Last week I made a decision to get rid of the ads in my sidebar that relate to make money online courses. I had a few different courses on there and they were all rotating alongside WordPress theme ads etc. in about six ad slots.
The Ads That I Decided To Remove
After my shift last week about focusing on focus, I thought to myself that my blog doesn’t really represent what I’m writing. Here I am writing about how I can not get distracted any more, yet I’m trying to advertise all these shiny new products to my readers.
It’s not that the courses don’t work – I would never ever put an ad up if I hadn’t used it and didn’t think it worked – but the fact is that we’re all on our own path and I don’t want to be responsible for distracting you and making you deviate from what really needs to be done.
And, the truth is, no course provides all the answers. All the courses I’ve bought have helped me reach where I am now, but I just decided that I won’t blatantly push them in your face anymore. I think we get used to seeing ads and pushy affiliate sales pitches everywhere and it all perpetuates the idea that there’s something else we need to try, that we’ll miss out if we don’t (-not true).
What About Affiliate Links/ Reviews?
I’m not going to edit anything I’ve already included in this blog, but I pretty much never push affiliate links anyway so I don’t think it’s a problem. I’ll still use them if something comes up in the course of my updates. And I’m not saying no to detailed reviews, either. In fact I will be reviewing Tiffany Dow’s latest product next week, which is about selling PLR rather than affiliate marketing, though not here (I am starting a niche site about how to sell PLR).
In short, I’d really rather not push anything on you. Plus, it helps reaffirm the fact that I’m not buying into shiny new guides any more (Tiffany’s product is a bit different, and will already fit into my PLR business plan). But I’ll be happy to give my advice if it’s ever requested.
The Ads That Are Staying
I decided to keep a few of the ads though, on second thoughts, after a first draft of this post I decided to get rid of them too. You will find a select few recommendations (services and WordPress themes) on my recommendations page. My sidebar is now ad free!
My Newsletter
Lastly, I have a bit of extra space for my “newsletter”. In reality this is a way to stay up to date with my blog, by getting notified about the latest posts but in a little more personal way than subscribing by email or RSS (which you can also do if you want) – and with the bonus of a free article every week. I set this up last year and got a small number of subscribers, though I ended up neglecting it. But I love connecting with people here, and decided to start it up again.
This really is a friendly way to connect, rather than a list of people I want to promote to. I will let you know about my latest PLR packs in my Friday email where I will give you your free PLR article. Since I have a few subscribers now, both here and for my PLR site, I decided one weekly free PLR article would be a good way to say thanks. But it really is mainly just a way to connect.
A Question for You
Before I ask – I just want to say that there is nothing wrong with ads on your blog, this is just my decision. So, on that note, What do you think about the idea of removing sidebar ads? and What else could I put in that space that’s actually useful? Do I need anything at all?
No related posts.
Call me crazy but I like seeing the occasional video in the sidebar. But not a sales video lol. I mean if it is a video with like a quick tip that people find helpful that would be great. Sometimes I get burnt out from reading posts (I often visit the blogs I like all at once in one sitting) and would much prefer to have the option to see video. I’ve been to blogs before that have videos in the sidebars and I find that I enjoy reading posts there and visiting those sites because they help to change things up a bit. Also having a video is another great way to connect with visitors
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Gabriel – I think that is a great idea for the reasons you listed. I really want to do a video but I’m too scared to appear on screen at the moment! Lol! Definitely a plan for future.
They don’t have to be YOU persay. Videos in general, as long as they’re on topic, have tested proven to be sticky.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last [type] ..The Upcoming Newsletter
Also, you don’t have to be on screen either, you can create a screencapture video, that way you only have your voice on it. That’s how I do it for my coaching videos.
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Dennis – You’re right, there may be some videos I can find to post there.
Leslie – I am still scared to do that, but definitely will one day!
Ruth,
One of the video sites out there, similar to youtube pays you fo clicks on your embedded videos…nickels and dimes, but it’s something.
I don’t recall which one, but i can easily find it if you wish.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last [type] ..Who Wants More Details!
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Thanks Dennis – good idea!
Sidebar ads are not a problem. I don’t use them anymore on my blog but I obvious promote products on my weekly updates report.
Am very careful to only promote what I use though and if a product doesn’t work I openly talk about that. Check out my recent SEnuke rank…lol..
What I would recommend is a side bar section with tips on products that are free to use or even one time payment products that are very efficient.
Dennis´s last [type] ..Internet Marketing Week 30
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Dennis – I understand where you are coming from and there’s definitely a place for recommending tools that work. Like I said, I would never recommend anything I didn’t think worked, but at the same time with this particular blog, I don’t think it’s in the spirit of my new focus to have a site filled with ads. It’s not so much the fact that these things cost money that I worry about – even the free ones or very low cost ones can really distract you. I see so many bloggers writing about new tools that it makes me think I need them all, and ultimately that’s why my progress has been so slow (distractions). So on this particular blog I decided not to use them, but I know they have their place on others.
Very noble of you Ruth but I never felt they were a big distraction. You have every right to promo things you have enjoyed in the past but I like the idea of keeping focus on the present…. Like the newsletter email I received too.
Forest´s last [type] ..Unusual College Classes
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Forest – Glad you liked the newsletter
I think they are more of a distraction to people like me – you are doing well sticking to your authority sites, but I’ve been all over the place til now, always looking for the next best thing!
Twitter: TheAvgGenius
says:
What’s funny is I’ve started to migrate that off my blog too – the sidebar. Don’t look yet..I said “started to.”
I have full-in shiny nickel syndrome, it’s still my first year online so I’m experimenting yet, but 100% support your decision, it’s definitely a noble one.
I think you’re right about distractions, and over the next few weeks will be doing the same. I need to clean up the sidebar…
My goodness, though: a newsletter – can’t believe I missed out on that, Ruth! I’m signing up. One day will have my own.
Maybe.
In answer to your question about what to put there – advertise your own PLR packs, or your Tweet Deck. Or videos…oh, someone said that.
I’d actually like to learn more about your PLR approach, to tell the truth. A guide of some sort in the sidebar would be great.
Or
Cookies and milk. I love a good cookie.
JamestheJust on Elance´s last [type] ..SEO Ultimate Makes AIOSEO Jealous
Twitter: TheAvgGenius
says:
Great. I said “full-in” shiny nickel syndrome. Nice. Meant to say “full-on.”
JamestheJust on Elance´s last [type] ..Plan For Making Sales Online During Christmas Shopping
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
James – Well, I say “newsletter” but it’s more a personalized blog roundup with free PLR article! Hehe anyway, I do like the clutter free look on blogs, though I don’t mind them with ads either. I just personally always get too tempted away from my path!
I definitely try to limit what I promote on my blog. I really have no interest in those blogs that promote a different IM product every single week. I only have a couple of ads on my sidebar but until I re-do my design on my blog, I think it needs some color and that really the only reason for the ads right now.
I was planning on reviewing Tiffany Dow’s PLR ATM as well. I have had a PLR domain for over a year now and haven’t done anything with it… talk about slacking!
Tiffany´s last [type] ..Passive Income Opportunities- Article Marketing
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Tiffany – Yeah overly-promotional really turns me off too, even if the products do work. But a few ads is definitely normal.
About the PLR – I delayed on my own PLR site for a long time too. But now I do it I do enjoy it. I’m not making money like Tiffany, but each pack I add really does increase the value and potential of it which is why I prefer it over ghostwriting. Good luck whatever you do!
I think it was a smart move and something that I have done in the past as well. My reason were more so because: 1.) I was promoting products to a readership that most likely already owned a copy of the exact product, 2.) the ads were too flashy that the were more of a distraction than anything else, and 3.) I felt that in-text links converted better than graphic/image ads.
I think your earnings will remain the same even after removing the ads from your sidebar because you still have the “Recommended Tools & Services” page which is always helpful and can be utilized to promote the affiliate products that contribute to your online success.
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Yolanda – Yes I have similar feelings to those three reasons you listed too. I might include ads again in future, just seems the right thing for now to take them off.
Off the sidebar, onto the page. Different, but I like it.
I was planning to not use ads anymore either, but with a different plan in mind; now i may do a combo deal.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last [type] ..The Upcoming Newsletter
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Dennis – Hmm wonder what your plan is?
Well, it will still be banners, or maybe text links, but they will not lead (directly) to the site.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last [type] ..Who Wants More Details!
Twitter: TheAvgGenius
says:
I’ve been thinking the same thing – just haven’t the time yet to migrate. My plan is simply to have a sidebar with the product names (or a general category, like “Article Submitters” or whatever), then they link to my reviews.
Because I was introduced to HubPages and Squidoo – I find there are other internal traffic sources to both of those places that will result in sales as well, but the trouble is, what if they go south like Vox is about to?
JamestheJust on Elance´s last [type] ..SEO Whoop Ass
I have never minded the stuff in the sidebar; particularly when I know that the author actually used or is using the product being pimped! I do, however, tend to avoid sites that are designed to do one thing; sell me junk that I will never use!
I am looking forward to Tiffany’s PLR product as well.
It will be interesting to see your take on it since you already sell plr stuff (which are great by the way). Once Halloween is finally gone I may take a good run a creating a plr site myself!
On a different, but related side note, have you ever upgraded from a regular hosting account to a reseller’s account? I was curious as to how difficult it is going to be to move all my sites!
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Dusty – Yeah true, I don’t generally mind other people’s ads either. I guess I do in the sense that they often make me buy stuff I don’t need
but that’s more my own problem!
I will be reviewing PLR ATM based on my experience. I’m not at the level she is, but I’ve learned quite a lot already. I still think I’ll learn a lot from her though which is great.
I haven’t upgraded like that before, but have transferred one reseller account to another. Took a long time! But anyway, the process of transferring from shared hosting to separate accounts on a reseller account should be similar. The good news is I think a lot of hosts will do it for you – if not for free for a small fee.
Ruth, an even better idea…
Contact Sire (his nic) directly at http://wassupblog.com/contact-me/. He’s the one that uses and reviewed the video site I’m talking about.
He’ll give ya the full scoop.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last [type] ..See You October 1st-ish
I have seen so many sites pop up for tiff’s new product. probably because she told people they could benefit from having a launch-grabber site made up before the launch. I think I write well enough to sell PLR to people so I am going to personally review her product on my PLR ATM blog
Clefty (PLR ATM)´s last [type] ..Are you ready for PLR ATM
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Clefty -Are you going to start your own PLR store then? I am going to write about my experiences so far on this blog soon. I do think it’s a great thing to do, and there’s plenty of room for many of us to do it as long as we all do it in our own different way. I’ll be reviewing her product too lol
I’m not really fussed either way. I don’t really notice ads that much on most blogs. As long as they aren’t annoying they’re fine. But advertising on blogs with limited traffic has never been worth it anyway. The space is better left blank. No point in adding extra clutter to a blog for a quick $50.
Davis´s last [type] ..Welcome to The Elusive Affiliate
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Davis – Yeah I agree about the clutter, I never earned much off this site anyway.
Hi Ruth, I plan on it. I believe she shows us how to set them up via wordpress so shouldn’t be too difficult really!
Clefty (PLR ATM)´s last [type] ..Are you ready for PLR ATM
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Clefty – Good luck!
Ruth I’d love to see your own products in the sidebar.
Michelle Adams´s last [type] ..Want To Win Four Of My Websites
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Michelle – I think I might try to get a nice banner designed for my PLR site
I have once tried to put ads on the sidebar and it has no effect. It has come to me that most readers are really blind to advertisements, hence I removed them. I believe that there are other effective ways to earn income and one of them is recommending products that we have used.
All in all, readers are most interest on our content, and I think this is where we should concentrate.
Honestly, I also hate those sites with too much sidebar ads. Much worse if both sides are used by the blog owners! Just imagine how many ads you’ll see then most of them are flashing in front of you. For sure, visitors or readers will get irritated. On the other hand, just place it there if you find these ads useful to everybody.
Mike Ramsey´s last [type] ..Tips On How To Stop Excessive Sweating
Twitter: webcareergirl
says:
Mike – Yeah I feel if they are useful and really recommended then there is definitely a place for them. Just personally, I don’t want to be the cause of any distractions for my readers.
Twitter: esmconcepts
says:
Ruth, I am late to pickup this post but i think it is a very good idea. I agree with most of the other posters about how brain dead we all get with the endless ad’s. I personally hate it when I accidentally click some where and BANG, I get transferred to a different site.
I like the idea of a separate page for information and short reviews about all the different products etc. a person might wish to check out.
As for adding more to the sidebar, the ideas of your videos is a good one. I know you are just starting to get into the field, but from what i have seen you will do well.
Good idea and it really gets me thinking about what and how to offer visitors good solid info without wasting real estate on ad’s that take-a-way from the purpose of the posted information.
Thank you again Ruth, as always “a breath of fresh air”.
Steve