The Decline of Link Units

[jrpfhc]

I have no complaints about Adsense, but I do have an observation. I have a site that has had the same ad layout for a year.

In that time the Link Unit Impression RPM has gone down to about 40% of what it once was.

I believe this is due to the fact that they started putting the label “sponsored” or “sponsored searches” on them in June, and have begun to try different designs with them in the last few months.

This observation is based on 800,000 impressions.

Google can do whatever they want, I don’t want visitors clicking on something unless they know it’s an ad. It’s just a shame, because I really liked these little units and they really produced.

[Sissi]

@jrpfhc
You are completely right.
Have you tried other formats?

[robzilla]

I don’t want visitors clicking on something unless they know it’s an ad. It’s just a shame, because I really liked these little units and they really produced.

Can't have your cake and eat it ;-)

[jrpfhc]

@sissi

I am going to give ezoic a try. In the meantime I’ve replaced the unit in question with a 300 x 250 box ad. Still too early to tell if it’s making more revenue. It is so far, but one day is nothing.

[jrpfhc]

@robzilla

You’re right!

[Sissi]

@jrpfhc
Did the same
With a mixture only text and picture/text
The links have been the best performing for German and French ads

[ember]

Link ads are still my best performing ads. Apparently, that is one of the reasons Ezoic did not work for me, because their system could not beat the revenue from those ads.

[jrpfhc]

@ember
Mine traditionally have been as well. I appreciate the feedback on Ezoic. Box ads did worse. I'm going to put my link units back in, chalk it all up to January and ride it out.

[Sissi]

Just returned to Links after a 48 hours test.
The key is their combination with some of the aut. ads options

[MrJefe]

I had a nice year and half run with link units. They generated some decent revenue.
I had to remove them about 6 months ago, when they declined too badly.