2 possible layouts - which is better?

I'm trying to figure out which layout would be more effective. I would appreciate some advice. Here is Option #1 (my current layout) - www.onlinesupport.org . The other layout I'm considering is Option #2 - www.onlinesupport.org/index_alternate.php .

I am torn between the two. Option #1 displays more ads in total. But Option #2 has better blending which, IMO, would yield better click rate. Option #2 also provides me with another area where I can sell advertising such as a skyscraper ad.

I am assuming the layout in Option #2 complies with Google's TOS, but if you spot something that I haven't, I'd appreciate knowing about it.

You opinion is appreciated.

Oh, an (aggravating) issue I have is about site filtering. When I look at the ads on the Option #2 page, there is some ad about Superman/Batman (???) What that has to do with my site content, I'll never know. So I used the Preview Tool to determine the destination URL and added it to my filters in my Adsense account. Yet, the damn ad still displays.

Vito

 

I'm not seeing the ads in Option #2...

Using IE 6.

 

That's odd. I see them in IE and Fireworks. So in that table with all the topics, you see 7 populated cells and 3 empty ones?

Vito

 

Is it because they were blended so well in the content?

#2 is very nicely blended but you will have to work to display two different ads in your main content! When I pulled up # 2 - I got two same ads. Also fonts of the ads - match with your links and other fonts.

Leftnav ads - they do not blend well. Here is an example of nice blend for menu ads - http://www.articlestonurture.com/

#1 - forget about it.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

Hmm. I thought I matched the link colors. You see a difference? And regarding the fonts, I didn't think I was allowed to edit the font face in the google ad (in fact, I don't even see anywhere I could do that). Can you please clarify?

Yes, I see how they blend the link unit in nicely. But in my case, I'm not sure how I would improve it given its placement on the page. Do you have any suggestions?

Interesting, I just noticed on that articlestonurture site that they seem to have matched the google texxt font to their own. So this is possible (and allowed)?

 

I put the link unit up in the header. Is that better?

Vito

 

OK, changed all over to Option #2 site wide. And moved link unit up into header.

Thanks very much for the advice. It really helped.

Vito

 

Yes! It is allowed! Create a template in your adsense.

Also make your content look like Google Ads - create that extra space on the left. Content link color and Google Ad link color can also be same. More info>>> links can look exactly like Ads by Google...

Header link - same suggestion - font size, color - it should look like a Menu Bar - not stand out as an Ad bar.

 

OK I must be blind. I went through my entire Adsense interface and I can't see a place where I can specify a font face or size.

Vito

 

In your Adsense:

Click Adsense Setup tab.

Click on Color Palettes link.

Look at the attached jpg

Oh - font face and size - Use CSS and they will be changed!

 

Oh yes, that I see. I guess I misunderstood you. I thought you were saying that I can change the google ad font face to match my Verdana.

Vito

 

You can but not via Adsense interface but via CSS.

a.link {
something...
}

And your Google link fonts will also change.

 

Well, that's about as good as I can make it. I have made my text match that of Google. I'm just a bit off on alignment but I'm done (for now).

Thanks, Bombaywala. You've been a great help.

Vito

 

You are very welcome! If you are already receiving traffic do let me know whether you have increase in CTR due to this.

 

Well, that turned out to be an exercise in futility. I emailed Google to check the site for compliance and they replied:

So I revised the design. Hopefully this version will be OK.

Vito

 

I think its good. I am sure it might drive some clicks. Monitor the CTR.

 

Cant see option 2 anymore.

 

Yes, sorry nomedia. No point in leaving the page up on the site since I found out that Google doen't allow it.

Vito