If you look over to your right, you’ll see a block of four paid advertisement spots (assuming you aren’t reading this via RSS or Email of course. If you are, please click through).
I have no doubt that some out there in the REBC (Real Estate Blogging Community), aka the “RE.net”, will be appalled, and thoughts of “shill”, “sell out” and “non-purist” will arise along with the bile in their throats.
I’m not a big fan of advertisements spread all over a blog. I’ve seen blogs that have ads across the header, down the sidebar, in the footer, inside posts, in the comment fields and in the RSS feed. There are even ways to put pop-up adds inside sentences via contextual ads. And I’ve seen some using all of the above. To me, that is too much and carries it a bit too far.
On the other hand, who the heck am I to say someone is wrong to monetize their blog however they see fit?
So yeah, we’ve now got some advertising spots. I could try to justify it by pointing out all the hundreds of thousands of other blogs and web sites that carry advertising. But I’m not all that concerned with what others do, and have always found the, “but everyone else is doing it” argument weak (just ask my teenagers).
Honestly though, I’m not sure I need to justify it. It is, after all, my blog.
But, it’s also your blog in many ways. I do sincerely thank and appreciate every single reader of this blog. And I care what each and every reader of this blog thinks. Unless there is an uproar against the ads here, they will stay. I’d love to hear your honest and brutal opinions. Are ads on a blog good, bad, or indifferent to you? Why? (especially wondering why if you are strongly opposed to them)
So let me have it in the comments (or the contact form if you’re not comfortable expressing your opinion in public).
And thanks in advance!
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Truthfully Jay? I don’t think it’s a problem, as long as it’s targeted and personally selected by the author. Besides, if you’ve decided to go this route we all know you’ve put a lot of thought into it. Interested to see others’ thoughts.
Welcome to the club. We resisted advertising for a long time until we realized we were leaving money on the table. Hey, if it’s OK with mainstream media, it’s OK with me.
I say go for it! I’ve been toying with the idea on both RCG and 4realz, so thank for making that much easier.
@Jeremy – any ad here will be approved by me (and Francy). I’m not going to put up any of the ad services that serve up contextual (and sometimes apparently random) ads. And yes, I’ve mulled it over a LOT.
@Joe – I’ve resisted for a long time too. I know some will see it unfavorably. But leaving money on the table just doesn’t make sense. Will it be enough to retire on? Hah, I wish. But maybe it’ll be enough to allow me to hire a developer and bring TPREG to the next level. A veritable win-win for everyone.
Besides, have you ever tried to feed two teenagers?
I think you’re an absolute sell out, a shill, (what was that other thing- oh yeah!) and a non-purist.
Actually, I think you might be a businessman, and business related blogs might be about business. After all what is that big MLS button up there if it isn’t advertising?
Smart move Jay – Glad that your quality writing has created the readership to make it work – That quality won’t change I’m sure.
@Bill – you forgot “loser”. Or maybe I forgot that one.
Yep, that big MLS button is indeed advertising. So is, in effect, every post here. I do honestly love writing for this (and other) blogs, but it clearly is fundamentally a business blog, designed to not only help share with others, help me learn, and hone my writing skills, but also fundamentally to attract people to utilize our services as real estate agents.
And no worries, the quality (and thanks for calling it that!) of the writing won’t change. In fact, nothing will change with the exception of what is in that particular spot on the sidebar.
I don’t think it matters to this point, so many people do it and like Jermey stated above, you’ve done your time, you bring great content, just keep doing your thing.
@Dustin – I did go for it. Now YOU go for it.
I appreciate everyone’s positiveness. But I really would like to hear from those opposed. I know you’re out there. I’m not looking to “engage” with you, just seeking a different viewpoint.
I’m sure others will be interested too… chime in!
Damn the haters and roll it Jay! My only suggestion is you should personally believe in the products or services you are allowing to appear and advertise on your well respected site.
Cheers!
Jay, Ad’s are great! It has nothing to do with being a purist or any other adjective one may use; it has everything to do with business. the blog is a form of marketing and as a business man creating ways to generate revenue is OK actually more than OK it’s (let me step out on a limb here) your responsibility. ok now I sound like I’m ranting anyhow I think the new site looks great and the ad’s are nonintrusive however let’s not forget I sold ad’s in phoenix for “Saguaro Gold” for years so I may be a little bias.
I’m appalled… I’m so upset I’ve taken Phoenix Real Estate Guy off my RSS… I trusted you to be a pure and unadulterated piece of internet real estate.
Email me if you change your ways and go back to the path of blog purity…
I think we’re all pleased your getting a return on the time and effort you’ve invested in creating astong and interesting blog.
If anyone is upset by it they can use Adblock so they don’t need to see the adverts.
Keep up the good work Jay…
I will try and give you a different viewpoint, or just some constructive criticism! While I am not opposed to the ads in general, I can’t say I’m a fan of the initial execution. When I see “this space for rent” all over the right column, I believe people may get the wrong idea when they come to your site for the first time.
Maybe get some filler ads temporarily, or just give your current advertisers more space for now. Put a smaller note underneath with the typical “advertise with us” link.
Just a thought…
We are thinking of monetizing (how much is 3 page views a day worth?) some of our realty blogs as well. RESPA tells us that we have to charge “the going rate” to our closing partners – no discounts or upcharges. If you generate the eyeballs, you should be able to generate some compensation.
There are one or two TARGETED advertisers that I have been informally talking to regarding the same thing. It would be nice to have a little offset for all the time involved. I could see myself having 1, 2 or 3 ads. But the main purpose must always be the blog and it’s message.
I see no problem with what you are doing. That’s my opinion.
Jay,
I think that selling ad space is a very different thing than putting up PPC or affiliate ads. Anyone can do the last ones, but not everyone can sell their space for the upfront money.
I think this kind of advertisement talks about the credibility and real popularity of the site.
If you can sell ad space – you’ve earned it.
And BTW, thanks again for giving up your biggest peace of the ad space for The Charles Richey Fundraiser and writing all those posts on all the blogs you’re contributing to. Thank you!
Running No-Script script blocker for FireFox ( http://noscript.net ). I don’t see no ads
You have a great blog, and it is able to attract advertisers. Paying advertisers. We are all in business to make a living.
For the last few years you have been a leader in the RE.net. You are simply continuing to lead.
Considering the quality of your blog, your Opinion`s, and service ethic. Maybe an Angieslist type of referral advertisement would suit you better. Jayslist?
@Jason – thanks!
@JeffX – I’ve always loved your attitude! And good point. I do have a “this is not an endorsement” in the legalspeak, but that’s just to CYA. I’ll be picky.
@UK FK – you had me going!
Thanks.
@Robert – send some of those old contacts my way. Maybe we should talk…
@Sal – fabulous feedback! I just cut the blocks from 4 to 2 until they get filled and added a link. It’s not quite so “in your face”. Will replace that “for rent” later when I get a chance. Thanks!
@Marc – setting rates is the hard part. I’m brand new at this. Will have to toy with it. Traffic is what advertisers are looking for. We do OK for a real estate blog, but it’s chump change compared to big tech / a-list blogs.
@Chris – I want ads that will appeal to readers. I don’t see the point in putting something up there completely unrelated to the readership.
@Max – thanks, and you are more than welcome. I wish there was more I could do for Charles and Jacqui.
@Todd – I suspect a lot of people run ad blockers. But a lot more don’t. It will be interesting to watch the “evolution” of Internet based ads.
@Patrick – hmmm, interesting… must ponder….
Looks good! You’re welcome
Jay, perhaps you might put your listings widget, search the mls button, and contact form ahead of the ads.
Mr. Butinkski
Ads?? What ads?? Anyway, as you said, it’s your blog, no justification is needed IMHO. I’d read your blog if it used stick figure artwork, bad grammar and NSFW pix. Say, that might not be a bad…no, never mind.
Ads- come on Jay…someone has to pay the freight! No need to apploigize and you need to go for it. It’s all part of the pro bloggers scene.
Jay,
You never have to think to apologize for this. You run a great site and have a lot of traffic. The only thing I would recommend is to make certain, beyond any doubt, that you support the advertisers product. Putting the ads up there means they are tied to your online brand and reputation. Try the products and endorse the advertisers with a post showing you have used the products.
Other than that, you have NOTHING to apologize for or explain.
Honestly, if you hadn’t of pointed it out I never would have noticed. It is very unobtrusive and completely relates to your site so it blends in well. Besides it’s your site if you want ads have ads.
The concept of ads don’t bother me. Only bad ads (mainly flashy animated ones – or ones that make noise) really bother me and will lead me to try and avoid the site. I may be a bit biased since I have my own web sites with ads but I understand that those that are working to create content I like may want to be paid. Some ads can even be useful.
I tried to make AdSense make sense on my (former) main site a few years but gave up. It took time and focus away from real estate where I make my living.
I also decided that it detracted from my real estate message. Websites are scattered enough as it is.
I stopped incorporating new AdSense ads into that web site a couple, three years ago. It’s kinda neat though that until recently I stilI made about $50 a month off those old ads.
For years I had a zip code map that was getting great traffic. Eventually, the obvious hit me and I added AdSense to that page. That helped get to $50 a month. Recently, however, I removed AdSense from that page to focus the page on generating traffic for my blog.
Your situation may be different.
First, you have much higher traffic and, second, the way you do ads may take a ton less time than the way I did it pre-blog.
Who cares? And that’s all I have to say about it!
We thank you for your support {seesmic_video:{”url_thumbnail”:{”value”:”http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/vjBilRKkWZ_th1.jpg”}”title”:{”value”:”We thank you for your support ”}”videoUri”:{”value”:”http://www.seesmic.com/video/iRxN6E8Qnf”}}}
Wow, that cheesy webcam really make me look stoned. Note to self – upgrade video.
I smell a question for the next CREST real estate blogging survey.
Jay -
I think its a great idea, I have always felt that a few advertising and selective ads is a smart way to provide for your readers! I think you have a great mix, one of my favorite premium WP themes has ads, I have a few designs in webpages that allow for it. I just need work on some stronger content and build the blog! The late nights are killing me! I SAY “Smart Phoenix Real Estate Guy”
Jay: Take the money and buy you a nice six shooter, so the next time you have to go and defend some little filly, you can rehabilitate the perpetrator right there on the spot. Also, the ammunition is way cheaper than a visit to “Bones”.
But who actually clicks through the ads on webpages, for the most part, my eye ignores them unless they are the big, ugly, flashing, popup, annoying variety which is the signal for me to go to another website.
Jay, as to your ads, if they relate the industry such as the mortgage ad you currently have and others of interest to your readership and they look as if they belong on the page, then I think it’s great.
Hi Jay -
I have no problems with advertising as long as it relates to your subject in someway and is not overboard (as you describe). In fact, I don’t care if the ads run down your sidebars to the end of the Internet. Where I have some annoyance toward advertising (and yes, I have ads on my blog), is when the ad is embedded within the post itself. To me, it cheapens the content.
However, if the blog is good, I’ll continue reading – no matter where the advertising is placed.
Regarding “Wjo Cares” I feel bad, I only meant Why should anyone care? It is YOUR blog, and you should be able to do with it what you want. I can’t see where it is hurting or hindering anyone. Sory If I can across as Flippant….did’nt mean it for sure.
Jay, LIke you said, it’s not all over the place. You have it all in one location – they are not garish and large & appears professional. I know there will come the time that I may go this route, but then I’d need more readership also.
Well, this is no fun, all the comments are positive! Just to cause trouble…
What if you lose one client a year because they are turned off by the ads? Are the ads worth it? Probably not.
The answer lies in how much money the ads bring in (minus your administrative time cost) and how likely a client would be turned off by the ads.
The first one will be easy to figure out. The second, almost impossible to know.
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Jay — This seems to be a whole lotta fuss about Starbucks money. Am I missing something here?
There is a huge difference in ads on a local real estate agent’s site that feature local business and talent and full on advertising for anything and everything. As agents we make endorsements of products all day long to our clients, and featuring those folks makes perfect sense.
If it is consumer centric designed around your service offering or what’s great about your city is honest small business relationship building and we hats off to you for getting it.
I wonder, will this open brokers up to the opportunity to charge agents for recognition on their broker sites? Sell advertisements of their agents and their listings? As a pace setter in the virtual brokerage model, I think you have to look at this on several levels.
You’re at least open to commentary, others will just do it because you did it.
I’m not a big fan of ads just because they seem to be every where we look. Another reason I do not run them is because I do want to distract consumers from the reason there are at the site in the first place. They also add cluttter, reasons why I don’t use widgets either, and seems to increase the busy-ness of the page. But to each his own, your blog your rules
Cool to see a good discussion regarding this.
@Julia – don’t feel bad, I understood exactly what you were saying.
@PB – those in-post adds annoy me too. I assure you they won’t be seen here.
@John wrote:” What if you lose one client a year because they are turned off by the ads? Are the ads worth it? Probably not”.
That’s an interesting point, and one I pondered. I don’t think something as simple as an ad would run off a potential client, but the fact is, it could and as you pointed out, I’ll likely never know.
@Benn wrote: “I wonder, will this open brokers up to the opportunity to charge agents for recognition on their broker sites? Sell advertisements of their agents and their listings? As a pace setter in the virtual brokerage model, I think you have to look at this on several levels”.
Hmmm. I can honestly say the thought of charging my agents to advertise here never crossed my mind. I’m not wired to think like that. It’s a very interesting point. I can see someone doing exactly that. Now, if I were an agent and my broker did that to me…. well, I’d find another broker. Must ponder this one on a deeper level.
Regarding the types of ads, I would love to fill up the ad spots with local small businesses. Our first advertiser is a local mortgage guy (and gal!). But there will be some advertising here targeted to real estate agents/broekrs as well, because the simple fact of the matter is, a lot of real estate people read this blog. I’ve discussed having RE industry focused ads here with some local (non-agent) readers and past clients, and they were all fine with it. They are fully aware that agents read here. (just look through the comments or MyBlogLog Widget). In fact, almost all of them mentioned that they enjoy reading the comments and insights of the other agents that stop by. So thanks folks!
As Daniel mentioned, I won’t be using some ad-service or network that serves up seemingly random ads. They’re all hand picked and vetted. I’ve already turned a couple down because they served no purpose for either our home buyer/seller/investor type readers or the real estate professionals that read. Seems no point in having ads that no one could possibly benefit from….
@bawldguy – It’s more than Starbucks money, but clearly nowhere near enough to quit my day job! Just a little supplemental income stream . Hopefully adds a little stability in the often wildly fluctuating income of a 100% commission based income.
Jay — If it pays for a month’s gas for the car, I’m in.
Jay, My personal decision making came down to this, “Am I a publisher or a Realtor?”.
I started out Home Sale News in 2001 as an online publication before I became a real estate agent. I wasn’t making any money as a publisher so I got my real estate license and kept the leads for myself. That worked out a lot better for me financially.
Jay said, “But I really would like to hear from those opposed.”
I’m not opposed. I’m cautious. I just wanted to show you how one line of thinking led to a different conclusion.
“I’m not opposed. I’m cautious. I just wanted to show you how one line of thinking led to a different conclusion.”
And I appreciate it John, keep it coming!!
@bawldguy – it’ll do that. For now…
I’ve wondered about the value of doing this. The fact that you are selling them yourself makes it that much more relevant, which is a good thing and since your blog is ancillary to ThompsonsRealty.com I don’t think it could have much negative impact on your branding. The more radical move would be for Realtors to sell ads on their primary MLS website.
I’m having a hard time with this – Not with the advetising, but figuring out what I really think about it. My knee-jerk reaction was, “Cool! Why not?” The curious thing is that I wouldn’t do it on my blog, curious because I can’t put my finger on why I feel that way.
Of course, it is all really moot since, like Marc above (see #14), I only have four readers (counting me). The deep pockets aren’t exactly begging to align their brands with my site. Hey – Maybe I should be buying a spot on your blog advertising spots on my blog!
In any event, I hope you realize untold wealth, or at least enough to pick up the happy hour tab at Inman.
It will take HUD at least a decade to catch up with this form of advertising. My advice to other Realtors is to be careful about RESPA violations.
For example, asking your title and escrow and mortgage folks to pay an “advertising” fee in exchange for your referrals.
Mix it up: go for all kinds of different advertisers.
I remember needing help managing all the trees in my yard. Who did I call? My Realtor. She referred me to a wonderful arborist and I stil use him to this day.
On the opposition front, do you foresee yourself being alienated by other mortgage brokers because you are essentially showing a major preference to one group? Maybe that’s what you’re going for, but I’m just saying from a neophyte perspective that it looks like you’re somewhat aligning yourself with this one mortgage broker.
Chad – excellent comment! Here’s my take, for what it’s worth.
First, there is this from my advertising page/disclaimer:
Now I do fully realize no one ever reads these things.
Regarding mortgage lenders specifically, first, they don’t work for me, they work for my clients. I *never* recommend just one lender to any client. We always give them multiple choices. It is their decision to make. We’re happy to provide out experiences, but ultimately, it’s a decision they must make themselves.
Second, others are welcome to advertise here too.
And finally, mortgage brokers are professionals. They understand that other mortgage people advertise. They also have to eat and I can’t see them turning away one of our clients because another lender has an ad here. I honestly don’t think it would alienate them. And to be honest, if it did it sends a pretty strong — and not so swift — message about them…
@Kris – happy hour for you, sure. For 100 other people, not-so-much. Besides, there’s plenty of vendor booze to go around! (Think Zillow will invite us to their party this time?)
Jay,
Doesn’t bother me. We must remember these are “business blogs,” not blogs on being blogging purists.
Buy me a drink at Inman with all your cash.
IMHO, it takes a lot to get a visitor to my sites, there is no way once I have them that I am going to risk losing them by having an attractive ad on any of my 3 main sales sites.
With that said, http://www.ThompsonsRealty.com is your sales site and this is your outlet/blog.
Wishing you the best with your decision…
Matt Pellerin – Realtor
Jay
As long as your picking and selecting who advertises on your site- I do not have a problem with it. You have worked long and hard to gt to the point you are at and there is no reason not to proft from it if possible. I think the big thing is being in control of who advertises because it is like you are giving them an endorsement. Is it any different than recommending a lender to a clent? I do not care for targeted text ads on blogs and agents websites.
I agree with the masses here. I have no problem with the ads. Do you offer any type of reporting to your advertisers (impressions, click through rates etc)??
Have no Idea how I came across this blog. Let me say my opinion on this object.
If this blog is your creation, then the most important thing for you should be your own satisfaction with the contend and look of it. When you like the idea of having adds on it, plus getting paid for that, then I say amen to that.
People will like it or hate it, it won’t matter as long as you are o.k. with it your-self.
Go for it, you can always disconnect it later, after you collect the ” bounty”
@Tomas “Have no Idea how I came across this blog”. LOL, happens to me all the time. I just hope you come back!
@Brad – “Do you offer any type of reporting to your advertisers (impressions, click through rates etc)??”
I *just* installed some tracking capability. It’s supposed to record impressions, uniques and click through rates. I’ll know more when the chron job runs for a couple of days..
Jay I am not against advertising on PREG.
We don’t have ads on the homegain blog or on the homegain agent blogs -its their show.
Since its your show you can advertise all you want. You need to consider not the opinions of the re.net but whether you will be diverting your potential customers to your advertisers.
Unless you consider the re.net to be your customers, its irrelevant what they think-its your blog, your business decision.
btw if you do impression based ads you won’t make that much anyway.
What web 2.0 companies have yet to grasp is that getting paid per thousands of impressions is not that attractive when you get less than a few million visitors a month.
Pay per action ads will make you more money.
Jay, I think Louis hit the nail on the head ( and I think I expressed myself very clearly in agreeance with him on my earlier comment) when he said:
“You need to consider not the opinions of the re.net but whether you will be diverting your potential customers to your advertisers”
THAT, is the million dollar question that you should be most concerned with.
Matt Pellerin – Realtor
Welcome to the dark side Jay! I wish you well. Too many Realtors are letting their personal beliefs get in the way of business.
Who cares what they think as an individual blogger? I mean, I’m not sure why this is posed to bloggers…Every ad less one on our sites are geared for the consumer…you know the person who actually spends money? While some realtors may spend some money, we are using demographic analysis based upon our search results relative to the articles we post to determine the relative effectiveness and price of our ads.
I’m sure Phoenix has a newspaper that ahs an online website. The question being then..Does the Phoenix newspaper have ads in it? Case closed…forget about asking bloggers..what do you want their opinion on advertising for?
i applaud you…you built this traffic for a reason so it’s your choice to capitalize on it or not.
You know, I have thought about this quite a bit – enough to write a post about how I feel google adsense rubs me the wrong way – but this is different. A much more professional approach. To tell you the truth, I was still pretty new to blogging when I wrote the post and didn’t realize the income possibilities that come with blog traffic. I wouldn’t even care if you added google adsense to your site now.
If the ads turn people away, I think it will be the first time visitors that don’t know your site for the content. They make that first judgment as soon as the page loads and either decide to read or move on. You’ll be able to see if those numbers are affected. By the way you structured the ads, I doubt the newbies will be so offended they’ll leave. Hopefully they’ll bring your advertisers some income!
Keep doing what you’re doing – and thanks for the idea, I’m running it by the boss!
I wouldn’t worry about it. You put your time in on here. Might as well get a return.
Jay, I think it is an excellent idea. If you make enough income to pay for your costs and some of your time, you’ll be able to share even more with your readers. Well done!
Jay – I’ve taken a while to get back, but wanted to say I appreciated your comment regarding my thought you may be aligning yourself too much with one mortgage broker. Looking at your blog from a client’s perspective (a hard feat when all I ever look at RE.net sites through is an intra-professional lense), I see your site in a whole new way. As a client, I want the easiest path to a winning team when I buy real estate. If I am on your blog and like it enough to claim you as “my” Realtor, then I will value your judgment about this advertising mortgage broker, BUT I will not see you and them as wedded to each other and I will not feel required to use them as my broker if I am to use you as my Realtor.
A good little paradigm shift for me that will pay dividends for my blog as I am in the process of reconstructing it (as you may be able to tell from it’s horribly outdated posts and “look”!)