Need Help with Directory Optimization

Hi there,

I have been a publisher for a while and has recently received my PIN.
Yet, my CTR decreased significantly right after that unlucky PIN (and
most of the days I get no clicks at all). I got a Alexa Traffic Rank of
around 140000 and I get around 100 unique hits daily. If anyone can
provide useful and solid suggestions for improvements, I shall give
that person a free featured listing in my PR 4 directory.

This is my directory: http://blogannounce.info

Note the following:
* My directory is to help users find blogs, so I don't want suggestions
like 'placing a large rectangle right above every listing page' or
'place a banner at the top of the directory'
* I would rather need suggestions focusing on blending or improve in
templates so that it gives people a professional feeling
* I would like to add in Link Units but I can't find a suitable place
to do so (I fear adding it to the very bottom doesn't do any good)
* Just tell me what you think, I shall respond to every feedback (not
spam)

Many many thanks!

Keith

 

Hi Keith - I've already got a couple of listings so I'm a fan of your directory (but I'm always looking for more ).
First piece of advice regarding this sort of page layout: http://blogannounce.info/arts/
I recommend including only 1 ad units in the left hand column - 2 ad units, especially when they are different formats, looks untidy in my opinion. On the whole blending and colour scheme is good I think. I would put a link unit in the centre of the shaded grey bar where the category is mentioned (just above the words 'Our Mission'). Hope this helps a little.

 

I also recommend removing the green leaderboard and replacing with a blended (eg. white background and green ad text) rectangle. Once you've taken out the green leaderboard move the content upwards to fill the space (red arrow).

 

Thanks CountryBoy, I love your suggestions and I am trying to implement the one by one. You deserve a featured listing for three months. Please tell me the URL of your blog and I shall upgrade it

Keith