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Which Type of Online Ad Is Most Effective?

From banner ads to pop-ups, text ads to interstitials, your choices when it comes to online advertising are daunting, especially given the range of pricing that exists. The trick is deciding which type

is best for your business.

Unfortunately, there isn't much consensus on which type of ad works best, in part because it depends upon the product, the host site, the user's preferences and mood, and other variables. However, there are some general guidelines based on industry testing and research that are worth considering.

The online advertising terrain is constantly shifting as advertisers try to stay one step ahead of user ad rejection. Many ad types, such as pop-ups and interstitials (ads that appear briefly while you wait for a page to load), can negatively affect the user experience and therefore the advertising's effectiveness. Some advertisers seem stuck in the broadcast model and may never understand that the best way to alienate a potential customer is to hijack their browser with an ad they can't control or didn't ask to view. For this simple reason it's highly advisable that you only elect inline ad campaigns.


Internet Marketing: The Value of Pay Per Click Advertising
Interview with Lee Odden, AllBusiness.com's Internet marketing advisor.