Ad hosting question

Question about how to maximize potential profit on ads

[thejmaster]

Hi,

I'm not sure where to post this, so forgive me if I am in the wrong area.

I have three sites that have a total of roughly 15,000 page views a day in total (5K per site). I know that isn't a lot, but it's a start but I assume a few bucks per day could be made. Anyway, I want to start hosting adverts on the sites but have a few questions.

Let me just say I've never used any ad services so I am in the dark. Maybe someone with experience can point me in the right direction.

1) Just a guess - with 15K in page views how much can one expect to make per day?

2) I am leaning toward CPM advertising over CPC - my understanding is that AdSense offers both, correct?

3) Assuming #2 is correct, off of experience would you suggest CPC or CPM with AdSense?

4) Is Adsense the best option for publishers these days? I'm reading that a number of people are really becoming unhappy.

5) What other providers are there besides adsense and adbrite for the small publisher as myself?

Thank you all for your guidance and wisdom. I am simply trying to make the best decision that will allow me to maximize any potential profit.

[piatkow]

There are just so many variables. Click values vary dramatially by niche.Some people are grateful for 5c while others think 50c unacceptably low.
Adsense does have the advantage of a huge inventory and wide geographical spread which makes it good for delivering ads for specialised local topics. If your site will be attacting the sort of person who will be interested in finding a store selling old blues 78s in Smallville then stick with Adsense. If it is going to attract people who will want to buy big brands on the web then they may have a better inventory for your geo-location or they may not.

CPM / CPC - Adsense offers the advertisers both. You have a little control but certainly can't go exclusively for CPM.

[dickbaker]

I have a site that makes less than a dime per click (or less than a buck CPM) and another that makes a couple of dollars per click. It all depends upon the niche.

Check out some of your competitors' sites to see if they're running ads. You might be able to figure out what company is paying for the ads by looking at the source code. There are a good number of internet ad agencies that buy space on niche sites.

[Digmen1]

I have three sites that have a total of roughly 15,000 page views a day in total (5K per site). I know that isn't a lot, but it's a start but I assume a few bucks per day could be made. Anyway, I want to start hosting adverts on the sites but have a few questions.

Gee I'd be rapt if I could get 100 page views a day to my site let alone 5K.

I wonder why you have not been running ads before ?

[thejmaster]

Hi All,

Thanks for the info. I'll check out the comp and see what they are using.

In regards to why I didn't do ads before, I wasn't thinking in terms of money. I was simply doing what I enjoyed. As volume picked up, I realized I was missing out and what I enjoyed became "hmmm... I could be making money doing what I enjoy".

Again, thanks!