So when was the last time you checked AdSense's TOS?
I know, I know, it's all small print. It's boring. It doesn't change very often. And when it does change, the changes don't mean anything.
Right, right, right... and wrong. Very, very wrong.
The Terms of Service of any program, especially contextual ad programs, might be about as fun to read as the ingredients list on a TV dinner but they're important. They're important to read when you join the program so that you know what you can and can't do. And they're important to check on a regular basis so that you know that what you're doing hasn't suddenly become illegal.
A couple of changes to AdSense's TOS has had publishers in a spin recently. The first was Google's demand that publishers stop putting thumbnail images next to their ad units. I still haven't heard of anyone getting banned for doing that, and I've seen plenty of sites that are still doing it. But it's still worth putting some space between the unit and the image anyway.
The other change though was much, much bigger. Google now lets publishers use their ads on the same pages as other contextualized ad units, provided those units don't look like AdSense.
Of course, it doesn't mean that other companies will let you run AdSense ads on the same pages as their units. YPN won't let you do that, for example. But there are still plenty of others that you can use, such as Chitika, Kontera and Omakase.
That's a huge change, and if you weren't checking your TOS regularly, you would have missed it.
Or at least, you would have come to it late if you relied only on forums and articles to stay up to date with changes to online advertising.
Although it's true that Terms of Service pages are a long way from riveting reading, they are essential reading. Make it a part of your regular routine to check them at least every couple of weeks to stay up to date -- and make the most of the new rules fast.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
February 4, 2007 11:46 AM
I attempted to buy your publication advertized via e-mail bvlitzed last week for $19.95.
No Luck.Your proceesing still had the original prices.
Thanks
Phil
February 5, 2007 01:50 PM
Still struggling to get started here so I sincerely appreciate your keeping me in the education loop. Lorri
February 5, 2007 11:29 PM
Which mean we can't use the images beside the adsense now? But you're still using as above...
What should we do then?
February 6, 2007 01:59 PM
purchased adsense and keep getting emails to say log in to members page - cannot log in and don't seem to be able to find any help - very frustrating
February 7, 2007 01:07 AM
Hi Joel, just wanted to know is it ok to put adsense code in a site which contains google video's about movie. Say about a full movie playing. But got listed in Google Video. Is it against the TOS? Thanks in advance.
February 10, 2007 03:30 PM
You CAN use images next to ads. They just don't want you using thumbnails that might be construed as being related to the ads. Images as design elements are fine!
Duncan - for support, please visit my help desk at www.thehelpdesk.us
They will take great care of you!
February 24, 2007 10:35 PM
Hello Joel,
I'm really learning a lot from you. Can we put AdSense ads on the same page with regular display ads, as long as there is no possibility the two can be confused? You may have answered this earlier, but I couldn't find it.