Beyond ad performance optimization

When we talk about optimization in AdSense, we usually focus on testing different formats, colors, and locations for your ad units. But it's just as important, if not more so, to optimize your site's content to make it as user-friendly as possible. Which homepage design do your users respond most to? Which headline or graphic will entice your users to spend more time reading your articles? Knowing the answers can help you implement the most user-friendly elements, increasing user loyalty and engagement. And as we've noted, more engaged, more frequent users means more eyes on your AdSense ads.

You can determine the answers to the questions above (and more) by using Google Website Optimizer, a free tool available through Google AdWords. It lets you try out different layouts and content for your site and conduct either an A/B test or a multivariate test to track how different content affects your users. To learn more about Website Optimizer, just visit their informational site to find out everything you need to know before getting started. If you don't yet have an AdWords account, sign up here to access Website Optimizer.

Finally, we encourage you to attend a free online seminar about Website Optimizer. Your host will be Tom Leung, Product Manager for Website Optimizer, and the guest presenter will be Bryan Eisenberg from FutureNow, Inc. Tom and Bryan will introduce Website Optimizer, share best practices for testing, and discuss some of the top elements to test on any webpage. Here are all the details:

What: Website Optimizer: What Should I Test?
When: Tuesday, March 11th, 2008
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am PST
Register to attend.

Best of luck with optimizing your site, your ad units, and beyond.

Updated AdWords URL for accuracy

Posted by Katie Mandel and Jon Stona - AdSense/AdWords Product Marketing