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@Joe - I've resisted for a long time too. I know some will see it unfavorably. But leaving money on the table just doesn't make sense. Will it be enough to retire on? Hah, I wish. But maybe it'll be enough to allow me to hire a developer and bring TPREG to the next level. A veritable win-win for everyone.
Besides, have you ever tried to feed two teenagers? ;)
Actually, I think you might be a businessman, and business related blogs might be about business. After all what is that big MLS button up there if it isn't advertising?
Smart move Jay - Glad that your quality writing has created the readership to make it work - That quality won't change I'm sure.
Yep, that big MLS button is indeed advertising. So is, in effect, every post here. I do honestly love writing for this (and other) blogs, but it clearly is fundamentally a business blog, designed to not only help share with others, help me learn, and hone my writing skills, but also fundamentally to attract people to utilize our services as real estate agents.
And no worries, the quality (and thanks for calling it that!) of the writing won't change. In fact, nothing will change with the exception of what is in that particular spot on the sidebar.
I appreciate everyone's positiveness. But I really would like to hear from those opposed. I know you're out there. I'm not looking to "engage" with you, just seeking a different viewpoint.
I'm sure others will be interested too... chime in!
Cheers!
Email me if you change your ways and go back to the path of blog purity...
I think we're all pleased your getting a return on the time and effort you've invested in creating astong and interesting blog.
If anyone is upset by it they can use Adblock so they don't need to see the adverts.
Keep up the good work Jay...
Maybe get some filler ads temporarily, or just give your current advertisers more space for now. Put a smaller note underneath with the typical "advertise with us" link.
Just a thought...
I see no problem with what you are doing. That's my opinion.
I think that selling ad space is a very different thing than putting up PPC or affiliate ads. Anyone can do the last ones, but not everyone can sell their space for the upfront money.
I think this kind of advertisement talks about the credibility and real popularity of the site.
If you can sell ad space - you've earned it.
And BTW, thanks again for giving up your biggest peace of the ad space for The Charles Richey Fundraiser and writing all those posts on all the blogs you're contributing to. Thank you!
For the last few years you have been a leader in the RE.net. You are simply continuing to lead.
Considering the quality of your blog, your Opinion`s, and service ethic. Maybe an Angieslist type of referral advertisement would suit you better. Jayslist?
@JeffX - I've always loved your attitude! And good point. I do have a "this is not an endorsement" in the legalspeak, but that's just to CYA. I'll be picky.
@UK FK - you had me going! ;) Thanks.
@Robert - send some of those old contacts my way. Maybe we should talk... :)
@Sal - fabulous feedback! I just cut the blocks from 4 to 2 until they get filled and added a link. It's not quite so "in your face". Will replace that "for rent" later when I get a chance. Thanks!
@Marc - setting rates is the hard part. I'm brand new at this. Will have to toy with it. Traffic is what advertisers are looking for. We do OK for a real estate blog, but it's chump change compared to big tech / a-list blogs.
@Chris - I want ads that will appeal to readers. I don't see the point in putting something up there completely unrelated to the readership.
@Max - thanks, and you are more than welcome. I wish there was more I could do for Charles and Jacqui.
@Todd - I suspect a lot of people run ad blockers. But a lot more don't. It will be interesting to watch the "evolution" of Internet based ads.
@Patrick - hmmm, interesting... must ponder....
Mr. Butinkski
You never have to think to apologize for this. You run a great site and have a lot of traffic. The only thing I would recommend is to make certain, beyond any doubt, that you support the advertisers product. Putting the ads up there means they are tied to your online brand and reputation. Try the products and endorse the advertisers with a post showing you have used the products.
Other than that, you have NOTHING to apologize for or explain.
I also decided that it detracted from my real estate message. Websites are scattered enough as it is.
I stopped incorporating new AdSense ads into that web site a couple, three years ago. It's kinda neat though that until recently I stilI made about $50 a month off those old ads.
For years I had a zip code map that was getting great traffic. Eventually, the obvious hit me and I added AdSense to that page. That helped get to $50 a month. Recently, however, I removed AdSense from that page to focus the page on generating traffic for my blog.
Your situation may be different.
First, you have much higher traffic and, second, the way you do ads may take a ton less time than the way I did it pre-blog.
I think its a great idea, I have always felt that a few advertising and selective ads is a smart way to provide for your readers! I think you have a great mix, one of my favorite premium WP themes has ads, I have a few designs in webpages that allow for it. I just need work on some stronger content and build the blog! The late nights are killing me! I SAY "Smart Phoenix Real Estate Guy"
Jay, as to your ads, if they relate the industry such as the mortgage ad you currently have and others of interest to your readership and they look as if they belong on the page, then I think it's great.
I have no problems with advertising as long as it relates to your subject in someway and is not overboard (as you describe). In fact, I don't care if the ads run down your sidebars to the end of the Internet. Where I have some annoyance toward advertising (and yes, I have ads on my blog), is when the ad is embedded within the post itself. To me, it cheapens the content.
However, if the blog is good, I'll continue reading - no matter where the advertising is placed.
What if you lose one client a year because they are turned off by the ads? Are the ads worth it? Probably not.
The answer lies in how much money the ads bring in (minus your administrative time cost) and how likely a client would be turned off by the ads.
The first one will be easy to figure out. The second, almost impossible to know.
If it is consumer centric designed around your service offering or what's great about your city is honest small business relationship building and we hats off to you for getting it.
You're at least open to commentary, others will just do it because you did it.
@PB - those in-post adds annoy me too. I assure you they won't be seen here.
@John wrote:" What if you lose one client a year because they are turned off by the ads? Are the ads worth it? Probably not".
That's an interesting point, and one I pondered. I don't think something as simple as an ad would run off a potential client, but the fact is, it could and as you pointed out, I'll likely never know.
@Benn wrote: "I wonder, will this open brokers up to the opportunity to charge agents for recognition on their broker sites? Sell advertisements of their agents and their listings? As a pace setter in the virtual brokerage model, I think you have to look at this on several levels".
Hmmm. I can honestly say the thought of charging my agents to advertise here never crossed my mind. I'm not wired to think like that. It's a very interesting point. I can see someone doing exactly that. Now, if I were an agent and my broker did that to me.... well, I'd find another broker. Must ponder this one on a deeper level.
Regarding the types of ads, I would love to fill up the ad spots with local small businesses. Our first advertiser is a local mortgage guy (and gal!). But there will be some advertising here targeted to real estate agents/broekrs as well, because the simple fact of the matter is, a lot of real estate people read this blog. I've discussed having RE industry focused ads here with some local (non-agent) readers and past clients, and they were all fine with it. They are fully aware that agents read here. (just look through the comments or MyBlogLog Widget). In fact, almost all of them mentioned that they enjoy reading the comments and insights of the other agents that stop by. So thanks folks!
As Daniel mentioned, I won't be using some ad-service or network that serves up seemingly random ads. They're all hand picked and vetted. I've already turned a couple down because they served no purpose for either our home buyer/seller/investor type readers or the real estate professionals that read. Seems no point in having ads that no one could possibly benefit from....
@bawldguy - It's more than Starbucks money, but clearly nowhere near enough to quit my day job! Just a little supplemental income stream . Hopefully adds a little stability in the often wildly fluctuating income of a 100% commission based income.
I started out Home Sale News in 2001 as an online publication before I became a real estate agent. I wasn't making any money as a publisher so I got my real estate license and kept the leads for myself. That worked out a lot better for me financially.
Jay said, "But I really would like to hear from those opposed."
I'm not opposed. I'm cautious. I just wanted to show you how one line of thinking led to a different conclusion.
And I appreciate it John, keep it coming!!
@bawldguy - it'll do that. For now... ;)
Of course, it is all really moot since, like Marc above (see #14), I only have four readers (counting me). The deep pockets aren't exactly begging to align their brands with my site. Hey - Maybe I should be buying a spot on your blog advertising spots on my blog!
In any event, I hope you realize untold wealth, or at least enough to pick up the happy hour tab at Inman. :)
For example, asking your title and escrow and mortgage folks to pay an "advertising" fee in exchange for your referrals.
Mix it up: go for all kinds of different advertisers.
I remember needing help managing all the trees in my yard. Who did I call? My Realtor. She referred me to a wonderful arborist and I stil use him to this day.
First, there is this from my advertising page/disclaimer:
Now I do fully realize no one ever reads these things.
Regarding mortgage lenders specifically, first, they don't work for me, they work for my clients. I *never* recommend just one lender to any client. We always give them multiple choices. It is their decision to make. We're happy to provide out experiences, but ultimately, it's a decision they must make themselves.
Second, others are welcome to advertise here too. :)
And finally, mortgage brokers are professionals. They understand that other mortgage people advertise. They also have to eat and I can't see them turning away one of our clients because another lender has an ad here. I honestly don't think it would alienate them. And to be honest, if it did it sends a pretty strong -- and not so swift -- message about them...
@Kris - happy hour for you, sure. For 100 other people, not-so-much. Besides, there's plenty of vendor booze to go around! (Think Zillow will invite us to their party this time?)
Doesn't bother me. We must remember these are "business blogs," not blogs on being blogging purists.
Buy me a drink at Inman with all your cash.
With that said, www.ThompsonsRealty.com is your sales site and this is your outlet/blog. :-)
Wishing you the best with your decision...
Matt Pellerin - Realtor
As long as your picking and selecting who advertises on your site- I do not have a problem with it. You have worked long and hard to gt to the point you are at and there is no reason not to proft from it if possible. I think the big thing is being in control of who advertises because it is like you are giving them an endorsement. Is it any different than recommending a lender to a clent? I do not care for targeted text ads on blogs and agents websites.
If this blog is your creation, then the most important thing for you should be your own satisfaction with the contend and look of it. When you like the idea of having adds on it, plus getting paid for that, then I say amen to that.
People will like it or hate it, it won't matter as long as you are o.k. with it your-self.
Go for it, you can always disconnect it later, after you collect the " bounty"
@Brad - "Do you offer any type of reporting to your advertisers (impressions, click through rates etc)??"
I *just* installed some tracking capability. It's supposed to record impressions, uniques and click through rates. I'll know more when the chron job runs for a couple of days..
We don't have ads on the homegain blog or on the homegain agent blogs -its their show.
Since its your show you can advertise all you want. You need to consider not the opinions of the re.net but whether you will be diverting your potential customers to your advertisers.
Unless you consider the re.net to be your customers, its irrelevant what they think-its your blog, your business decision.
What web 2.0 companies have yet to grasp is that getting paid per thousands of impressions is not that attractive when you get less than a few million visitors a month.
Pay per action ads will make you more money.
"You need to consider not the opinions of the re.net but whether you will be diverting your potential customers to your advertisers"
THAT, is the million dollar question that you should be most concerned with.
Matt Pellerin - Realtor
Who cares what they think as an individual blogger? I mean, I'm not sure why this is posed to bloggers...Every ad less one on our sites are geared for the consumer...you know the person who actually spends money? While some realtors may spend some money, we are using demographic analysis based upon our search results relative to the articles we post to determine the relative effectiveness and price of our ads.
I'm sure Phoenix has a newspaper that ahs an online website. The question being then..Does the Phoenix newspaper have ads in it? Case closed...forget about asking bloggers..what do you want their opinion on advertising for?
i applaud you...you built this traffic for a reason so it's your choice to capitalize on it or not.
If the ads turn people away, I think it will be the first time visitors that don't know your site for the content. They make that first judgment as soon as the page loads and either decide to read or move on. You'll be able to see if those numbers are affected. By the way you structured the ads, I doubt the newbies will be so offended they'll leave. Hopefully they'll bring your advertisers some income!
Keep doing what you're doing - and thanks for the idea, I'm running it by the boss!
A good little paradigm shift for me that will pay dividends for my blog as I am in the process of reconstructing it (as you may be able to tell from it's horribly outdated posts and "look"!)