Shopping/Comparison site block tests

Interesting results

[ByronM]

As some of you know i had blocked some of the infamous shopping and comparison sites.

Well, my CTR went from 1.5-2.0% to over 4.8% HOWEVER my EPC also feel.

So the end result is that i made a tad less money, but i got alot more clicks and my page looks better without 4 different shopping comparison sites in the same ad space waisting immpressions.

So to sum i'm, i'm leaving all but 1 of them blocked to be fair and i will wait it out. I've emailed companies who i think would be excellent people to advertise through google and i'll see if building a targeted campaign and adwords adveriser group will help out in the long run rather then hopping people don't get sick of seeing the same comparison shopping sites.

[richmondsteve]

ByronM, interesting results and intelligent strategy. Variety of advertisers and user satisfaction with AdSense will likely pay off in the long run, even if EPC and CPM takes a hit short term.

[ByronM]

my CTR is actually over 5% now which is fantastic. I feel that as my traffic grows the earnings potential will now be more linear instead of "bursts" of hits on once fresh now old ads that everyone has seen.

[annej]

I blocked the shopping and comparison sites too. I've spent too much time on building a quality site based on Brett's "Successful Site in 12 Months with Google Alone" guidelines. [webmasterworld.com...]

It's a matter of quality or quanity I guess but quality has more staying power.

[jonathanleger]

You agree not to disclose Google Confidential Information without Google's prior written consent. "Google Confidential Information" includes without limitation: (a) all Google software, technology, programming, technical specifications, materials, guidelines and documentation relating to the Program; (b) click-through rates or other statistics relating to Site performance in the Program provided to You by Google; and (c) any other information designated in writing by Google as "Confidential" or an equivalent designation. It does not include information that has become publicly known through no breach by You or Google, or information that has been (i) independently developed without access to Google Confidential Information, as evidenced in writing; (ii) rightfully received by You from a third party; or (iii) required to be disclosed by law or by a governmental authority.

Be careful about posting CTRs. It's against the AdSense terms of service.

[ByronM]

Its also a violation to publish there TOS here :)

I believe if Google can publish screen shots and market data with CTR rates and revenue shown i have the right to ask about how to make the ads more relevent to my market instead of the broad buyers that don't match at all.

anyhow.. i guess i'll ask to have this thread killed

[jonathanleger]

Haha. I guess you're right! Looks like we're both in trouble! 8)