on the blog if something is flashing at me!

    2. What benefits or problems have you experienced as a result of advertising on your blog?

    It slows down the load time for SURE! I try to keep ads to a minimum on my blog, except for those sponsors who are generous enough to use us to give great giveaways to our viewers.

    I appreciate you inviting me. It felt good to get out frustration I didn't even know I had about ads!!!! LOL

    Have a wonderful Easter and thank you SOOOOO much for linking up again this weekend to our Super Mega 7 Hop : )

    Debbie @ Lucas's Journey w/SPD
    http://lucasjourneyspd.blogspot.com

  32. Maple Leaf Mommy says:

    To address question #1, DEFINITELY. If a site is full of dodgy/spammy looking ads I'm not going to be sticking around. I don't mind targeted advertising. I realize people are trying to make a buck, and I try to do the same myself. But I want to see a certain quality of ads, and not so many as to flood the page.

    Stopping in from the Alex Hop. Here's a link to my post if you want to check it out: http://www.mapleleafmommy.com/2011/04/check-it-out-independent-interviews.html

  33. Aimee says:

    I don't mind them unless they slow down loading of a blog, or are distracting. I do have a few ads on my blog, but not making any money off them, lol! Still working to build my blog up!

    New follower from the Alexa hop ~ stop by & say hi if you have time!

    Aimee @
    justkiddingaroundatlanta.blogspot.com

  34. Queen of Dreamsz says:

    I've never minded advertising on blogs. I can think back as to when it really exploded on blogs and it's been since this recession in the USA started. So many have lost their jobs, been cut back on their hours or need to make income as they never have before.

    If the marketing is professional and organized I'm ok with it….I've been blogging for three years and up to this point it's all been for socializing and my creative expression but very soon I will be adding my own business links on my blog to my website that I'm stocking right now.

    There are so many of us that need to make income and taking advantage of our creative expression that comes naturally is the perfect way to do it….I love marketing and I can discern what is tasteful and what is not. So I hope I don't lose any visitors because I have to make a living.

    My husband was retired but went back to work but then was laid off over a year ago. We are both pursuing our creative outlets to pay our bills for now and in the future.

    I think if anyone else is in our shoes they totally understand about marketing and selling from our blogs…in my opinion there has never been a better time to sell online.

    Thanks for putting up this discussion.

    Have a Blessed Easter and lots of Pink Sparkles for your day,
    Stephanie ♥

  35. Emily says:

    I don't look too much at people ads and if I have any emotion about them it is mostly jealousy! I have only done one paid for post and am contemplating a pay per review on my terms.

    My readers know that I live under the poverty line so I don't think anyone will begrudge me trying to make a bit of extra money. I also do sponsored tweets.

    Great topic!

    At almost two years old, I still consider my blog fairly new and growing. Although I am not making much money, you can't beat the free books, tickets for shows, etc. that come your way. They are great opportunities that I would never be able to afford to take my son to in the financial position we are in.

  36. Ourfamilyworld says:

    I don't mind having ads in the side bar and in the end of posts. Bills have to be paid in the end. But I do not like very much ads in the post and underlined words.
    Stopping by from the Alexa Hop
    Have a Happy Easter

  37. KDL says:

    Stopping by from Alphabe-Thursday…I just have adsense, so small and mellow that I sometimes forget it's there. I don't think it actually pays anything, though, somehow. I am not big enough to have a real "sponsor". As others have said I don't mind ads as long as they do not detract from the content of the blog. I generally ignore them. I would say most of the blogs I follow do not have them.

  38. Krafty Max Originals says:

    I am just starting to look for sponsors and advertisers – we'll see!!

    BLOG HOPping around with Alexa – I am now a follower of your blog, wont you also follow me?? ~KM
    Krafty Max Originals

  39. Jingle says:

    Ad do not impact me much, I pay attention when I want something out of it.

    lovely take on A.

  40. shah wharton says:

    Well, I think if you choose carefully appropriate ads to be placed in appropriate places – companies which do not compromise your integrity or values and do complement your blogging subject criteria then there is no issue. A blog advertising with pop ups (i loathe pop ups) and flashing ads in-between post and such like would not get my 'follow' generally, though there are exceptions to every rule.

    Shah .X

  41. MariaS says:

    Hi there! Stopping by from the Alex hop.
    I usually don't mind advertising if it does not take up an overwhelming amount of your hop. Sidebar advertising or reviews are fine with me!

  42. Michelle says:

    I don't know that I've ever seen the "ads" in the middle of the posts that people are talking about. I thought you were talking about other blogs advertising, but it sounds like most people are talking about "outside" advertising. I don't mind any of it. It wouldn't deter me if the content of their blog was interesting. Thanks for stopping by today!! I'm already a follower of yours!

  43. life...just saying says:

    I am helping on a small community paper. It has very little content, mostly a list of contacts for city council and ads. It is free so that is acceptable, I suppose, however, the editor now want paying advertisers. To me that makes a huge difference. The paper needs content. When I visit blogs and all I see are ads I don't get the point. I have just started and want to make money but I also want to continue to write from my heart. Takes a little balance, I suppose. I found the topic and responses most helpful…I'm a new follower from the Monday's hop!

  44. life...just saying says:

    Stopping by from one of the hops…not sure which. I'm now following. As a new blogger I found the topic of advertising most helpful.

  45. life...just saying says:

    Forgive the two (now 3) commets…didn't see the approval message 🙂

  46. Jenny says:

    What a timely post.

    I've been going over this in my own mine lately…I made the decision to say no, because I want to write just to write.

    I think, though, for people that need to make extra income it can be a good idea.

    I guess it's just a personal choice and if I like someone's blog it wouldn't deter me reading unless there were a lot of pop-ups!

    Thanks for a great link to Alphabe-Thursday.

    I really enjoyed this and found a lot of thoughts just by reading all the comments as well.

    A+

  47. Keri S. says:

    I agree about the google ads all over the page…not a fan! I like buttons etc that are organized and look a little nicer.

    BTW- New follower stopping by from the Alexa hop!
    Come see me at http://www.marriedtoageek.net 🙂

    Keri

  48. Self Sagacity says:

    1) No, I follow everyone that follows me, good or bad. I figure if they gave enough of an effort to put up a blog, they deserve a chance to succeed.
    2) Ads are ok as long as they are neat and organized. When it becomes clutter, that is when they are a big turn off.
    Great questions today!

  49. Victoria's Voice says:

    I don't mind having a few ads at a time on my blog, but sometimes they can get out of control. I have visited some blogs that seems to have turned into an infomercial. But everyone has different ideas what direction they want their blogs to go.

    As for the blog hop question, I have learned to love them. I even run one myself. I have met some outstanding people through them and have actually developed friendships. I have to admit we do get some crazy entries at times, but that can be quite entertaining in itself. I tend to follow everyone who follows me (I feel guilty if I don't and can't sleep!) :0) I think it is the polite thing to do. There have only been one or two times that I have not followed back, and the reasons were because the site was raunchy or the views were totally out there.

    Great post! Got everyone talking.

    Vickie

  50. ChariT says:

    I thought about getting into blog advertising as well as maybe having them on my blog as well.

    Thanks for the insight everyone!

    Stopping by from the Blog it Forward Tuesday Blog hop!

    ~Be blessed!

    Chari

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