Image ads vs. Text ads

[JohnKelly]

Is there a way to tell how many of the AdSenses ads served are image ads?

I'm running a test on one of my sites, having set up two channels: one for images-only and one for text-only ads. The image-only channel has much lower EPC, CTR and a higher percentage of alternate ads being displayed.

The apparent verdict will be to switch all ads to text-only, since right now I show both. I can assume that some image ads are being displayed, which could be pulling down my CTR and EPC.

[wyweb]

I'm sure this won't be of much help John but I have never run image ads. There is quite a bit of documentation, statistics, etc... that show graphic ad as producing far less than text ads and I have never been brave enough to test this. Sorry for this non-answer. You are aware that text ads historically do better that graphics, yes? Especially w/ regard to certain size formats?

[JohnKelly]

Yes, I ws aware of text ads out-performing image ads (in terms of CTR at least). I guess what surprised me was the much lower EPC, around an order of magnitude lower.

[conjo_guam]

Image ads are producing very very lower CPC than text ads.
One of the reason for lower payouts could be fewer advertisers in general and maybe fewer in your particulat area.

Best thing would be to have image_text for each ad unit.
I did this for my website everywhere.
Google decides which one is better and displays accordingly.

hope this helps

[JohnKelly]

Google decides which one is better and displays accordingly.

You mean that Google decides which text ad performs better, not between text and images ads?

It's my understanding that using google_ad_type = "text"; means that images ads will never be shown.

The only downside is that possibly more alt ads could result, but perhaps not since text ads are more popular with AdSense anyway.

[conjo_guam]

This is what i understand. I may be wrong, please correct me.

image_text option displays image or text ads. Google determines, which ad pays better and displays it accordingly.

Yes for my site 468X60 and 300X250 has image_text option and i see most of the time text ads. Occasionaly i see full image ads. If text ads are displaying that means, there are not image ads, which outbid text ads.

It is my understanding that, if an image ad is displayed, it means, this advertiser is paying more than what the text ad advertisers are willing to pay.

Google decides what is best for publisher (in terms of money).