What is a Banner Ad?

A banner ad is an image ad that directs a visitor to the advertised website when clicked.  They can be static (still), animated, or even interactive, all in the attempt to attract the visitor’s attention.

Some companies are even taking it further with their banner ads by creating special interest ads that allow a person to play a game on the banner, after which the visitor is taken directly to their marketing pitch. 

There are 22 different standard sizes and formats.  Click here to see them at the IAB website.

How Can a Banner Ad Campaign Benefit Me?

Banner Ads are inexpensive to create and implement.  They are an easy way to increase traffic to your website, exposing more people to your products/ services.

Banner Ad Copywriting Tips

Once you draw the attention of a visitor you must hold their attention with the banner content.  Banners are usually very small, so you don’t have much room for text.  The key is to write an enticing catch phrase that causes them to click through to your website. 

What Online Resources are Available for Banner Ad Creation?

There are sites on the Internet that allow you to create an effective ad for free or at a low cost.  QuickBanner is one such site. AdDesigner.com is a good free banner design service that you can also use.

How Do I Distribute My Banner Ads?

Once your banner ad has been created you may then trade your ad with other websites looking to distribute their own banner ads.  Here are a few banner advertising network sites where you can do this:

http://www.neobanners.com

http://www.exchangead.com

http://www.thebestbannerexchange.com

http://www.freecenter.com/bannerx.html

How do I know if my banner is bringing traffic?

You need a counter that provides specific info about where your traffic is coming, which pages they’re most interested in, etc.  Hitslink is once such service that provides 100s of real-time website statistics, including ones that allow you to track where your visitors are coming from.  Alternatively, some banner advertising networks also provide an ad tracking service.  This allows you to examine the ROI (Return-On-Investment) of your banner ads.

Your Action

1. Conceptualize and write your banner ad.
2. Use your own graphic design software like MS Publisher or use QuickBanner or another online design service to create your banner ad.
3. Submit your ad for advertising at one of the above banner exchange sites.
4. Set up and learn to use a counter like Hitslink to monitor your website’s activity.

QuickBanner

http://www.quickbanner.com

QuickBanner allows you to create professional flash animated banners and buttons to advertise your website. Simply choose from hundreds of ready-made templates, place your text, design the colors, backgrounds, fonts and animation and get your own customized banner within minutes. 

 QuickBanner is the leading flash banner maker and banner design tool, where you can create your own professional-looking animated and flash banner in three simple steps.  Click here to try it for FREE!

Benefit:

Create professional flash animated banners and buttons in three simple steps and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount as a ezsitefast.com member.

Overview:

QuickBanner allows you to create professional flash animated banners and buttons to advertise your website. Simply choose from hundreds of ready-made templates, place your text, design the colors, backgrounds, fonts and animation and get your own customized banner within minutes. You get a great product at a reasonable price. Over 1,000,000 banners have been created using QuickBanner since 1996, and as a ezsitefast.com member, you will enjoy a special 20% discount on all banners and buttons.