To make money blogging, many people use ads.  From banner ads to Google Adsense to paid reviews, there are so many different types out there, and some bloggers try to do it all.

There’s nothing wrong with doing all of these, but there is something wrong when your blog is so cluttered with ads that users can’t even see your content.  Who is really going to a website covered in ads?  I’ll bet the bounce rates on these sites are ridiculously high.

You know which blogs I’m talking about.  You’ve seen them before.  You enter their website, and have trouble finding any content.  On the right hand side are google adsense ads; on the left, vertical banners.  Popups invade your screen as soon as you enter.  You skim and scan for content, but all you see are product reviews.

Don’t be that site.  There are ways you can use ads without going overboard.

Integrate the ads in your layout

When you design your layout, think about ad space.  Columns are ideal for ads.  Play around with the column width.  Personally, I would recommend having the content space be larger than the column space.

You’ll have to have some ads at the top, of course, but they don’t all have to be up there.

Blank Space is Your Friend

Remember that blank space is often necessary.  A busy page can be overwhelming to your visitor’s eye, but if you make sure you have empty space, your site will feel more organized and look more pleasing aesthetically.  Eye your design carefully to see if it looks too cluttered.

If you have a three column layout, this is especially tricky.  Try to keep your columns thin so that your content is easily recognizable.

Supplement Ads with Original Content

As advised in last week’s entry about advice for writing paid reviews, try to mix in original content.  Wait a day or two before doing another paid review, and be sure to put original content in between.

You can do this on your side bars too.  For example, have a space for ads at the top of the right column, but perhaps then include an about section underneath, then maybe one ad, then an archive section etc.  Play around with your layout to find what works best for your site.

Moderation is Key

You might think you’ll make more money by including more ads on your website, but don’t be fooled.  You might have numerous ads, but how much are they really paying?

Whereas you might make more money if you clean up your act and start focusing on your readers.  Remember, readers come first.  Blog traffic determines your page rank, and page rank can help you attract advertisers to your site, and they might pay you more if you have a higher page rank.

If you want some feedback about how your page looks, ask your friends to take a look and join a blogging forum. For example, Bloggeries has a forum where you can post your blog for people to look at and provide advice.