Stu Robson responded on 26 Jul 2011 with…

I’ve never clicked on an advert on when visiting any website. But do I mind them? Not really. Having been “surfing the ‘net” since 1995 I’ve managed to build a scutoma so that I don’t really notice them. There are extreme cases though, Chris Coyier’s CSS Tricks and Vitaly’s Smashing Magazine seem to have so many adverts, that, if I was interested I’d probably get ‘bored’ looking as there are far too many. You single advert and how you’ve chosen to display them is a sound judgement :)

Graham Smith responded on 26 Jul 2011 with…

Welcome to Adpacks :)

I have had the advert up for a while now and I don’t give it a second thought. It was a little odd at first but you will get used to seeing it there and so will others.

The solo advert system is a great solution for creative types that want to earn some money from the work they put into the website, but DON’T want zillions of little square adverts littering the place.

My honest opinion is that when I now see any website with Adpacks, The Deck, Fusion or similar solo advert campaigns that my initial opinion of the website goes up rather than down. I know these ad companies, none more so than The Deck, are quite selective with the sites they choose; Daring Fireball and Swiss Miss being two famous ones that come to mind.

This means you know that to some degree the website you are visiting has class content and is valued by people in general. Obviously not to say that websites without these sold adverts are crap just that I feel your profile is raised rather than diminished with having one.

Give it time and just keep reminding yourself that most of the best and well know creative and designer websites now have these style of adverts. If it’s not below John Gruber or Swiss Miss then you shouldn’t even bat an eyelid over it; just enjoy being in a select club and the extra money that comes with it.

Graham

Aaron Russell responded on 26 Jul 2011 with…

@Stu - I have that ad-immunity too - I can’t remember ever consciously clicking an ad. When I redesigned this site I tried to strip it back as much as possible and avoid all unnecessary cruft. Then the first thing I do is throw an ad up! Glad though that you consider it’s been judged soundly :)

@Graham - Thanks for the welcome, and that’s an interesting point that to some people initial perceptions may go up due to the presence of ads. I guess my main concern is that my site’s primary purpose is to sell my services, which arguably Gruber and Swiss Miss’ sites are not trying to do directly. But I also recognise that the vast majority of my traffic is kind of transient/random one-hit visits, and why shouldn’t I try and earn a few quid from that?

I guess it’s a fine line and as you say the solo ad networks like Adpacks and The Deck tread that line carefully.

Graham Smith responded on 26 Jul 2011 with…

I see your point RE Daring Fireball but there are other ‘proper’ creatives with adverts such as the entire AdPack network.

I believe clients are less likely to have opinion about adverts on a blog than actual creatives as it’s just something we tend to look at; the whole aesthetics aspect. An advert is a sort of intrusion, but can fit in if you design your site with the ad in mind.

LIke I said previously I think you will just notice it less in time and it will just become part of your website.

If your work/portfolio speaks to clients then I personally doubt one solo advert will have a negative effect, and as you have done like myself to not have the advert on your home page or portfolio page is the right move.

You’ll get used to it; especially when you see the first pay cheque. :-)

Matthew Kammerer responded on 26 Jul 2011 with…

We’re pumped to have you as part of Ad Packs! We pride ourselves in the top notch advertisers we feature and I think that this often builds credit with your readers.

Welcome to Ad Packs, thanks for giving it a try :).

David Airey responded on 26 Jul 2011 with…

When it’s just a single banner like you, Graham, and I have, I don’t think it’s detrimental. If some competitor banner suddenly appears in your ad spot, there should be the option to block it (I’ve not had that happen yet).