Which Adsense format is the most Profitable?

[ideaguru]

I've noticed on many sites out there that the webmasters are trying different formats for the Adsense google ads. I was wondering what you guys thought gave the highest CTR and EPC?

These are main types I've seen out there:

1) 5 x 1 - showing five ads, usually listed on the right side of screen, skyscraper format, blue-outline with blue text, and white background

2) 5 x 1 - same as above except colours are all wacky, like florescent green's, pinks, oranges or whatever

3) 5 x 1 - same as above but you can only see the text, not the background or borders (usually white)

4) 4 x 1 - not skyscraper ad, usually built right into or below content/text - usually without borders and has white background, text is coloured black or looks like content as much as possible.

5) Other?

Any clue which way works the best for you? I've tried different ways so far and have had the best luck with 5 x 1 skyscraper ad with a visible border and text and white background...but I haven't tested it out to the max yet...

[ken_b]

I don't think there is a consenus on what works best, there are just too many variables.

I use the 120x600 on the right side on some of my pages and the 300x250 embedded in the content on most of the others. I do have a few pages where I use the 250x250 format.

Just last week I tried the 738x90 leaderboard at the top of the page on about 130 of my most popular pages instead of he 300x250 block. I let the leaderboards run for about 15,000 impressions to see what would happen. CTR dropped by over 80% on those pages when I installed the leaderboard. Needless to say I switched back.

But, according to what others have posted here, the leaderboard apparently works best on some sites.

All you can do is experiment with the positioning and formats to see what works best on your own site.

[Even_Steven]

I tend to use the 5x1 skyscraper, either on the right side or the left side, with colors blended into my site colors. But I agree that just about any creative size can outperform the others, depending on how they are implemented. Generally, in my experience, making the creative blend into the page seamlessly, rather than making it stick out like a sore thumb, seems to provide the best results.

[sailorjwd]

I started with mostly column ads on left or right side with blue border - basic ad.. after few months switch the colors so they blend in to my page (white) with white borders.. click rate jumped 50%.

[whizkiddo]

u know what people? dont let the user think these are ads. there is a block against ads. throughout your website use "related links" or "related stories" in the same format of links on the same side / manner of page that you use the ads. The visitors now check this part intentionally after finishing reading the current page. also since ads are targetted (very highly), they think its related stuff...and this makes us all happy.

[Dan_Norder]

Uh, no, whizkiddo, that's deceptive and then nobody's happy. If you are disguising Google ads as content then you are getting clicks that are largely worthless to the advertiser. Google doesn't want you doing that, and it's slimey and unethical to boot.

[europeforvisitors]

Trying to disguise ads may be pointless or self-defeating for other reasons:

1) The ads are captioned "Ads by Google," unless you're a premium partner with more than 20,000,000 impressions per month.

2) Since Google uses conversion tracking to at least some degree, worthless clicks may lead to a lower EPC for your account.