As a consumer, which one you like, a banner or a text link?

[Proteus]

I could say that a majority of websites need some kind of advertising, and we know that there are zillions of ways to advertising.

As webmasters (or kind of...) we wish that all of our visitors could give us a few clicks or buy through our ads, but I ignore if in any given moment we think in how to improve our ways of advertise, or said it in other way, we think as a consumer.

I was thinking in this matter, and would like your opinions:
As a consumer, when you are visiting another website, which ad are more likely to click, a long banner, a button, a text link placed in a column or a text link inside of the content itself?...

In a related topic, what do you guys think about those websites that are more like a TV infomercial, where you see a long webpage content, but all of this is with the purpose to "wash you brain" and make you buy a product or service, they are full of "testimonials" and "recommendations" from the "big guys", etc... Do you believe as a consumer that this way of selling is valid or ethic?... Are you likely to make your websites in this format?...

All opinions are accepted! Thanks!

[China Tea]

Hello Proteus,

As a web site visitor, I am often attracted to simple banners that somehow blend with the site itself (not the flashing, pulsating, vegas-like ones)I wouldn't mind clicking on them to see what surprises I would come across. I like banners with images that appeal to me in a subjective way, i.e. a beautiful face, a baby, a cat, a handsome man, a serene scene. But then again, if I were visiting a fun site, I do not mind "cartoonish" and cute banners that appeal to the child in me. Bottom line is, I like banners that are appropriate to the theme of the site.

On the other hand, I would click on a text link that is not too long and that "whets" up my curiosity as to what is on the other side. I do not like text links that are too obvious in their intent.

There you go - my preferences on the subject.

China Tea

[JWJ]

I share the views of both China Tea and Bluegum. I don't mind banners that are inobtrusive and blend in with their surroundings so, like China Tea, I think they should be appropriate to the theme of the site. I tend to look right past flashy, glitzzy, in-your-face banners/buttons ... I know they're only selling something so I don't even look ... as Bluegum calls it, "Banner Blindness".

As for your second question, I would only spend time looking at a long Infomercial-style page of recommendations, testimonials and other brain-washing techniques if I were already seriously interested in the product.

[trackerm]

I agree with Bluegum (must be an Aussie!!!) I have banner blindness. It works as fast as AdHunter. It started from newspapers. i can look at a page and read every word of every news article, but I don't see any ads.
TV is the same... I see the programs I don't 'see' the ads.

Some must, however, as my banner ad gets hits every day. Mind you, its a very industry specific ad on a very industry specific EzBoard.

Mark

[motorwatchercounter]

Or to summarise;

Class, not brass,
No jiggle or wiggle,
Colour blender,
Suits you as a vendor.

Sorry but I couldn't resist.

[trackerm]

Class, not brass,
No jiggle or wiggle,
Colour blender,
Suits you as a vendor.


<Bang!>


Sorry, I had to do that :) he's right, but still needed to be gunned down for that rhyme :lol:

[motorwatchercounter]

Hi Trackerm,

Too late to shoot me. I have just been busted by the poem police for a "Grave injustice to literary arts". Apparently it is a life sentence.

They did mention something about penal colonies :wink: Get the shrimps on the Barbee and get a pack of cold fosters ready. :lol:

[paulzon]

Get the shrimps on the Barbee and get a pack of cold fosters ready. :lol:
... Its "VB" in Oz mate! Fosters is brewed especially for us "whingeing poms", that's why it tastes so bad!

Paul www.zonicweb.net

[trackerm]

Its "VB" in Oz mate! Fosters is brewed especially for us "whingeing poms", that's why it tastes so bad!


Yep, VB is the go :) Fosters we make for the Export market. i.e. no one here will drink the stuff!


Unless its the last beer in the fridge and then, well, its the best beer in the world! ;)

[paulzon]

Yup, VB is much nicer then the dreaded Fosters! ... No one can beat the Czechs for a nice lager though!

Paul www.zonicweb.net

[weborg]

And nothing flashing or moving with the banner ad. Hate those! Those I will ignore.

Chris