A few weeks ago I got an email inviting me to join a new ad network from Forbes.com.
The email came at a bad time as I’d just wasted a month or two experimenting with alternative ad networks to see if I could improve upon my Tribal Fusion performance with no success. I also wasn’t keen on the Forbes network as it required me to run a 728×90 leaderboard ad, which I was concerned would impact the performance of my main Google Adsense unit by ‘distracting’ users.
However, I decided I’d ask about potential CPM rates and I was stunned by the answer - $10-20 CPM PER UNIT. Even with a 40% revenue share this equates to a possible $24 eCPM from 3 units. To put that into perspective, in a good month I make around $25 CPM IN TOTAL.
Needless to say, I signed up and I’ve implemented the Forbes code. The ads aren’t displaying yet as they are recruiting more advertisers as they want the launch to have a major impact. The network is invite-only and Forbes are promising that blogs will be:
promoted to our roster of blue-chip advertisers and we will only run campaigns that are appropriate for your audience.
In version II of the Eureka Theme (sneak preview here – early days though) I’m incorporating a leaderboard ad. Yes, I’m certain the ad will reduce my adsense eCPM, but when I could be potentially doubling the site earnings the decision was a no brainer.
I’m quite excited about the potential of the Forbes network. Not only will it hopefully mean that Connected Internet will finally ‘graduate’ from being reliant on unpredictable CPC ad networks like Google Adsense, but it will also move me one step closer to quitting my day job and being able to work full-time on my own projects.
I’ll keep you updated with how I get on with the Forbes Network.
