AdSense Referrals Beta Test Launched – CPA Ads

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.