Does Monetizing Your Blog
Cost You Readers?
By Bryan Clark on Jul 21, 2007 in Uncategorized
Does monetizing your blog alienate readers?
This is probably the most widely discussed topic in the blogosphere as we know it (other than figuring out how Darren Rowse, and John Chow really do it).
For those of you that don’t know, monetization, is just what it sounds like. Putting up ads or other revenue generators to make money from your site.
Since I’m all about community representation, I wanted to allow this article to be written, in part, by members of the Blog Catalog forum. I asked this question on Blog Catalog just to see some of the responses it would generate from other members of the blogging community.
Let’s start with the argument that site monetization alienates readers.
Most of the arguments made against site monetization have to do with honesty. We all know a few dishonest people, and I can guarantee we’ll run into a few more. Some bloggers are like a crooked used-car salesmen… they’ll say anything to make a buck. This gives the rest of us a bad name, just like the honest used-car salesmen out there.
Others say that the ads are simply un-appealing, and that they would prefer to see a nice and clean site with no advertisements as opposed to one that has ads shoved in every pixel of free space (I’ve seen this… IT HAPPENS).
Cooper says… When I scroll new blogs I rarely read blogs with adds, especially if the blogs are new and have no content. I’m not a business blog nor a money making blog so that is my natural inclination.
…Natural inclination to stay away from blogs with ads is your right. But it doesn’t have to be a business blog to carry ads…
ThriftShopRomantic says… This morning I just was approached by a company (a real one– I know who they are fortunately) wanting to partner and drive traffic to their catalog companies.
Out of respect for the non-advertising/no-affiliate standards I’ve set up for my web site, I ended up turning it down. Nice to be considered a valid enough website to be asked, of course. But when folks rely on my opinion for honest reviews of things, I didn’t want that sort of connection.
…I personally, have turned down a few different advertisers because I didn’t believe in what they were trying to sell. I, as a blogger, would feel uncomfortable trying to steer you toward a product that I was iffy on. It’s really a question of INTEGRITY, not HONESTY…
paintgranny says… I would never, ever have ads on my blog, and I dislike seeing them on others. I rarely go back to a site that has advertising on, I blog to make friends with similar interests to myself, and seeing blogs which are plastered with ads, or even discreet ones makes me click right off that site. I also find that ad-laden blogs tend to be quite boring.
…You have the right to choose whether or not your site is monetized, however, you make some pretty bold statements. First of all, let me address the comment about blogging to make friends. I preach community involvement (or blog love as I call it), and have made many friends along the way. I have every intention to make thousands more. I can’t quite comprehend how you believe that a site that carries ads, is any less likely to want to be an active community member and make new friends. Lastly, you said that ad-laden blogs tend to be boring… I can’t wrap my mind around what advertising in your sidebar has to do with the content that you are writing. Would my posts be more exciting if I took down Adsense?…
The argument from the impartial and the bloggers who use advertisements.
ccarey76 says… Nope, already tested it, I actually gained readers. Usually people who don’t have ads placed correctly are the ones ready to jetison them.
…I agree. I find that most people that flame advertisements are ones that have had bad luck with them in the past…
opio1 says… I don’t think monetizing your blog alienates readers if they are placed neatly throughout the site and or do not force the reader to click on ads or go through a PPA process. Yeah, interrestial ads (excuse the spelling) are a big pain in the ass… I highly do not recommend this unless you have a site such as megaupload or rapidshare.
Readers are going to read and visit your site regardless. Now, if the ads are all scattered all over the place with little 120×80 buttons all up and down the side and inbetween the articles then i would have to leave your site. But your site looks very neat and clean.
…Over-advertising is BAD!…
You have probably figured out which side of the fence I’m on by now, but I do have my standards.
- I refuse to allow a company to advertise on my site with a product that I don’t believe in. It’s called integrity. I respect my readers enough that I don’t feel the need to rake in an easy buck by selling them crap.
- I have seen quite a few blogs that have ads in every spare pixel. This looks atrocious. I am pro-monetization and I have to tell you, it even turns me off. Think of the sleazy used-car salesman in the polyester blazer… That’s what I equate these people to.
- Pop up ads, re-directs, and ads that make noise without your participation are a few of the types of advertising that I don’t believe in.
A few more quotes for and against monetizing for good measure!
legbamel says… If your ads are relatively subtle and don’t interfere with the content, there is no reason that your readers would object. People expect to see ads on the Internet. They are on just about every dynamic page. The odds are excellent that your readers have pages and ads of their own. It’s a question of whether the focus of your pages is the ads or the articles. Flashing banners in neon colors are distracting, and make it difficult to concentrate on a post. Of course, if the post is about your latest PTC affiliate link, the banner is probably relevant, if ugly. By then I’ll have clicked away, though, so I won’t know that.
marksmatter says… Advertising does not bother me, as long as the author does not over do it. If your site looks like it was made only for adsense, involves brightly colored animated banners, or utters a single sound without me asking it to, then I’m pulling chocks and leaving.
v1ctorya says… I think it does depend on the blog. If the blog is a personal one, as others said, ads would totally turn me off. If it’s helpful and I can see the person puts a lot of time into it, I might understand, but other than that - it’s just a fancier sales pitch to me. It really does turn me off. In fact, I’m slowing down my visits on one of my favorite message boards becasue they just added more intrusive advertising. I stopped going to another one completely when they started begging for money and changing people’s status by how much they gave in.
Norski says… The content of a blog does matter.
For example, the author of a blog entitled “The Positive Power of Poverty: How Money Weighs You Down” or “Ascetics of the World Unite! You Have Nothing to Lose But The Chains of Wealth!” might want to think long and hard before trying to monetize a site dedicated to the ascetic ideal.
On the other hand, the author of a blog named “10 Easy Ways to Make Cash” or “Rags to Riches to Catalina: My Life” probably wouldn’t have that concern.
* About AdSense: I’m using that with moderate success. My issue now is increasing viewership. My background in marketing and copywriting helps me write focused copy: a big help.
* Blogging for cash is something I won’t do: but that’s because I prefer not to put my name on someone else’s ideas and beliefs.\
* Stupid monetizing is out, as far as I’m concerned: Pop-up and other ads that block a page’s content, that sort of thing.
A big thank you to everyone that participated in the discussion. If anyone wants to chime in… feel free to comment. The more the merrier!
Popularity: 9% [?]
45 Comment(s)
By Kuanyin on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
my 2cents: cluttered blogs disturb me. I prefer lots of white spaces, not too much text run together without adding another paragraph, simplicity and spaciousness. Unfortunately, unsightly advertising ruins the best-designed blogs. If there were a way to put the ads in their own little pen, this would be perfect.
By Bryan on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Kuanyin - Unfortunately putting ads in their own little “pen” defeats the purpose of having them. Advertisers refuse to pay for a banner on the 3rd page of your archives.
By Web Presence on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
I guess one has to be smart in blending the ads with the page.
Many people are bombarded with ads these days.
By Mommibee on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Great blog u hv here Bryan. Informative readings. I am glad I found ur blog thru the viral link
By Contamination on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
If the ads are in my face too much and the content doesn’t deserve it, I never visit the page again.
If the ads aren’t interesting, I never click on them.
You have to find the right balance. If the ads aren’t annoying and relevant they are okay. So I have designed my blog with that in mind.
BTW Bryan, your posting style has really improved. At first I was following your blog the same way I love to stare at car accidents, now I come back because I like to read the content. Keep up the good work.
By Bryan on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Great input guys! What a smart audience I write to…
Mommibee - I find your blog quite entertaining too! The link list really does help, I’ve found a few new blogs that have become daily stops! Thanks for the comment
Contamination - LOL!!! Whatever the reason, I’m glad you keep coming back. Thanks for the compliment and the comment! How is your blog coming along?
By Angela on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Why can’t someone make money with their sites? If the blog/site makes me laugh, helps me with something, fascinates me - I could care less if it was blinking. Now, if the words written there are merely to get someone to look at their blinking ads, then no thanks. It’s as simple as that.
Sometimes I really hate that elitist attitude of non-monetizers, as if my site is less than theirs because it has an Adsense block on it.
By Jason on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
I’m not sure anyone could actually form a real argument about this subject. ProBlogger uses 34 affiliate links and is the premier site for bloggers. You’d think that advanced internet users would get angry about a site with a lot of advertisements, but I think Darren’s site proves that wrong…
I think you can tell when sites are garbage and just trying to make a buck. Those are the sites I leave quickly, but the ones with good content and ads I don’t mind. But I probably will never click on the ads, especially AdSense ads.
By Bruce on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Content is king but if a sponsor can help pay for some of the time it takes to build a good blog then why not. How does 90% post 10% ads sound? Ads need to be discreet but they shouldn’t hidden either. Don’t forget there are times when the right ad can give a reader what he’s been looking for.
By Bryan on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Great comment Bruce. Something overlooked in this discussion is the fact that some ads display exactly what your readers may have been looking for.
By jhay on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Everyone has to eat, buy new underwear once in a while and some still go to school. So earning a buck or two from your effort of maintaining a blog will be well worth it.
Besides, the famous blogs still carry ads on them, some of top blogs even takes ages to load completely because of the ads on them, but people still read them. So what’s the point of turning away from blogs that do have some ads (not too much of course)? Because after all, and I believe we all agree on this that content is still king.
By Terence Chang on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Bryan:
That banner and new header looks great! Nice job!
Keep up the good works!
By Terence Chang on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Bryan:
How did you get yourself trackback on Problogger.net? Did you get a lot of traffice Problogger.net?
Very cool!
By Bryan on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Holy Crap!
I didn’t even see that. Thanks for pointing that out Terence!
Wow, I’m honored to be featured on ProBloggger.Net
By internetgenius on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
WOW!! You have a link coming from problogger.net … that is really good news for you!! I think you are on a roll!! You know, I honestly think that most people WANT to see you be successful because deep down they all share the same goal that you do … making money online. And I think people want to see an everyday, “average Joe” succeed online. The people reading this blog who truly want you to fail probably have already failed themselves, or they are simply jealous of your early success.
By Mark on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
I think it depends on how you monetize your site with the advertisements. At my site http://www.mytropicalescape.com/ I don’t use any ads at all but if it fits in well with the layout and content then I don’t think that monetizing is a hindrance at all. The problems come in when you can’t discern ads from content.
By MyHive on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Does Monetizing Your Blog Cost You Readers?
Well, since I have money making quest blog I count on Monetizing my blog. Do I hate ads on other blogs? If blog has good content I don’t mind any kind of ads.
By Douglas Karr on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
I set my blog up slightly different than most when I monetized it… the home page is fairly clear of all ads (there’s one in the footer). However, my single post pages, that are found via search engines, are monetized.
It’s my way of not making my core readers angry with a bunch of ads. I think it works great - I make some nice money and haven’t had a single complaint!
By Average Joe Blogger on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
I don’t think it’s a question of whether or not you monetize your blog as much as how many ads and where you place them. If the ads aren’t distracting most readers won’t mind.
By Erjati on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
As a newbie and aspiring problogger (secondary to GOOD blogger) I make every effort to ctrl+click on all the ads I find in monetized blogs to support my fellow bloggers. I believe that what goes around comes around. Such enlightened self-interest and compassionate action cost us nothing. We are fortunate we can do such for each other. Plus, I often actually find something interesting at the other end of the ad link! Yes, it would be a detraction if there were lots of tasteless ads, and I won’t revisit an uninteresting blog anyway, but I will support those who make an effort to support themselves these days. I don’t yet have ads on my site, but do have a donation request link at the end of each post for now.
By Better Blogging with Michael Martine on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
I agree with your points about integrity. There’s also the fact that monetization efforts without traffic are pretty useless. New blogs should spend time building readership with quality content. If you think long term rather than short, you can have ads without selling out, because you’ve been upholding your blog’s mission and integrity the whole time. Isn’t the whole point behind AdSense one of relevancy? The more relevant, the less bothersome it is, the more of a genuine help it is.
By BigPappa on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
As I go to sites, I NEVER and I mean NEVER click on ads. I have always wondered who is clicking on these ads to make the site owner so much money. Well obviously people do click on the ads give the income generated. How many of you legitimately click on AdSense or other types of ads when you are on a site? And I am not talking about going to a site that one of your friends owns and attempting to increase his or her revenue.
By Sly from Slyvisions.com on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Congratulations for having a link from Problogger!
Anyway, I seriously think that content should be the main focus for blogs. I agree that too much monetizing of a site can make you lose readers. If a site has good content, there’s even a better change that it will get more traffic in the future because of the love it gets.
By Brown Baron on Jul 21, 2007 | Reply
Great post Bryan. I’ll definitely be back
By Vic on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
I usually only use on adsense ad per page i get higher CPC this way and it is less intrusive i believe it has to do more with ad placement then quantity.
By B. Durant on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
Great read! From my experiences in the world anytime that you change anything you risk losing people along the way. That goes beyond blogs, or even the internet in general. If you decide to start making changes to how you do things you risk alienating people. When ads are tastefully and tactfully placed losing readers has very little to do with the ads themselves and a lot to do with the fact that a change has been made.
By BrocanteHome on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
This is an argument that smacks of some wierd form of blog snobbery isn’t it? I truly don’t believe that well placed, well designed ads compromise the integrity of a well written blog and I am constantly astounded by the fact that people get so distressed by the whole idea…
By Amusis on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
I am impressed that in a world bedevilled by all manner of chicanery, crime, villainy and violence, your definition of personal integrity is not having adverts on your blog you don’t believe in. This is what we need in great men.
What turns off and offends readers is not adverts per se, but the sense of crass intrusion and clutter they often create. 3-column blogs with lots of colorful, distracting graphics create this sort of annoying clutter- especially when only precisely half the screen space is actual content.
By Bryan on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
Great comments! I like reading all of your views on this matter. Keep ‘em coming!
By Daniel Scocco on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
Good points, specially the ones about integrity and honesty, that is key to not lose credibility in front of your readers.
By Contamination on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
It’s coming along just fine, traffic is improving and I seem to be getting a few click through’s from your site. No complaints about that.
It comes down to the content, many more people are looking for ideas on how to get rich off the internet than are looking for Engrish & Donuts in Japan….
But I would never begrudge your success. But I’d consider myself one of your earliest supporters… (even if for the wrong reasons at the time)
By JMorris on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
Excellent post Bryan!
I’ve always tried to keep my monetization efforts low key and unobtrusive. I’ve been on the fence about this particular topic for a long time. On one hand, I want to provide a clean, user-friendly site for viewers to learn and grow from. On the other hand, I’m a professional webmaster and my living solely comes from building websites and monetizing them.
The points made above have given me some good food for thought and I will most certainly be reevaluating my monetization efforts on my sites.
Thank you for this!
By Wendy on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
My personal blogs are just as monetized as my business blog, and have been for years. The money I make pays for little things like domain names, hosting, and coffee; you know, things that allow me to blog in the first place.
I think the key is to not over do it; place and blend the ads within the overall site well, make sure that inappropriate ads aren’t displayed, and treat people with respect.
By legbamel on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
Hey, thanks for the mention! Your post should be a “must-read” for new bloggers, especially those who think they are going to put 42 ads in their content and sidebars and rake in the dough.
It’s been written to death, but content is truly king. If you don’t have something to say then all of the ads in the world won’t make readers come back time and again.
Oh, and congrats on your Problogger link! [salutes] Well done and well-deserved.
By Jaypee on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
I’ve been wanting to ask my readers the same question. Especially after changing my Wordpress theme and adjusting my ad placement.
After reading this, I’ll definitely write something like this and ask my reader’s opinions. Thanks!
By Suzanne on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
I write a pesonal growth blog and considered ads a form of spam, completely ignoring them. When I found out that click throughs supported the blogger I realized this was a way for me to give something back to others for the free information and uplifting experiences I had been receiving. As a bonus I’ve discovered some great sites that I wouldn’t have know about otherwise.
There’s nothing good or bad about money — it just exists — it’s what we make of it that brings the value. We don’t have to wait for a publishing company or magazine to accept our work — blogs and web sites give anyone the opportunity to express themselves and create the life they desire. I think it’s terrific that the ads provide support for us to be creative.
I return to a site because I value the content. I only click through on ads I’m truly interested in. If a site is so cluttered with ads it’s annoying I won’t go back.
Great topic!
By Hey, Don! on Jul 22, 2007 | Reply
I don’t believe monetizing your blog costs you reader. If you have compelling content then there’s no reason it should.
“Over-monetizing” your blog will cost you readers or having a blog that’s all about how to make money online since there are a zillion of those . . .
Also, look at the traditional world of television, newspaper and radio - and magazines. Advertising keeps information flowing.
It really depends on your goal for your blog or Website.
If you toss up random ads and people can’t find the content or the reason they’re visiting, then it’s the poor execution costing you readership.
By Lewis Empire on Jul 23, 2007 | Reply
Anyone who doesn’t read a blog because there are ads must also never watch TV, read a newspaper, go to a movie or walk outside of their house. Like it or not, spending time writing for people does take time. Most likely, you get what you pay for!
By Jenn Mattern on Jul 23, 2007 | Reply
Frankly, like with just about everything else, it comes down to your target market / target readers.
If you’re running a personal blog, you can look like an idiot for jamming a bunch of ads in there for just your friends to see.
But if you run a business blog, tech blog, etc. having no ads can actually detract from your reputation, because it’s telling readers that you don’t know enough about business yourself to be earning money at what you’re doing - therefore meaning you probably have no right to be teaching them about business in turn.
Set up advertising guidelines and stick to them. I’m pretty lenient on my business blog, and have a lot of ads there. But I do require that they be relevant to a business / online business audience, and they have to be manually approved to make sure there’s nothing overly inappropriate. I offer paid reviews and non-paid reviews. I make it clear that paid reviews don’t guarantee a positive review, and include criticism in just about every one of them. I also disclose my ads as clearly as I can, and make sure my credibility is above reproach. If you safeguard the trust your readers give you, most have no problem with you monetizing your blog as much as you can (as long as you’re not forcing them to click on or through things or having pop-ups and pop-unders invading their browser). Any intelligent blog reader knows that a blogger will be more motivated to put quality time and research into their posts if they’re making it a viable business model as opposed to just another hobby site.
By A.J. - IAmFacingMillions.com on Jul 24, 2007 | Reply
I think you missed the boat on this one. Monetizing a blog doesn’t have to be about having text link ads or banners or Google Adsense on the page.
In fact I have a blog that is at $700 in affiliate revenue this month and I haven’t added a post to it since May, it doesn’t have Google Adsense, no advertising links, etc.
No, I won’t disclose it so don’t ask. I found a niche that I could rank well for and sharing the specifics would push me right out of the “sweet spot” as a infamous blogger might say. Don’t believe me ,that’s fine, the thought remains the same.
By Jason I on Jul 25, 2007 | Reply
Ads aren’t a bad thing on a website, as long as they integrate into the web site, and are relevant. It’s when it looks like someone is writing a little bit of content to squeeze in around the ads that it’s annoying.
By Gerri on Oct 19, 2007 | Reply
I think it just depends on how you go about monetising your site. If it is done the wrong way I think it will cost you a good number of readers. I say this based on the number of comments I have seen on blogs or forums about people who cant stand blogs that have irrelevant ads or monetisation methods that put them off. I have been to some blogs where I just get put off by the number of ads they have on them. And, there are blogs that are monetised and you can see that they have been put up purely for money. I could go on but I will stop here for now.
By Curtis Dawson on Nov 12, 2007 | Reply
Nice site, these reviews help me understand what people look for, keep up the good work man
By Charles from Rapidshare on Dec 10, 2007 | Reply
thanks for this, im going to write about it.
By Search rapidshare on Feb 5, 2008 | Reply
If done in the right way you will provide your readers with useful products.