content versus layout

As everybody must already know content for a web site is a determinative factor in ranking high and alse getting visitors.
I have a site The Freeware Publishing Site with a PR 5 ranking on page four in G for the keyword "freeware". My adsense campain is running not super but good (CTR 5,19% ).
I did a lot of SEO experiments but still hang on page 4 ... sometimes at page 3

But I think my site deserves to rank higher and get more trafic. So I put some extra contents... I put some extra description at the new freeware progams published in the mean page. I don't know yet if this wil rase the ranking. But doing that I think I mess up the layout.
So what do I have to do .... content or layout ... both of course ... but how to mix this.
Do I have to change the place or color of my adsense.
I think now I'm at the point to get more and more visitors. Can someone give me some tips

 

have you looked at every site above you and see what they do

 

Hi Peter,

You're right in thinking that both content and layout are important to your site. In looking at your site, it looks very "busy", and I think that's what you were referring to when you said "But doing that I think I mess up the layout". Your site should be designed for your visitors first, and if it is, SE rankings should follow. I'd advise adding more space around each of your content blocks, as this will make it easier for your visitors to read your page. You can always increase the length (top to bottom) of your page to allow for more space.

Your AdSense blocks are well-integrated. I can suggest the following changes, which may improve your CTR:

1. Change the URL color on your skyscraper (left of page) to either black (matching the text) or light grey (hex 999999).

2. Change the link unit (middle right of page) to horizontal, and use it to break up your content blocks (half above, half below).

All in all, you have a nice looking site, and I'm sure you'll be successful if you continue to work on it. Best of luck.

HTH,
Sam