Banner Ads Are Still King!
The first banner ad came to life on October 25, 1994. HotWired was the creator and AT&T was the owner. It was truly an ugly thing, but it set in motion a set of events that would take the Internet by storm – the banner ad revolution!
Since that fateful day back in ’94, banner advertising has been one of the most successful types of advertising online.
I’m sure you heard the hype a few years ago, and probably even got an email with “Are Banner Ads dead?” in the subject line. Well, I’m here to tell you they’re not.
Internet banner advertising has proven itself as an effective way to promote brand awareness, increase website traffic and in generating sales.
These advertisements, which you find on every web page, are working even if customers don’t click on them – even if they don’t actually notice them!
According to ScienceDaily (May 11, 2007) – The majority of advertising exposure occurs when the audience’s attention is focused elsewhere! After a new study, The Journal of Consumer Research reports, “Regardless of measured click-through rates, banner ads may still create a favorable attitude toward the ad due to repeated exposure.”
What this means is that even if you don’t get the click-through rate you want, your advertisement is still working, your name has been branded, people will remember you and your products. So, in fact, you’re creating a long-term effect that will pay off down the line.
Over the years the ad banner has morphed into all different types and kinds. Like pop-up and pop-under ads, interactive flash ads, Google AdWords boxes that are designed to look like they’re part of your web page, and even strips of plain text links.
These click-through advertisements are placed in high-traffic areas and carefully designed to entice targeted users to visit their site and buy their products or services.
Believe it or not, since Internet banner advertising first began, over 15 years ago, there has been a considerable increase in its online usage. The serious business owner who has not yet used this type of advertising should seriously consider making it a part of their website marketing plan.
No matter the size, shape or format, the objective of banner ads is the same – and it’s been working successfully since 1994. These simple banners have been a gold mine for online businesses – and they still remain the King of Internet advertising.
