Advertising - Your comments are appreciated

TLCDad wrote: Some of you problaby have noticed some ads on the home page. In preparation for the main website and to help pay for the cost of bandwidth we are now adding click through ads to pages. I tried to add them to the main page of the forum but it was not picking up the key words and was displaying non parenting related links. I will investigate other affiliates and see what I can do to solve that problem.

Its against Terms of Use to ask nor would I ever ask or make an incentive to click on these ads but if you do see something that might interest you then by all means follow the link and in fact if you have a book mark directly to the forum you might want to change the bookmark to link to the home page at www.parentingclub.com. Theres actually some good sites that are showing up which is why I chose this service.

Now my question for you all is: Where would you think is a good place to post adds in the main forum? I thought at the top but I can also put it at the bottom or on the side. Also, please note I will avoid popup ads. I can not stand them myself and I will try to always stay consistant with relevant to parenting or children and will try to block unwanted sites.

Also, any other sugestions on advertising or web promoting you have is greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone!

MomofTay&Sam replied: I think the bottom would be better. That way one could read and then click if they choose to. Are you advertising for more memebers or just to help with the forum? It takes alot of clicks to pay off yes?

TLCDad replied: They are mainly to help pay for bandwidth this site is using. What I like about this particular program is that the ads are relevant to the page your on instead of random stuff. Albiet, on a forum its not going to be 100% accurate but should work out nice.

Do you think there would be enough exposure at the bottom?

MomToMany replied: I think the top and sides would be good places for them. As long as the ads are not over-whelming like some other sites I know. Too many ads are a distraction and might turn away potential members. Just my opinion.

I think you're doing an awesome job, TLCDad !

Kaitlin'smom replied: I did notice it today, and that well thats new.... I am not sure I like the placement though. I was thinking the bottem or maybe the right side. Can you move them around so we can get a feel of what they would look like it different spots. Maybe have it in one place for a day get some feedback and change it the next day. I know more work for you but it might help to see the different spots to get the best use out of it. Just my

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Looks good!!

MommyToAshley replied:
The homepage is going to have an entirely different look. I think he was asking opinions on where you think it might look good on the new layout.

I have plans to work on the layouts this weekend... hopefully. SO, I might not be on much during that time.

Kaitlin'smom replied:
ahhh Okay they I was thinking the right side or bottom.

A&A'smommy replied: hey i just wanted to let you know i have a link to your site on my website if you dont want it there let me know and i will take it off but if you dont mind i would like everyone to know about your wonderful site!

Heather replied: I didn't even notice the ads. Shows how in tune I am! I am not sure about placement. I have no problem either way.

MommyToAshley replied:
That's great, we appreciate the link! Thanks for spreading the word -- any friend of yours is a friend of ours!

MomToJade&Jordan replied: I was wondering about that new look on the front page. I think they would be good on either the top or the side. I don't scroll down to the page very often so those places will give them more exposure. I know that if I see something that really interests me I will click on it and check it out.

TLCDad replied: Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

I think I will be putting them on the top for now. These so far I set the colors to match the board so they don't really look like advertisments. So once the site gets spidered again I will add them to the forum and hope they pick up the right keywords (parenting, pregnancy, baby, children, etc)

And don't worry, we will not go crazy with advertisments. I do not like sites like that either. I will only use ads from places that I know that work. Otherwise its a waste of my time as well as our users.

Thanks again!