Today I would like to share with you ladies and gents, what’s been going on with my forward move into offering advertising/sponsor space on my blog.
Since you’re ALL part of Vent, I think it’s important that I fill you in on the various changes I make.
Because as the Sister Sledge, said, “We-are- fam-i-ly!”
So let’s see….where do I start?
Well, when I began investigating the process of setting up ad space on a blog, one of the first things I learned is that it’s very important to have a blog design that accommodates a variety of ad sizes. I decided that I wanted to start off by offering a simple 125x125 ad banner on my sidebar, but discovered that I didn't have the proper widget on this blog to do that. Initially, I thought I was going to have to change my whole blog template, which I didn’t want to do because I really like this current design. As an alternative, I searched the Internet and found a customized 4 slot 125x125 ad widget that I could just install myself. And luckily, my sidebar was wide enough to accommodate the widget, so I pasted the code into my blog, and viola, it worked!
I found a free 125x125 graphic that I could use as an “advertise here” button, and then hosted it through my Photo Bucket account.
*if you look on my sidebar, you will see the finished results.
The one ad you see in the widget (Netflix) is part of Google Affiliated Network, which I signed up for last week and was accepted. I will also be signing up for other advertising affiliates within the next couple of weeks; experimenting with various ads each month to see which programs work best for me.
I also created a new page on my navigation bar below my header, which contains my current advertising/sponsor fees, blog stats, and guidelines, so feel free to check it out. That too, was something I had to investigate and decide what I wanted to charge, and how I wanted to present it.
Additionally, I had to set up a PayPal account, which my good friend, Jen, helped with me with. So thank you, girl!
Allow me to interject here, that having a blog hosted at Blogger is very challenging because it does not presently offer enough variety for those of us who wish to move into a more professional theme. However, it’s taught me A LOT about the technical aspects of web design because I’ve had to do a great deal of research on self-customizing, thus I’m learning some valuable lessons. I am not yet ready to move over to another blog hosting platform, nor am I ready to self-host, therefore I am trying my best to make the most of Blogger.
One of the most wonderful things I’ve discovered through having this blog is that there is so much available to us online in the way of education, if we are just willing to take the time to investigate it. I’m one of those people who enjoys leaning through research. I find that if I self-investigate, I tend to learn better. I’ve made COUNTLESS mistakes by learning this way, but I’m willing to make mistakes, as long as I do it myself.
So there you have it folks! That’s wassup with me, right now. It’s been challenging trying to figure out all this stuff about advertising on a blog, but it’s also given me a great deal of enjoyment and knowledge.
I’m very curious to see where this new addition takes me. And as I shared in my past post when I first told you guys about my interest in possibly doing this, I said that I’ll never know unless I try it. So, we shall see!
And I’m hoping that by sharing this process with you, you’ll learn things too. Because we’re all in this together.
Thank you for taking this experimental journey with me everyone!
Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous week!
I like the sidebar addition!! It's easily accessible, will accommodate 4 ads and allows your blog to still have the same look and feel as before. One thing about some pages with certain ads is that they can be obnoxious....you know, there are things you have to navigate around or click off and some of them are just plain annoying. That's not an issue here. Sheesh, the widget I have for my Etsy page is bigger than your ad widget. It's so totally cool that you can host your sponsors all together like that. The design fits nicely and neatly right where it is. Even though, as you mentioned, Blogger doesn't quite allow you to be as professional as you might like, for now it's a great way to get started! I'm sure it will work out just fine, maybe even better than you expected.
ReplyDeleteAnd hey, kudos on the time and patience it took for your research. As you know, I have some of my own to do but seem to be still having some trouble with part of it. It's not easy! So I can appreciate that you've gotten things to this point and are moving forward.
Have a great week! Wonder what the weather has in store for us?? Hopefully we'll still get a few very cool days and nights before Spring sets in.
xo
Well good luck with it all Ron. x
ReplyDeleteHey Ron!
ReplyDeleteI read your blog from my iphone in the mornings in the parking lot at work so I can't see your side bar. I will have to check it out later when I can login at home. I think it is awesome that you are monitizing your blog and hope that you do well.
Kidos to you for learning the innards of a website. I manage a little, but there are so many things I would like to do that I just can't seem to understand even reading the online help. You're a smart one. But I already knew that.
Have a beautiful week darlin.
XOXO
0h I do admire you, Ron. You remind me of my old self, the one that took on challenges and worked through them until they were right. These days I don't seem to have the same enthusiasm, plus I get more fearful of getting things wrong. I suppose I like my comfort zone too much. Anyway, I wish you great success with the adverts and I hope you make oodles of pennies on the way. BTW, for the record, I love your blog; it makes such interesting reading. Hope you have a marvellous Monday.
ReplyDeleteLooking good, as always, Ron! Good luck in this new venture.
ReplyDeleteThe technical blog design portion of advertising didn't really register with me when you first broached this topic. Some of the blogs I visit have a variety of advertising sponsor spots on the blog and one that I can think of has a dynamic window that opens along the bottom that you have to click closed. I never considered the level of effort to launch into advertising. Ron, let me say I'm totally impressed with your initial efforts! Congratulations on your progress thus far and thanks so much for sharing your experience!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Looks fantastic. Very streamlined, simple and professional. I'm so glad you got it figured out. I'm always happy to help. There's so much you have been able to help me with so I love returning the favor. I'll be really interested to see how the advertising evolves on your site.
ReplyDeleteHey, Ron, thanks for the wassup! Sister Sledge knew what they were talking about. I think it's great that you're learning so much through research. It's a great feeling to nail down a skill all on your own. Keep up the tremendous work and continue to let us know wassup!! Have a fabulous week, buddy!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Mary~
ReplyDeleteThank you. Glad you like the widget. I'm so glad I was able to find one online because I didn't want to change my template right now. Maybe later, when I get more into this, but for now I like the template as is. It's very hard to find a template with a movie/film theme.
" One thing about some pages with certain ads is that they can be obnoxious....you know, there are things you have to navigate around or click off and some of them are just plain annoying. That's not an issue here. "
No way, I will NEVER have pop-up ads, trust me. Too annoying. Some blogs I go on have so many ads, I can barely find the post - HA!
"It's so totally cool that you can host your sponsors all together like that."
I wanted something condensed, where I could neatly host the ads in one spot on my sidebar, so this widget was perfect.
" Blogger doesn't quite allow you to be as professional as you might like, for now it's a great way to get started! I'm sure it will work out just fine, maybe even better than you expected."
Exactly. This is a great way to get started. I just hope that eventually Blogger creates templates that are a bit more professional, so we don't have to import them for somewhere else. I'm just going to take one step at a time, and see where this takes me. If it works out, great. If not, oh well, at least I tried it.
I LOVE to research stuff, so this has been quite enjoyable.
As always, thank you for stopping by, neighbor. Have a flawless week!
X
P.S. Holy cow, can you believe this weather? One day, warm. The next day, cold. I think March and April are going to be yo-yo months. And who knows, we might just get one last snowfall, yet!
Good morning Pearl~
ReplyDeleteAw...thank you, m'dear!
We shall see where this takes me.
Thank you for stopping by. Have a faaaaaabulous week!
X
Hey there Bijoux~
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend!
(((( You )))))
Much thanks for stopping by and for your support. I really appreciate it!
Have a stunning week!
X
Good morning Valerie~
ReplyDeleteAw...thank you for your kind and encouraging words, dear lady. I really appreciate them.
"You remind me of my old self, the one that took on challenges and worked through them until they were right."
I LOVE a challenge. But, I like to figure it out for myself. I'm not one for taking classes, I would much rather research a topic and learn as I go along. I seem to retain things better that way. Honestly, blogging has taught me so much.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Valerie. And please know what a joy it's been meeting your through blogging. You're such an inspiration to me with your faaaaaaaaaabulous writing, photography, and overall creativity!
You da' BOMB!
Have a maaaaaaaavelous week!
X
Hiya Jen~
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend. And thank you for your help in setting up my PayPal account - I couldn't have done it without you!
Glad you like the widget. I'm so HAPPY I was able to find it because I really didn't want to change my template right now.
I'm just going to take one step at a time, and see where this adventure takes me. It's truly been interesting to learn about all this stuff.
Have a SUPER week, Jen! And thank you for stopping by!
X
Hey there Rob~
ReplyDelete"Hey, Ron, thanks for the wassup! Sister Sledge knew what they were talking about."
HA! I knew you would 'get it!"
This adventure has been so interesting because there are so many varying opinions about advertising, that it's kind of confusing. So I just selected something I felt was simple, and went for it. I can always change things around as I move forward. It's a journey.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your supportive words, buddy. Really appreciate them!
Have a fabulous week!
X
Hiya Diane~
ReplyDeleteI was so thinking of YOU when I wrote this post because of your comment on my previous post. I had planned this week to fill you guys and gals in on my progress, so I thought it was so intuitive of you for asking me that.
"The technical blog design portion of advertising didn't really register with me when you first broached this topic."
I didn't either, until I started researching this topic. There are some blog templates out there that are specifically made with advertising widgets embedded in the code. I have one on this blog too, which is hidden in my blog header. However, I don't want to use it because I think it would interfere with the design and make it too gaudy.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind and supportive words, girl. I really appreciate it!
Have a flawless week!
X to you and Cristybella!
I think the new 4x4 box looks great
ReplyDeleteI love to do research and learn on my own but I get frustrated if the trial and error is more error than trial
that's when I start to need a teacher
well done Ron
Hey Ron! I read your blog from my iphone in the mornings in the parking lot at work so I can't see your side bar. I will have to check it out later when I can login at home. I think it is awesome that you are monitizing your blog and hope that you do well. Kidos to you for learning the innards of a website. I manage a little, but there are so many things I would like to do that I just can't seem to understand even reading the online help. You're a smart one. But I already knew that. Have a beautiful week darlin. XOXO
ReplyDeleteHey there Lady Dianne~
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear lady.
"I love to do research and learn on my own but I get frustrated if the trial and error is more error than trial."
HA! Me too at times. I remember you telling me a while back that you enjoy researching and investigating like me.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Di. And thank you for your supportive words. Really appreciated it!
Have a grrrrrrrrrrreat week!
X to you and the gang!
Hey there Diana~
ReplyDelete"I read your blog from my iphone in the mornings in the parking lot at work so I can't see your side bar. I will have to check it out later when I can login at home."
Oh that's okay, girl. You can check it out anytime.
"Kidos to you for learning the innards of a website. I manage a little, but there are so many things I would like to do that I just can't seem to understand even reading the online help."
I know what you mean because when I first started blogging, the whole technical aspect gave me a headache because it was soooo confusing to understand - I am SO NOT a technical person. But eventually, I started to understand coding, customizing, and such, and ended up really enjoying it. I LOVE a challenge!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind and supportive words, Diane! Really appreciate it!
Have a beautiful week!
XOXO
That's fabulous that you're learning so much. I am a technical wimp! I've used the widgets, but let me say I was fully afraid each time I tried! And HTML, sheer anxiety there!
ReplyDeleteHiya Suzi~
ReplyDeleteThank you. I LOVE to learn new stuff.
"I am a technical wimp! I've used the widgets, but let me say I was fully afraid each time I tried! And HTML, sheer anxiety there!"
Honestly? I use to think I had no ability to learn 'technical HTML stuff' when I first started blogging. And trust me, I use to be BIG TIME afraid - and still am at times. But I found that for every mistake I made, they were correctable.
The great thing about Wordpress is that they truly make it so much easier to add stuff to a blog - and more variety. They are a great blogging platform!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Have a great week!
X
...Very awesome my friend! I love it! Unobtrusive, subtle, yet - "look here, see something you like?"...fabulous Ron! :o)
ReplyDelete..."I am not yet ready to move over to another blog hosting platform, nor am I ready to self-host, therefore I am trying my best to make the most of Blogger." - Whaaa? *head spinning* I haven't a clue as to what you just said in that sentence but hey, I'm along for the ride. ;o)
...Isn't that Jen' something else? Seriously. She's pretty, successful, intelligent, competitive, owns horses...she's just awesome in my book. "Hi Jen'!" *waving* :o)
...Congrat's Ron on this newest venture! Maybe one day if and when I become a famous folk artist I'll advertise on your site. Wouldn't that be the cat's meow?! *pinch*pinch*pinch* Ow! Yeah, I'm dreaming... *giggle* ;o)
...Have a most wonderful week Ron!
...(((hugs))) & Blessings too... :o)
Well done Ron! I hope it works out well for you. I notice quite a few blogs use this format.
ReplyDeleteIn my view, the only way to learn is by your own experimenting and mistakes along the way :)
Sadly, my readers have dropped off a lot over the last while - since I had all my blog problems. It isn't worth me even thinking about advertising spots.
Hey there Babs~
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, me too, I've seen a lot of blogs use this same format and it really caught my eye because it's simple and clean, so I thought I'd try it myself. I'm so glad I was able to find this widget because I really didn't want to have to make a change in my entire template right now.
"In my view, the only way to learn is by your own experimenting and mistakes along the way :)"
Ditto! And for me, that's really the best way I learn. Trial and error.
Thanks so much for stopping by and lending your support, my friend. Really appreciate it!
And I am sooooooooo glad you decided to continue with your blog, even though you've had some major problems. I so admire you for picking up and moving forward in spite of them.
Have a wonderful week, Babs! And again, I truly enjoyed your post today. It was awesome!!!!!
X to you and Mo!
Hi there TJ~
ReplyDelete"Unobtrusive, subtle, yet - "look here, see something you like?".
Thank you, dear lady. That's exactly what I was trying to go for.
Visible, but not SCREAMING.
"I am not yet ready to move over to another blog hosting platform, nor am I ready to self-host, therefore I am trying my best to make the most of Blogger." - Whaaa? *head spinning* I haven't a clue as to what you just said in that sentence but hey, I'm along for the ride."
HA! Basically what that means is that I'm not ready to move this blog over to another blog hosting company (like Wordpress or Typepad). But if I did, I would want to self-host my blog (meaning I would have to PAY to have more control over it). It would be like ME doing all the work that a hosting company already does for me (for FREE). There may come a time when I may do that though, just not now.
YES....isn't Jen the BOMB? I have learned SO MUCH from her. She and I will often chat on the phone and share ideas. She's such a great pal. So glad we met!
Thank so much for stopping by and for your kind and supportive words. I do so appreciate it.
((((( You ))))))
And you ARE the cat's meow!
Have an AWESOME week, dear lady!
X
Come over to Wordpress. We have cookies!
ReplyDeleteSo far, so good! Glad to hear that you were able to overcome the technical issues, and the placement of the advertisements isn't overpowering, nor does it take away from the template of your blog. Great job!
Oh, yeah...Jen rocks!
Now, let's see if we can't make you some cash-ola :-)
Howdy Herman~
ReplyDelete"Come over to Wordpress. We have cookies!"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Yes, one of these days I most likely will. However, when I do, it'll be self-hosting because I'll need the freedom to customize and have the ability to place ads.
"Glad to hear that you were able to overcome the technical issues, and the placement of the advertisements isn't overpowering, nor does it take away from the template of your blog."
Thank you for sharing that because that's what I was trying to go for.
"Oh, yeah...Jen rocks!"
Isn't Jen faaaaaaabulous? I'm so glad I met her. She's a GEM!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by and for sharing your support and kind words. Really appreciate it!
Have a SUPA' week, buddy!
X to you and the family!
You're so tech savvy! Good luck with this!
ReplyDeleteNice, Ron. I like that the ads are there, but not overpowering.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't even know where to begin with the technical aspect of web design, so I think it's great that you figured this out. I can barely work my computer!
The best to you with this new addition.
Have a nice week, Ron!
Hiya Chrissy~
ReplyDelete"You're so tech savvy!"
Not really. I just pretend - HA!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your supportive energy, girl! Appreciate it.
I'm just going to take one step at a time, and just see where this all takes me. It's been fun learning!
Have a GRAND week!
X to you, Millie, Vinny, and Dino!
Woof! and Meow!
Hola Denise~
ReplyDeleteMucho thanks, girl!
"I wouldn't even know where to begin with the technical aspect of web design, so I think it's great that you figured this out. I can barely work my computer!"
HA! Back when I first got online, I didn't think I would enjoy learning the technical aspect to computers or the Internet, let alone web customizing. If it weren't for blogging, I would have NEVER learned this stuff. And it's funny, because now I REALLY enjoy it.
Thanks oodles for stopping by and for your support. Muchly appreciated!
Have a maaaaaavelous week!
X
Looking good Ron! I think you have done an awesome job with the new advertising space! I have been adding things little by little, but am terrified to move over to WordPress or Typepad as I'm afraid of losing everything. That has happened to some people. So, for now, Blogger will work. Besides, I just figured out how to do some of the html coding for that...I think it'd be a nightmare to switch!! Best of luck with the advertising!! Thank you for all of your wonderful words of wisdom!!
ReplyDeletexo
Ron, I love that hamster picture! It looks like my son’s hamster, Raptar. The BEST hamster, EVER!
ReplyDeleteI like your ad layout! It’s not an eye-sore and it’s doesn’t POP at me when I click into your blog OR start singing to me. I can’t stand that. If I click onto a blog and I get a freaken pop-up about signing up for the blog or some happy shit—I’m outta there and I won’t return.
I’m NOT stupid. I KNOW how to subscribe. I don’t need a pop-up to remind me. And I don’t need AUDIO. I have music on MY end that I happen to like.
Good luck with your ads, Ron. I hope they work out for you! Keep us updated on how they work out.
Good luck with the new venture Ron. While Blogger does have its drawbacks, I love how you can mess around with the HTML. It takes a while to figure it all out, but worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
I got all my sisters and me.....
ReplyDeleteDamn you, sir, for songbombing me with that little disco ditty. I'm going to be wandering around singing Sister Sledge the rest of the day now, mark my words. And this isn't good, because I've got a homeowner's meeting this evening. How will they ever take me seriously when I'm crooning that tune??
Keep us posted on how the ads are working out for you - I'm curious myself! And I think it looks great, personally. Not at all obtrusive or intrusive or any other type of trusive.
"However, it’s taught me A LOT about the technical aspects of web design because I’ve had to do a great deal of research on self-customizing, thus I’m learning some valuable lessons."
ReplyDeleteSee! And you haven't even gotten paid yet an your already benefiting from the experience.
Hey there Jeanne~
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear lady!
"I have been adding things little by little, but am terrified to move over to WordPress or Typepad as I'm afraid of losing everything. That has happened to some people. So, for now, Blogger will work."
That's EXACTLY how I feel. I've had this blog for 5 years now, therefore if and when I move over to another platform, I will have to self-host and will need a professional to move me over so that I don't lose everything. In the meantime, I'm just going to make the best of Blogger.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by and for your kind words of support.
Have a wonderful week!
X to you and the girlz!
Hiya Pamela!
ReplyDelete"I love that hamster picture! It looks like my son’s hamster, Raptar. The BEST hamster, EVER!"
Isn't that hamster ADORABLE???? I just wanna SQUEEZE him! I had several hamsters when I was a kid and LOVED them. They make great pets!
Thank you. Glad you like the ad widget. I wanted it to be simple, clean, and not too FLASHY. I too can't stand pop-ups or bells and whistles, or audio on an ad. ANNOYING as hell!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by and for your supportive and encouraging words, my friend. Really appreciate it!
Have a maaaaaaaaaavelous week!
X
Hey there Katherine~
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm just going to take it one step at a time and see where this takes me. It'll be a learning experience and journey.
"While Blogger does have its drawbacks, I love how you can mess around with the HTML. It takes a while to figure it all out, but worth it in the end."
Exactly! And that's one of the GREATEST things I enjoy about having my blog here. Yes, it can be limiting in ways, however Blogger does give us the freedom to mess around with HTML and import outside systems without having to PAY anything extra.
I've learned SO MUCH from having my blog here.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by and for your supportive words, my friend. Muchly appreciate it!
Have a grrrrrrrrrreat week!
X
Howdy Mark~
ReplyDelete"I got all my sisters and me.....
Damn you, sir, for songbombing me with that little disco ditty. I'm going to be wandering around singing Sister Sledge the rest of the day now, mark my words."
HAHAHHAHAAHAHHAHAHA! Mark you freakin' KILL ME, MAN!!!!
Yes, I'll be sure to let you guys and gals know how this works out. It's an experimental journey; learning as I go along.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your words of support and encouragement. Muchly appreciated, buddy!
Have a great week! Glad your back!
X
Hey there Meleah~
ReplyDelete"See! And you haven't even gotten paid yet an your already benefiting from the experience."
Exactly! Doing this has taught me SO MUCH!
I'm just going to take it one step at a time, as see where it leads me.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my Libra friend. And thank you for your support and encouragement. Muchly appreciated!
Have a wonderful week, girl!
X
That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
ReplyDeletehi ron, what a cute little "gerbil-ly" creature up top ;) ... you are taking the giant leap into ads, eh? i have not ever had the nerve nor the technical savvy to do it nor do i think i would make any money anyway...
ReplyDeleteyou wrote: I find that if I self-investigate, I tend to learn better. i am exactly the same way and didn't even know it until i started to blog and didn't like this or that thing on my blog and didn't know how to fix it but was determined. with determination we can do anything....i look forward to hearing how this all goes for you and am hoping for awesome success for you, that i am sure you will have...just look at all these comments on your post about this! xxooo
i also do really like the typography you have chosen for your ad space...apologies but i forgot i wanted to say that ;) xoxox
ReplyDeleteCongrats on taking a step into advertising on your blog! If you need any computer advice let me know my dad is a computer programmer so I can always pop a question over to him to help you out :)
ReplyDeleteGood morning Shae~
ReplyDeleteThank you.
And thanks SO MUCH for your offer if I need any help with my computer. You're a sweetheart!
Mucho thanks for stopping by! Have a great week, girl!
X
Gooooood morning Linda~
ReplyDeleteIsn't that little hamster PRECIOUS? What a CUTIE!
" ... you are taking the giant leap into ads, eh? i have not ever had the nerve nor the technical savvy to do it..."
It's actually been cool learning all the various type ads you can use on a blog. I decided to start with something simple and easy. Adding the HTML code for the widget was very easy. The challenging part was figuring out HOW to put the ad code INSIDE the widget.
" i am exactly the same way and didn't even know it until i started to blog and didn't like this or that thing on my blog and didn't know how to fix it but was determined. with determination we can do anything...."
You said it! With determination we can do anything. And you've done AMAZING stuff with your blog. I'm SO proud of you!
You GO, girl!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your support, dear friend. I really appreciate it!
(((((( Linda ))))))
xoxoooxoxox
Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week!
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe typography actually came with the graphic, which is WHY I liked it so much. It's clean, easy to read, yet interesting.
X
it looks good. and yes we can learn a lot about other things because of blogging. i certainly did; stuff people go to school for...i, like you, rummaged around, asked questions and boom. we is edumakated! we is smart and we is kind. ha!
ReplyDeleteHey there ladyV~
ReplyDeleteThank you. Glad you like.
" i certainly did; stuff people go to school for...i, like you, rummaged around, asked questions and boom. we is edumakated! we is smart and we is kind. ha!"
HAHAHAHHAHAHH! Love that, Val!
Isn't it FUN to rummage and search? Sometimes I think I should have been an investigative reporter because I love RESEARCH!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by and for your support. Muchly appreciated, girl!
Have a faaaaaaaaabulous rest of your week!
X
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