Purchasing ads for flat rates?

[MikeC]

Rather than create a referral program for our site I've occasionally purchased a banner on a high traffic site for a flat weekly or monthly rate. I've had mixed results with this method and was just wondering if anybody else has tried something similar with better success, or if they feel it is simply not worth the effort and it's better to deal with some sort tracking and payment system (affiliate program).

Similarly I wonder if, as webmasters, you would feel you were receiving full value for the banner link if you were only being paid the flat rate regardless of how well or poor the traffic you send converts.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Surfn]

A flat rate for a spot has always worked for me at my going rate.

[the New Shemp]

Originally posted by MikeC
Rather than create a referral program for our site I've occasionally purchased a banner on a high traffic site for a flat weekly or monthly rate. I've had mixed results with this method and was just wondering if anybody else has tried something similar with better success, or if they feel it is simply not worth the effort and it's better to deal with some sort tracking and payment system (affiliate program).

Similarly I wonder if, as webmasters, you would feel you were receiving full value for the banner link if you were only being paid the flat rate regardless of how well or poor the traffic you send converts.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

flat rate works best for me too...

[kristian]

I think everyone will agree that flat rate is best -- less headaches.

On a different note : have you tried gallery spots as opposed to banner links? Even with poor traffic you'll get significantly higher conversions. About $2k to $2.k per month will get your galleries on sites with appx 4 million combined uniques. At a daily break-even of only $66 dollars you should do very well, given that these are your own paysites...

[MikeC]

Originally posted by kristian
On a different note : have you tried gallery spots as opposed to banner links? Even with poor traffic you'll get significantly higher conversions. About $2k to $2.k per month will get your galleries on sites with appx 4 million combined uniques. At a daily break-even of only $66 dollars you should do very well, given that these are your own paysites...

I haven't tried that. How does it work exactly? As my site is exlusively celeb content I'm not entirely sure that links on random adult niche sites would really convert well. But it might be something worth exploring.

[kristian]

You have a point there. I'm not so sure with celeb traffic, but take a look over here anyway. Chat with them about your requirements.

You could also find out which celeb-specific tgps and link lists have the most traffic. Approach them and ask for paid spots. I'd put a search on google and also on sextracker (as well as other popular counters).

You probably know all this, but since it's what I'm doing 24/7 I've got it on my mind so thought I'd try help out.

[MikeC]

kristian,

I shot them an e-mail, but still haven't received a response back. Would recommend any other people with similar programs?

[kristian]

Originally posted by MikeC
kristian,

I shot them an e-mail, but still haven't received a response back. Would recommend any other people with similar programs?

Hi Mike,

I've just checked their site and all 4 members of the team are available by icq. You could try that way. If you don't have icq, just let me know your email and I can pass it on for you.

I have a list of other places I use but I'm not in the office right now.

Anyway, say the word if you want me to hit them up for you.