To be a webmaster comes with a huge responsibility. After all, there are many things to consider; besides security and up-time, there is also walking the tightrope that is the ad/UX balancing act. Too few ads limit the monetization potential, but too many ads can cause the users to get annoyed and bounce out. Striking the balance between these extremes is key for a publisher to make a living, keep robust partnerships with advertisers, and maintain the website’s high ranking.

We here at TwinRed understand the conundrum. So, we have prepared this article exactly on how to balance advertising income with the outgoing user experience. Striking a perfect balance benefits users, advertisers, and of course you, the publisher. After all, we’re all in this business together. For the system to be stable, all the parts must function like clockwork, and today, we’re focusing on our publishers.

Monetization happens when UX and ads go hand in hand

Enhancing website monetization is not just showing as many ads as possible. Our mission is not only to attract but to retain new users, steering clear of driving them away with advertising bombardment. No user finds a flurry of pop-up ads enjoyable; it will only frustrate them. 

At TwinRed, we understand the importance of moderation. We excel in finding the delicate balance between profitability and avoiding overwhelming users with ads. To prioritize user experience, we recommend eliminating countdowns, implementing frequency capping, and reserving more intrusive ad formats for referral traffic.

Some of our best practices for publishers

Experiment with invasive ad formats specifically for referral traffic. Consider implementing Video Sliders, Push Notifications, Popunders, and Interstitials primarily for referral traffic, since direct and organic users tend to prefer an uninterrupted experience. Referral users typically have lower expectations and may be more tolerant of ads, potentially leading to higher Conversion Rates (CR). However, this outcome isn’t guaranteed, so it’s crucial to continuously monitor and analyze CR across different traffic sources to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy. Additionally, ensure compliance with your referral partners’ ad format rules.

Maintain a balance of invasiveness with frequency capping. Controlling ad frequency is essential for preserving your user base’s experience, particularly for intrusive ad formats. At TwinRed, we always advise publishers to implement frequency capping to maintain control over user experience. Reach out to our managers for guidance on determining the ideal number of ads per day for your website.

Remove countdown timers from all ads served to comply with Google ad regulations. This step is essential to avoid penalties or potential delisting from search rankings. Feel free to contact us for further information on remaining ad-compliant.

Raising the quality of ads

Maintaining user trust is invaluable. As a safeguard, the webmaster ought to uphold the quality of your ads. Avoiding misleading advertisements ensures that users receive accurate information and can rely on the content provided on your website. This is especially crucial for native ads, as missteps can tarnish your website’s reputation.

Recognize the distinctions between direct and organic users versus referral traffic, as their performance is likely to vary. Audience expectations and motivations differ, as does their tolerance for ads. Aligning with users’ expectations regarding ads is essential, so monitor the CRs vigilantly.

Steer clear of dubious practices and ensure ads are transparent. Enforcing this compliance with TwinRed helps generate well-deserved profits, assists advertisers, and maintains your business’s reputation. Our goal is to facilitate mutually beneficial relationships between you and our advertisers. Reach out to our team for any needed assistance; rest assured, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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