Link Unit: affect next ads' EPC?

[sallam]

I know that google display ads with higher revenues, and more relevance, at top of page, and the lower EPC ads at bottom.
But what about the Link Unit, when displayed at top, before any ad blocks... will that result in lower EPC ads shown in the ad blocks?

Suppose I have page "A" with one banner ad block at top, and no link unit at all.
And page "B" with same banner, but having a link unit bar at top, preceding the banner.
Will the banner in page "A" display higher EPC, and more relevant, ads than the banner ads of page "B"?

[ken_b]

The Adlinks code on most (1,200+) of my pages comes before the regular adblock code. It's been like that for several months and I haven't noticed any drop in the values of clicks on the regular ads.

[annej]

I was concerned about this and didn't use link units for a while. I was also concerned that people would just look at the link units and not click on the regular ads. But it seems adding link units above my other ads really pays off.

I suspect they may pay better but have not tested that out. But it only makes sense that visitors who click on a menu and choose an ad that really interests them might be more likely to buy something.

You just have to try them and see what happens on your sites.

[Buzliteyear]

When link units first came out, I tested and dropped.

Last month I took another look (inspired by the AdSense Blog), and have been very impressed.

I am still testing, but I have found ad links to be performing exceptionally so far.

I stopped adding them to my site as my average EPC was very good and I didn't want to anger the Smart Pricing gods.

In January, I will be putting more on my sites.

I would recommend that you add them, closely watch the results, and then make the call.

Good luck.

[sallam]

so I guess I must test myself. What is the best time to do your tests in general: when earnings are down, or high?