This week was pretty evident of how Auction Ads performed for me:

•  3470 impressions
• 10 clicks
• 0 dollars

I replaced the AuctionAds panel, which was on ChefClub.net, with the current Blockbuster deal that pays out $40 via MaxBounty.  Now, you would think that cooking related items such as pots and pans would fare well on a Cooking Forum… right?  So did I, but that’s why testing is so important.

First of all I don’t think the physical ads were all that appealing.  The pictures were often too small and therefore gave the look of a “cheap” product… not what you want when you’re purchasing cookware.  And, as far as recipes and things of that nature go… that’s why they are on my forum – they want to share this information in a free community.

After checking my Auction Ads stats I went to get a Diet Coke (I’m obsessed).  No ice in the ice box (no automatic maker) so I had to empty and refill the ice trays.  If you didn’t know, it’s a scientific fact that WARM water actually freezes quicker than COLD water.  I don’t know the scientific details but it is a proven fact… never would have thought this… right?  Just like Auction Ads.

Sometimes the things you think will perform the best simply don’t perform at all.  Sometimes you can’t put your finger on the dynamic that is responsible for the lack of results.

So why the Blockbuster offer on a Cooking Forum?  Renting movies is pretty much universal.  The banner is bright and offers a nice contrast to the site that balances the colors and kind puts the eye at ease a bit.  If one person on my forum, who you can assume are mostly adults, happens to see the ad and say hmm, I should test it out… that’s $40 in my pocket.  Right now that same ad space is earning me 0 dollars so I have nothing to lose.  Sure, I could plop in adsense and earn a few bucks but why not test something that will perform even better?

My next step is to place the image ad horizontally across the top of the site and place an adsense link unit or ad unit where the Blockbuster banner ad currently is.

In any case, if you test and things don’t work out – don’t fret.  That’s why it’s a test, you weren’t sure how the results would be.  The best money could be in the least likely place.  It might even be in an empty ice chest.