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.

Maximize your earning potential with AdSense webinars

AdSense webinars are free online workshops conducted and moderated by experts in optimizing Google AdSense. This series of webinars is designed to help you learn what you can do to maximize your potential earnings from AdSense.

After recording a webinar you will receive a link to a Google Moderator page, where you can ask questions related to the theme webinar and vote on the issues of others. They will answer as many questions as possible during the event.

Before each webinar, you are encouraged to research the topic using the links provided on the agenda for each.

Technical Requirements: To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet connection and speakers or headphones. Note to Mac users: The current version of WebEx Event Center does not support Internet Phone (VoIP) for Mac users. Please note, however, that the recorded webinar will be posted here in the days following each live event.

Most Recent Webinars:

• AdSense Optimization - Best Practices
• AdSense For Search
• AdSense Top Tech Tips

Past Webinars:

• Improving AdSense Performance using DFP Small Business
• Teaching our teachers: AdSense on your Education site
• Using Analytics to optimize your AdSense performance
• Why AdSense is right for Retail
• Maximize your AdSense revenue on your Home and Garden site
• Make the most of your forum with AdSense
• Market your site to Advertisers using Google Ad Planner
• Optimizing AdSense on your Business and Finance site

New and Improved AdSense For Search

Over the past two years, the AdSense team has offered the powerful Google Custom search engine (CSE) of the product as an improvement on the original AdSense for search. After some recent improvements, we are now ready to retire the old version of AdSense for search. If the Google logo on your search results page says "Powered by Google" instead of the latest "Google Custom Search", then you have not yet upgraded to the latest version. AdSense for search with new CSE is available in your account, and we encourage you to make the change by updating your code as soon as possible.

AdSense for search with CSE gives you more control over their search results without changing how you make money showing ads to AdSense for search. For example, with the new version, you will have access to advanced features such as refinements and promotions. Our team has developed a series of upgrades and improvements over the last few months, and you can access the most advanced capabilities at www.google.com / cse.

Your existing AdSense for search box will continue to work normally for a few months more, and we'll be sure to update it when you retire this version. To take advantage of the benefits offered by the new version of AdSense for search and ensure you do not lose any revenue during the transition, we encourage you to update your code now. You only need to regenerate your AdSense code to search by signing into your account and follow these instructions:

1. Visit your AdSense Setup tab and choose AdSense for search.
2. Select the sites you would like your users to search on.
3. Customize the appearance of their search results.
4. Update the code on your site.