Google to the rescue
I've been waiting for this. Google has finally rolled out AdWords text ad network to media sites. So a web property specializing in gadgets, say, could run Google text ads for keywords such as handhelds, PDAs, laptops etc. Even if Google takes a large slice of the revenues, this will be salvation for many specialist media sites. The options for pay-for-performance advertising networks -- Sprinks, Commission Junction -- are cumbersome, and offer a limited array of advertisers. The expansion of Adwords won't help the average general site, but for search-driven and specialist properties, it will be a boon. Now, if only someone, anyone, would establish a web-wide micropayments system: then the advertising and subscription infrastructure of new media would finally, half a decade on, be in place.
Update: Aaron Bailey draws my attention to a line from the Google blurb on content-targeted ads. "How do you get started? It's easy. If you're a web publisher who sells advertising inventory, and your site receives more than 20 million page views a month, you may be a great fit for Google's content-targeted ads." Oh well, only a few million to go. Google To Unveil New Advertising Program [WSJ via 601am.com]
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