Forum Moderators: martinibuster
But I also heard that you can do it if you want, as long as you place a border around your ads.
Can anyone clear this up?
Does anyone put images next to there ads like in the examples here:
[adsense.blogspot.com...] ?
I really want to do something unique to my ads so they look less like the adsense you see on just about every webpage.
So border or no border isn't the question, really. If you had a 5-ad block with a border around it, and put five images lined up with the ads, there could still be a suggested relationship.
You can put images next to ads. You can put them near ads. But you can't place them in a way that suggests there's a connection.
There's a larger principle here. If I were you, I'd be careful about doing "something unique" if what it does is cause more people to click on them than would in the usual way. That could either lead to smartpricing, or get you in trouble for invalid clicks.
So be creative, but be cautious.
I guess I'll just play it safe and not put images next to the ads.
What kind of things are allowed that can make the ads look better?
And not just that standard block of text. Is there anything that people do that they are willing to share?
Nothing.
The adverts are "as is" You cannot add to them as it will violate the TOS because you will be altering the code to do so.
A fancier multicolor border around the ad's?
Is this allowed?
A fancier multicolor border around the ad's?
Like a background image inside of a table?
A fancier multicolor border around the ad's?
If it fits the color scheme of your site, probably, but if I were you I'd check with AdSense support before using it--set up a sample page and direct them to it. Explain you want their OK before using it, since it's not something you've seen done...
However, I think that you may find that if they OK the use of it, it may be counterproductive, as it will make the ads easier to ignore!
Personally, I thought it looked like asking for trouble.
So, if you have one image for a two-ad unit, that's more likely to be seen as an image that defines an ad. If you have one image next to several ads, not so much. A reasonable visitor won't assume one image applies to all ads.
The other thing is the Ads by Google notice. If you use an ad where it's at the bottom, and use an image next to your ad, that's quite likely to be misunderstood by your visitors. Because they're connecting the image with the ad before or instead of reading the "Ads by Google" notice.
Bigger images are safer than smaller images. The original controversy that led to the policy clarification had to do with small images that were seen as thumbnails. Most users obviously don't recognize big pictures as thumbnails.
Then there's the issue of the URL color. If you have, say, a rectangular ad unit that has four ads in it, and each one has a different target URL, a reasonable internet user who isn't on drugs on under the influence will not assume links to other sites are part of the navigation for your site.
Sorry, I know that's being facetious, but seriously I think sometimes we can get so paranoid about getting banned we forget to realize most internet users aren't completely dim.
I don't know how aware most users are of other sites. I know I'm always aware when I click on one site and get taken to another. I guess my peripheral vision is really good, lol! I'm often looking at the status bar and the address bar if I suspect anything (before/after clicking). I also find that when a site's format, fonts, and colors suddenly change it's a good clue I'm on a different site.
If you do use an image near an ad block, perhaps of the size with fewer ads in it, which has the Ads by Google below, you can add a legitimate notice above it such as "Sponsored Links."
p/g
Google doesn't want you to trick visitors into thinking the ads are part of your content. Tricking == Bad.
