Monetizing Your Blog with Ad Networks 2

References and reputation: See if you can contact a blogger on their network to find out how she likes working with that ad network. She may be prevented from giving specifics since many ad networks require that you sign a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement. Still, she may be able to tell you that it’s been either positive or negative, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Exclusivity: Do they allow you to post other ads on your blog? Most networks allow Google Adsense, but they may not allow you to use affiliate program links, direct ads, or other networks’ ads.

Ad placement: Does their ad have to be at the top portion (“above the fold”) of your blog? Do their ad sizes fit on your blog? If not, will they create one for you? How many of their ads will you have to run – just one or two or more?

Sponsorship and reviews: If you do reviews, does the ad network allow them on your blog? What about sponsored posts where you’re paid to blog? If you are sponsored by a company to blog about their product, will the ad network allow for that? If not, how flexible are they in letting you link from your main site to your review site when you post a review or mention your sponsor?
Promotion: Do they promote your content underneath their ad banners, on their website, or in their enewsletter? Will that bring traffic to your blog? Or are they filling up your sidebar with other sites’ content?

Contract: Are you locked into staying with the network for a certain amount of time? If you want to leave, do you have to give notice? Can you leave at any time for any reason?
Opportunities: Are product reviews or sponsored posts opportunities available? Let them know if you’re interested.

Content: Are you allowed to post about controversial subjects or use adult language? How many times per week or month do you have to post?

Support: Are you able to view ad stats? Is there a contact person to help with ad code or other issues, like blocking an ad you don’t like. How is their communication? Do they send out a monthly enewsletter to keep in touch with their bloggers?

Payment: How often are you paid? Some networks pay every month and others wait 60 to 90 days. Do they pay via check or through PayPal? Is there a minimum payout threshold?

Control: Can you block advertisers you don’t like? How easy is it to block unwanted ads? Do you email a support person or do you have to login and reject an ad manually?

Legal: Finally, it may be a good idea to have a lawyer look over the contract before you sign. If you feel you cannot afford a lawyer, offer to do some social media work in lieu of cash, like setting up a blog for their practice or showing them how to use Twitter to gain clients.

Anne-Marie Nichols is the Social Media Manager at Mom Central Consulting. You can also find her blogging up some healthy recipes at This Mama Cooks!

Anne-Marie Nichols