Hi,

 

I've just bought a banner ad placement and I would like your opinions on the look and appeal of the ad.

 

Top Right Corner 250 x 250

 

Thanks.

It doesn't instantly jump out and grab me as a great Ad gareth. You need to focus on the one single though you want people to have upon seeing your advert.

 

In this instance i think that thought would be "Wow! I want to go to read his blog NOW!"

 

So I would suggest re-designing with a more concise message to be honest.

 

The most important thing to remember in digital advertising is that people automatically switch off to adverts.... what you need to do is grab their attention in such a way that they don't feel like they are being sold too

I had to look for the ad it didn't pop out at me and say "VISIT MY SITE RIGHT NOW!" like it should

Thanks guys.

 

Re-designing now.

 

Charlotte - It's aimed at people wanting to read and learn about web design.

Sex sells. Did you know, banners with the word sex in them are 70% more likely to be clicked on?

 

"Gareth Daine, on Sex." would probably get a 100% hit improvement.

 

Seriously though; use some captivating key words and phrases like "compelling and thought provoking website discussion" for example... As it stands, it's uninteresting, even the colours...

The type of site the banner is appearing on would be a major design input for me. That determines who is going to see it, so the design has to be based on what they want to see.

 

That's why adverts in tabloids have a different style to adverts in the broadsheets, and why adverts on daytime TV are crap!

Thanks for the input guys.

 

I'm going leave it on for tonight and see what the hits are from it then change it and test.

 

So far I've had 5 hits since it went live at 5PM.

The problem I have with it is because it is on a blog about webdesign and it is almost in the same style and the size of it, it doesn't look like an ad it looks like part of the site, and almost as if it is just saying it is your web design blog...especially as it is right under the subscribe, I am sort of associating the two.

 

 

So 5 hits are good but you could be confusion some people a little, especially if they like me think that it looks associated with that blog rather than being a separate one.

The problem I have with it is because it is on a blog about webdesign and it is almost in the same style and the size of it, it doesn't look like an ad it looks like part of the site, and almost as if it is just saying it is your web design blog...especially as it is right under the subscribe, I am sort of associating the two.

 

 

So 5 hits are good but you could be confusion some people a little, especially if they like me think that it looks associated with that blog rather than being a separate one.

You could argue that this is an issue for the site owner to deal with; making the advertisment more seperate/obvious.

You could argue that this is an issue for the site owner to deal with; making the advertisment more seperate/obvious.

 

 

You could argue that, but as a designer I would argue this:

 

It is the designer that make the ads responsiblity to make it eye catching and make people realise that it is a different site...after all the site owner is only responsible for providing the ad space. The owner can only do so much to make the ad stand out on the site, it is then up to the person who is creating the ad to make that ad stand out rather than fade away on the site. I mean what more can the owner do to make the ad stand out if the ad looks like it is part of the site...maybe put a big arrow beside it saying this is an ad?

 

 

My point is it is an ok designed ad, however because it is so similar to the site itself it doesn't stand out as an ad. It is a huge ad on the site as well, when you think about it, so more text could be added to it to make it more obvious at first glance that it is for a different blog and not the blog they are on...or is that the site owners fault too?

 

 

 

Sorry Gareth the ad is nicely designed, I think it would work on a website, however on another designers web blog, you just need to make it stand out as being an ad rather than just looking like an image for that blog

Touché!

 

I mean what more can the owner do to make the ad stand out if the ad looks like it is part of the site...maybe put a big arrow beside it saying this is an ad?

The solution is simple: Write the word 'advertisement' above it. That is just on logical example. There's no need to be silly nor go over the top.

 

As for blaming the advert designer.

 

You will always get advertisers trying to get revenue by tricking users, albeit arguably unethical; it will happen. Therefore rules, for want of a better word, would need to be added when submitting advertisements which may deter the advertiser's altogether and that would in turn cost the site owner money.

 

Why on earth would they do that?

 

Therefore, the only real option is to make it an obvious separation. Look at Google's sponsored links. They are a perfect example.

I feel I should stick my oar in, after all it is my site the ad is running on.

 

The solution is simple: Write the word 'advertisement' above it. That is just on logical example. There's no need to be silly nor go over the top.

 

I think it was partly my fault as when changing ad providers I forgot to put the Sponsors header back in, I hadn't noticed it until you mentioned it. Although to be fair I only changed ad provider at about 3pm today.

 

You will always get advertisers trying to get revenue by tricking users, albeit arguably unethical; it will happen. Therefore rules, for want of a better word, would need to be added when submitting advertisements which may deter the advertiser's altogether and that would in turn cost the site owner money.

 

I get to screen all the ads which will appear on my site, so if I feel any would deter other advertisers or visitors I just reject them.

The thing is we are not talking about all adverts, we are talking about this one advert. Should it say advertisement above it? maybe it should, it would help... however as this ad is on a site that is the same as his site I think it is important to make it stand out...why would someone want to visit his web design help blog when they are on a web design help blog? The way to get the user away from that is to make the ad stand out and make them want to click on it and see what makes his blog different to the one he is advertising on.

 

Yes making the ad not stand out might make some people click on it, but if some people think that it is just something that will take them back to the main page of this blog or to some unnamed article, maybe an about page about one of the authors of the blog, they might not be as enticed to click on it.

 

 

However if it stood out on the page and in a way took the focus away from the blog he is advertising on, more people might think that his blog could offer them more then the blog they are on, give them a different view, different help. As after all if there is an ad for a web design help blog on a web design help blog it must be good...well thats what people might think if they were able to tell it is for a different blog.

 

 

So yes sometimes ads do trick, but in this case it shouldn't it should entice

I get to screen all the ads which will appear on my site, so if I feel any would deter other advertisers or visitors I just reject them.

Sorry, I don't think I got my point across clearly. I was just saying how it's unlikely, as a sales person, you're going to put rules on the design of the adverts. You may, and understandably of course, put rules on the websites content, but the design of the ad?

 

The thing is we are not talking about all adverts

We are now. Because certain people are telling GD his advert is a problem and it isn't. The main point I am getting across here is. You can't just turn away all the people who submit adverts that may look like part of your site. It is up to the site owner, to ensure the advert is clearly seen as an advert.

Sorry, I don't think I got my point across clearly. I was just saying how it's unlikely, as a sales person, you're going to put rules on the design of the adverts. You may, and understandably of course, put rules on the websites content, but the design of the ad?

 

Now by rules I mean I won't put an ad up if it is really offensive, really off topic, or links to adult material. As far as I am concerned the ad can look as much like my site as it wants aslong as its paying.

Where did I say in my posts that Thomas shouldn't allow this ad on his site...I didn't so please don't start putting words in my mouth.

 

So the ad now say sponsors, and I still think it looks too much like it is part of the site. This thread was to give our opinions on the ad that Gareth has made to advertise his web blog on someone else web blog...

 

I gave my opinion on the design of Gareth's advert which was simply, as this is an ad for another web design help blog, I think that this ad should stand out and entice people to click on it, give them a reason to want to go to this other blog that offers the same sort of service. As with it looking the same as this other blog why would people want to leave it and go to his blog, when the ad gives the impression that it is the same...give the users a reason to want to go to the his blog...that is what the point of the ad is...or am I mistaken is the ad there to look like it will just give the same advice that is on the blog that it is advertising on?

 

 

I never wanted this to become a debate about the whole advertising world, I just wanted to give my opinion on the design of Gareth's ad and how it looks on the web designer help forum...as that was what was asked of me. I gave my opinion and yours may differ. Yes it is fine for an ad to look like it is part of a site, but I just wanted to say that in this instant with this advert I don't think it is a good idea...

 

 

If Gareth just wanted his ego stroked and to be told that his ad is great and looks great on this one web blog, he came to the wrong place...as he has been here long enough to know that a lot of members will give their honest opinion. Mine is that the as design does look good, but it doesn't stand out on that web blog. Why do you feel that I am not entitled to give my opinion. Plus I am sure having talked to Gareth that he would want to here honest opinions and advice...it is then up to him what he takes from it...I mean it defeats the point of this subforum if all we did was say "great job"

 

 

So lets agree to disagree, you think it is fine for his ad to fade into the site design, I think he could design something a little different that could stand out on the page and entice people to click on it. Now it is up to Gareth to decide which one he prefers.

 

Also I never heard you disagree that his ad fades into the design...you just said that it doesn't matter that it does. So really it seems that you agree with me on that point, even if you personally don't think it matter.

Now by rules I mean I won't put an ad up if it is really offensive, really off topic, or links to adult material. As far as I am concerned the ad can look as much like my site as it wants aslong as its paying.

My point exactly.

 

Sorry Dizi, please excuse my ignorance but I can't be bothered to read that because I know I will HAVE to reply. It's in my stubborn male nature and I feel this thread has gone awfully off topic enough without short reports involved! We clearly will never see eye to eye on this. You win.

meh, you were the one who wanted to shout at me and tell me I wasn't entitled to my own opinion. So I will happily win...especially after I called a draw.

 

Quick EDIT:

 

As I am stubborn too, and don't like being told that it is wrong for me to have my opinion, lets quickly refresh the first post in this thread

 

I've just bought a banner ad placement and I would like your opinions on the look and appeal of the ad...

 

 

 

 

Anywhoo

On with the other critiques

I never said the words "you're not entitled to your own opinion" and if you're meaning I implied these words. Then so did you, hence the argument.

 

In addition to your quick edit: I was simply stating that criticizing GD wasn't really fair considering.

Do I have to send you both to the naughty step to cool off! (Only Kidding)

 

Lets let the top ic get back on topic and give Gareth some review whether they be good or bad, he asked for them and he nows people on here is honest which is why he asked for the review.

use some captivating key words and phrases like "compelling and thought provoking website discussion"

I've thought long and hard, but I really can't think of a statement less captivating, compelling and thought provoking! It's like saying 'Hot and sexy teen Java debugging methodology' It promises the world, but deep down, you know disappointment awaits. All respect to Gareth, he's looking to raise the bar and spread some knowledge, but a lot of website discussion is 'How do I?' or 'How cheap can I get it?'

 

Sorry Dizi, please excuse my ignorance but I can't be bothered to read that because I know I will HAVE to reply.

Can we apply similar logic to all your future postings? Please do enlighten us with your worldly-wise commercial experience, but only if you can be bothered! If I could justify taking on an intern, I would choose you!

Do I have to send you both to the naughty step to cool off! (Only Kidding)

 

Oh No, No, No kidding - the naughty step is always serious!

Go on Dizi! - Post the MAC/PC naughty step link again - it's a classic, and Robert Webb sans-leotard is so retro-cool now

Add some words in a bright color. They always get my eye. Also, can you use gifs maybe some subtle animation?

Wow, this really sparked a debate.

 

Anyway, thanks for all the great comments and suggestions.

 

The point of the thread was to get opinions on both the design of the advert but MORE IMPORTANTLY the adverts appeal to users, as this is the whole point of advertising.

 

Dizi - I did not in anyway think that you were criticising me for the sake of it, I actually like criticism as long as it is constructive. I didn't think you were criticising anyway, and you offer very valid points.

 

I agree, the advert does blend in to the website, something my girlfriend has confirmed and obviously that is not the point of the exercise.

 

TomCash - I also appreciate your input and opinion, although I don't agree that the website owner should be responsible in anyway from distinguishing adverts from actual site content unless it is beneficial to the site owner.

 

If the advert posted blends in and the owner of the advert is paying the subscription fee, the site owner is in a win win situation.

 

Gets paid and doesn't lose many visitors to the advert.

 

Everyone - Thank you for your comments and suggestions. I will be posting a different version of the advert today at some point which will hopefully catch the users eye better.

 

Boyles Web Design - I'll try and have a go at doing some simple animation if it is permitted. Good idea.

 

IanC - I like the idea of 'Hot, Sexy Web Design Discussion'. I'll work on something.

 

Anyway let's hope this post doesn't get deleted.

IanC - I like the idea of 'Hot, Sexy Web Design Discussion'. I'll work on something.

 

Maybe slip a 'raunchy' in there too, or even 'arousing'.

OK Guys,

 

This is something I'm working on for the add at the minute. I'd really appreciate your comments.

 

It's not finished yet so any suggestions on what I should have in the centre would be great. Thanks.

 

Thanks Charlotte.

 

How about this, still not finished but getting there.

 

That's a 100% improvement, but I still can't help but feel like there should be more on there? Perhaps a picture or a faded background...

Thanks Tom. I know what you mean, I need something in the centre.

 

The background is actually a gradient? Did you mean that?

It's a bit of a cliche, but there's always the good old flame effect. It's obviously a bit tongue in cheek, so it could probably carry a cliche off though.

 

You're blog is certainly going to have some expectations to live up to.

The background is actually a gradient? Did you mean that?

A gradient, really? If I meant that, I probably would've said gradient lol. I meant like a picture with 40% opacity for example. I don't know exactly what I had in mind to be honest. Perhaps some code, or a logo or something...

 

It looks really clean like it is, so perhaps a picture would mess it up. It's a tough-ee really. Perhaps you need a smaller advert.

 

It's a bit of a cliche, but there's always the good old flame effect.

Or racing stripes...

I like both the code and the flames idea. How about code on an angle on fire and faded (overlay) in to the gradient.

Like this maybe. I think it's too dark now.

 

 

Or like this?

 

Getting there, certainly. I like the first one more because the gradient in the second one takes away from the strength of the text as the colours are close. I still feel there's room for improvement, but then again, I work on a fine line between meticulous and OCD.

I'm going with the top one see how it goes. I'll keep editing and post a new one tomorrow.

Have the website address beneath raunchy

 

 

Not just that I would make the website addy stand out a little more, after all that is what you are advertising

 

 

(again just my opinion *dizi runs away and hides*)

OK, I'm working on something new.

OK, changed the ad again. Think this is much better bar the simple white text, don't know what to put there?

 

I know if I mention ad copywriting (that's a real profession honest - they pay real wages you know!) is a useful skill in attracting attention in a small space I'll get told off for not talking about colours and fonts!

But, if you're interested in some ideas?...

 

Yes of course any help will be good.