Testing Google AdSense Link Units
We are testing Google AdSense "Link Units" on SuperMotors. We see a lot of sites using the Google AdSense link units to generate advertising revenue. They are a relatively small footprint and can provide very relevant content when functioning correctly. We are still inside the 48-hour ramp-up period which Google describes as:
Once the code is live on your site, relevant ads should appear within 48 hours.
This is where we have implemented them (horizontally, just below the 728x90 leaderboard banner ad) based on locations we've seen on other automotive-related sites:
I personally have never once clicked on these types of links simply because it produces a list of sponsored links. Seems like extra work for me and I'd rather click on relevant ads that are already displayed on the site. This may also be attributed to my behavior on sites in that I realize these are sponsored links and perhaps tend to avoid this style of link. Based on usability studies and general observations of consumers using websites, I think the more often than not, they are under the impression that the text-based links are for pages within the current site they are visiting.
Will report back as to whether or not revenues increase substantially with the addition of these link units.


