Wednesday, August 11, 2010

New look to AdSense ad units

Google has announced a revamped design of three of their AdSense for content ad units. After analyzing publisher site layouts and reviewing requests around the world, they decided to make their formats more space efficient and visually pleasing by changing the layout of the text. They are starting with changes to the following ad units:

  • Leaderboard (728x90): The title, description, and URL are now arranged in rows instead of columns (except, of course, in the case when only one ad is showing).
  • Medium and large rectangles (300x250, 336x280): The URL is now in the same line as the title.

In certain cases, you will also see a few minor adjustments to the font size. For example, the font size for the leaderboard with four ads is much more readable. You should expect these changes to roll out over the next few weeks.

My initial impression is that the changes for the most part are a good idea. Too many times I see sites that attempt to make the AdSense ads appear as if they will lead to another part of the site's content. Having the URL right next to the AdSense links lets the surfer know they will be leaving the site. Though I admit I'm not too crazy about the look of the leaderboard units being laid out in rows as opposed to the now traditional columns.

Got an opinion about the new look? I'd like to hear what others think - either for or against, so leave a comment.

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