Banner exchange and 468x60 banner sizes

[moltar]

I want to create a banner exchange network. It is going to be highly targeted and accept only websites with specific interests. Is it worth the work and money? Do people still use banner exchange networks?

The second question is about banner sizes. Which ones should i choose? 468x60 had been on the market for a long time. Is it worn out yet? I have a choice of any banner size I want. I can add sizes myself. Which ones should I go with?

Want to remind, it is highly targeted exchange.

Thank you.

[Brad]

They can work depending on the niche. Hobby type niches still use them to decent effect.

468x60 banners are probably the most versitile but if there are already many banner exchanges in the niche with that size you might consider a button exchange.

[moltar]

That is sort of a hobby niche. Maybe more of a lifestyle/hobby. And there is not even one banner exchange yet. But several sites have paid ads on them. I am doubting they will switch to exchange ones, right?

Also about placement of the banner. It definitely should be on the top, otherwise CTR is going to be less than 0.1?

[Brad]

I don't try to control where they place the banner so long as they do not try to cover it up. You will drive yourself nuts if you try to control too much. I just look for cheaters.

Banner exchanges best serve groups that are not well serverd by the search engines because SEO mystifies the webmasters. And to whom PPC is way to much money. Traditionally this means content sites. While most cannot afford paid links or advertising they can do cooperative advertising like banner exchanges. Banner exchanges will never bring in huge trafffic, but they are tireless and low effort once they are set up and for hobby sites getting 20 uniques a day anything that brings in a few more hits for free is welcome.