Technospot has a post with details of a new beta test that AdSense are doing in their referrals program (official site).
I’m writing this on the run as I’m in the middle of a session – however it looks like an interesting development based on publishers being in control of what ads will be shown on their blogs through choosing keywords and making them look like other AdSense ads on your site. You can choose the same ad unit sizes and designs.
The payment is CPA (ie you don’t get paid until your readers do something – specified by the advertiser). Below is a pic of how they’re promoting it (click to enlarge).
Here’s how AdSense are talking about this:
“In just a few minutes you can hand-pick and display ads that will appeal directly to your users’ tastes and interests. After choosing relevant ads or keywords, you will be able to customize referrals units that complement the look and feel of your site. Then you can start directing visitors to the products or services you’ve selected.
With referrals, you’ll be paid when your visitors click through to an advertiser’s site and complete an action defined by your advertisers, such as a sale or sign up. Because these actions are often more involved than a simple click or impression, advertisers pay more for these referrals, which can translate into higher earnings for your site. Further, you’ll see the expected earnings and advertiser performance ahead of time, so you can make the best decisions about what to refer. You can also choose to target the keywords that will ensure you get the highest-paying referrals for your ad space.”
I’ve applied to be on the beta program and it’ll be something to watch. It’s an interesting move and one that is definately moving towards the Commission Junction model.
How do you set up ads (if accepted into the program)?
Step 1: Select the keywords, products or services you want to refer
Choose from our extensive list of advertisers in a variety of different categories.
Step 2: Customize your ad unit
Select the size and color scheme that best matches the look and feel of your site.
Step 3: Copy and paste the code to your pages
Paste the code into your webpages using your HTML editor and publish them to the web.
So you can use this via choosing specific products or on a keyword basis.
Thanks to JohnTP for the alert on this.
Yes, this is something I’ll be very interested in on my new blog network. I’d like to make money through my sites influence more then clicks that send my visitors away. It’s just my preference.
This was a much awaited move from Google, i knew it’s around the corner.Was wondering if this is only available to top publishers only.
I shall watch this space.
Cheers!
Mani
Does anyone know what kind of pay you get from these ads? Is it similar to other CPA networks?
Yeah, I would like to know the pay comparison to other products. Only time will tell I guess. Advertisers themselves will be waiting to see some results.
Yes, I caught this right when the Inside Adsense blog post came out — so I applied and blogged about it.
I pray I get accepted. Sounds like a common-sense change that will only benefit all of us who get accepted.
Hmm.. higher control to us – probably tougher to make money out of – but yes higher rewards definitely.
Just applied for the beta – let me see if I get accepted though.
[…] I can see this as being well received by advertisers as well as reducing click fraud. As Darren Rowse says over at ProBlogger, it’s a move towards the model used by Commission Junction and regular affiliate programs. The advertiser only pays the publisher a commission based on the number of converted sales rather than on blanket advertising. […]
[…] Thanks to problogger.net for pointing this out. If you liked this post, share it by using the links below: […]
Interesting. I´ve applied too and it will be interesting to learn about this model.
[…] Beta Test Launched at ProBlogger Adsense referrals beta launches at Technospot Permalink | Trackback | Share This tags: adsense referrals, cost per action, cpa Related Posts: Google teams with BMG,Warner to test ad-supported videosHalo 3 multiplayer beta has been expandedMicrosoft: One VoIP To Rule Them All […]
This will help tremendously as I won’t have to waste too much money guessing click through rates!
Hi Darren. I’ve had Commission Junction for years and have always hated it. I make much more money with adsense. What do you think is the main advantage over CJ with this new google offering?
Thanks,
Randy
I’ve just applied for the beta – we’ll see how it goes if I get accepted. One thing that I am wondering though – will it be accepted to actually actively encourage your readers to click on this links? After all, if a click costs the advertiser nothing, it should not be a problem, or is it?
I just signed up and I hope I get accepted. Wonder what would Amazon and the other affiliate networks would do to respond to this?
Google has just entered their turf.
[…] (hat tip: Darren via ProBlogger) Digg it […]
By the way, the referrals beta test is currently available only to English Speaking publishers located in the United States only. So those outside US would have to wait for now.
Also conversions that occur for users outside the US is not counted unless explicitly enabled by the advertiser.
Interesting Post,
http://technobuzz.net
@gaman: Then thats a bad news for publishers outside US.Was thinking to give it a try.Lets see what they have to say.
[…] AdSense Referrals Beta Test Launched – CPA Ads […]
This is something Im still unsure about how it will effect things.Will it reduce revenues for some sites? Surely google will have to make sure its current network of advertisers will earn as much or more or people wont sign up for this program – no publishers = no advertisers as they are purely displayed on teh content network.
Ive published a post on this yesterday
Will Google PPA Be Good For Publishers
[…] AdSense Referrals Beta Test Launched – CPA Ads […]
I also have applied for the beta referral. But i did not get confirmation email from google adsense. What is the reason? can you suggest me?