Monetizing without cheapening the integrity of an Authority site

[Michael Lang]

I am in the process of monetizing The Lang Report which is now primarily focused on politics and I have been concerned with not cheapening my site by coming across with a bunch of generic advertising, etc.
The only feedback I've received thus far is to research CPA ads as it will give me greater control over the content.
Any insight, feedback and/or direction would be greatly appreciated.

Mike Lang
Publisher - The Lang Report

[Netlyte]

Mike:

I haven't had a chance to view your website but if you are monetizing I'd recommend not putting the ads on all of the pages except for the article / blog type content. Go with text ads & style the links to match your website.

On one of my sites I just completely removed the ads from the front page. And only the content type pages have ads.

- Sam

[Jack Humphrey]

Are there any sites in your niche you could approach that would compliment your site that your readers would definitely be interested in reading too?

This is going to make the ads seem like helpful hints (good pitch to make to those site owners!) rather than ads.

The best advertising is advertising that doesn't seem like advertising. Takes some research but if you can pull it off it is a win for you AND your readership AND the advertisers because they will get clicks and stick around month after month.

[Rick Butts]

Hey Mike -

I'm with you - contextual advertising can have the effect of putting a real chill on me when I'm on a site that feels more personal - its a kind of incongruity. On a major news channel I can understand the Blockbuster ad - and I guess I'm even more likely to click a generic type ad (if I'm interested in the offer) on an impersonal site than an authority site.

I'm especially sick to death of the Kontera type ads that spawn a giant hideous popover ad when I hover over a word in the post that I had no intention of clicking. I guess they must work for someone - but I dont think I've EVER clicked a Kontera ad in a post - but then I'm not a normal person.

I think the key is to at least start with hyperlinking keywords in your posts, though, because when this is done right it is highly effective. You can also put a resource box at the bottom of a post and just list a few with call to action statements.

I also think a seriously targeted banner ad can work well inline - so if you are talking about donating to political campaigns then you can have a link to the republican or demo site (these both have affiliate programs in Commission Junction.)

You are kind of in a tough spot - cause other than novelty Tshirts etc - you are limited to books and audios - which pay pathetically bad commissions.

You might consider going lateral - thinking about how your market is oriented toward other types of products and services that are relevant to all people - health, insurance, mortgages etc - and may even experiment with some CPA offers off links on your site.

So there are a few ideas - test and see what happens!

Hope this is helpful,
Rick Butts

[Michael Lang]

Rick, thanks for the input. My experience is that nobody really has a clue about monetizing a site like mine except for the excellent suggestions that you just gave me.
I will be expanding my content with other more diverse categories and I will be giving more thought to monetizing as I do so.
I recently added a category titled "The 60s" as it is my generation and also a pivotal point in the history of the world. My brother-in-law, who won an Oscar for the documentary,on Muhamad Ali titled "When We Were Kings" is setting me up to interview another Mike Lang....the promoter of Woodstack!
Anyhow, I don't need to tell you to keep your warped sense of humor as I am sure that it is intact.
Any other advice, feedback, etc you might have for The Lang Report will always be greatly appreciated.
Mike Lang

[Ray Loesch]

Hi Mike, I took a look at your website it's pretty interesting. I think CPA ads are a very good way to go for your site, I also think that google adsense would probably work out for you, as you should get some targeted ads that will cater to your audience. I would also look into selling some private ad space maybe a couple of 125 x 125 banner ads that are complimentary to your readership.

[Alex Sysoef]

Michael,

Perhaps you should try Peel Ads script. It is very unobtrusive and yet it has proven to work rather well for me. Tends to draw attention without taking space on your webpage and I think generally "perceived" as an OFF the page type of marketing ...

[Michael Lang]

Alex, thanks for the feedback. You're the 2nd person that recommended peel-away ads so I think I'll get right on it and explore the possibilties.

Mike Lang

[John Barnett]

A trick I once saw on a site to monetize it and have full control was to design ads that look like adsense and link them to your own affiliate sites. Instead of the ads by google they just put "sponsored links"

People are so used to seeing adsenseon sites these days that they will click if they see something that looks lisimilar but you don't share your commissions with Google and have complete control over your advertising.

[Michael Lang]

GREAT IDEA....I think I try it......Thanks,

Mike Lang
The Lang Report

[Outlawbybirth]

Use an opt in newsletter for monthly tips and include ads at the bottom of the newsletter as recommended by you.

[TrafficGuru]

Newbiee here.cool

[RinKat]

Michael
I just read a great article on courtneytutttle.com that suggests a couple of nice idea on other methods of monetizing. I took one of his suggests the I read the article. I am in the process of putting my site on line. I never ignore any of Courts post because the information he gives for FREE is something any marketer can use. Enough! Go to Court's site I guarantee you will bookmark him.

Good Luck RinKat