Text link ads are paid links that are placed on a website. These links can be bought (advertiser) or sold (publisher). These links can simply contain link anchor text pointing to a specific URL or they can be coupled with a fuller description.
Beginners should be cautious as they enter the realm of text link advertising. It is easy to overspend and not see a decent ROI. Expectations of revenue need to be adjusted as well.
For the beginner, we recommend visiting Linkworth.
Linkworth allows websites to be either an advertiser, a publisher, or both. Admittedly, Linkworth is not the prettiest website. However, there is a robust set of tools that allows for good user interaction.
As an advertiser I can create multiple text link ads (each with different wording, a different URL, etc.) and find publishers for each. Finding publishers may seem daunting when confronted with the large alphabetically ordered list of potential partners. However Linkworth does two things to make it easier for advertisers.
First, linkworth offers a robust search tool. Advertisers can search by keyword, category, linkrank, pagerank, sites that allow ad descriptions or not, link placement, amount of traffic, and price. These results can then be sorted multiple ways: by name, alexa ranking, traffic, linkrank, pagerank, etc. This kind of search allows advertisers to find the best partners for their site. It helps publishers as well. It helps them to be more easily found, rather than appear in the morass of a long list.
Second, Linkworth provides a featured partner listings. Publishers pay to be included in this listing, but this list is the very first thing presented to all advertisers. This makes it very easy to be found.
Linkworth also has the easiest means by which to display advertiser’s links: via RSS.
It is worth adding that Linkworth has notable customer service. The several times I had a question or issue, it was dealt with quickly and professionally.
So for beginners, Linkworth is recommended for its robust search capabilities and other tools, its easy ability to be found and for very good customer service.
Keep in mind, all of this alone won’t mean advertisers will choose your site. The very issues beginners struggle with the most, traffic and link popularity, are the same ones advertisers are using to assess your site. However, creating a site of value and potential can go a long way in attracting advertisers.
There are two other brokers worth considering as your site grows in traffic and link popularity.
Text Link Ads – TLA has a very sound reputation. However, it is hard to break in as a beginner. The main reason is the limited means by which advertisers can find potential ad space. For example, if I only want to return links costing $30 or less it is difficult to do so. I have to scroll the whole list or reorder it. Advanced searching would help both beginning advertisers and beginning publishers.
Adbrite – tends to cater to higher end, more popular, well trafficked websites. The beginner is lost in a sea of publishers and just can’t be found or considered.
One final note, Text Links Ads has produced a Link Buying Guide which is an ABSOLUTE MUST read. Everyone must read this before buying their first text link. It would be nice to see a corresponding link sellers guide.
