WidgetBucks, AdSense: Living in Harmony

Pop-unders have been running just under a week now through the WidgetBucks network, and over that time, we have had some inquiries that we hope to clarify in this post:

1. Compatibility with Google AdSense
Below is an excerpt pulled from the AdSense Terms of Service to clarify that there is, in fact, no conflict with running WidgetBucks ads (that offer a pop-under) and AdSense ads on the same page:

Site and Ad Behavior Sites showing Google ads should be easy for users to navigate and should not contain excessive pop-ups. AdSense code may not be altered, nor may standard ad behavior be manipulated in any way that is not explicitly permitted by Google.

• Sites showing Google ads may not contain pop-ups or pop-unders that interfere with site navigation, change user preferences, or initiate downloads. [Editor Note: WidgetBucks does none of these] Read the rest of the Google AdSense TOS here.
  

2. Opting-In/Out
Those opting-out of these ads need to be sure to select "Update" on their code once they uncheck the box. Note, these ads do NOT require repasting code into your blog or site -- just hit "Update" to apply.

3. Display Ad Reporting
Today we've rolled out changes to the MyWidgets reporting page to make it easier for publishers to differentiate revenue and impressions from U.S.-based display and international CPM ads. All Display Ad reporting -- including impressions and revenue from pop-unders -- is now broken down separately from International figures. Previously, these had been one. While both are still found under the CPM Ads tab, having them in separate columns should make distinguishing this information much easier and informative. Incidentally, the roll-up figures and pie-charts continue to reflect the aggregation of the tabbed sections. Click on the image below for a snapshot of the new columns or checkout your own MyWidgets page.


Thanks for the continued input and for using WidgetBucks!

- Dean

Reminder: WidgetBucks Rolling Out New Ad Type

As indicated in a recent newsletter to publishers, WidgetBucks publishers should soon begin seeing an increase in display CPM rates due to the introduction of pop-under ads. These are ads that display in a new browser window behind the current browser window, and will appear to both U.S. and international viewers. Revenue and impressions from these ads will be rolled into the existing "CPM Display Ads" buckets, and as a reminder, log-in to your active widgets and confirm if you would like to opt-in or opt-out of this revenue opportunity. This opt-in/opt-out option is also provided when creating new widgets. Currently the pop-under frequency is set to one display for each visitor per day (24 hours).

- Dean

WidgetBucks Cracks comScore's Ad Network Report

Just six months after inception, WidgetBucks is getting recognized as one of the Internet's leading ad networks, according to the March 2008 comScore Media Metrix U.S. Ad Network report. See comScore's Ad Network press release, where they focus on niche ad networks, such as WidgetBucks, that are emerging to help advertisers target specific audiences. Also see our own release for more details.

Ranked No. 33, WidgetBucks is the first-ever ad widget network to enter this advertising-focused report. While they don't hand out 33rd Place ribbons, presence on this list is more significant than actual position, according to Jeff Hacket, vice president sales at comScore, Inc.:

“The addition of WidgetBucks in our March 2008 report underscores the growth of niche ad networks and the role widgets are beginning to play in online advertising."

Inclusion in the March 2008 report comes as WidgetBucks, which has gone from zero to three billion impressions in its first six months, expands beyond shopping widgets. Publishers will soon be able to earn money through interactive travel, pay-per-call and local ad widgets (currently in private beta), and later this quarter, real estate, auto and text link ad widgets.

- Dean

WidgetBucks' RPCs Rebounding

Over the last 48 hours, many publishers have been seeing a steady increase in their RPC (revenue-per-click) rates, recovering from last week's drop. We have been able to make progress on pricing issues with partners much more quickly than first predicted, and as a result the RPC increases can be seen across most categories and climbing toward pre-drop levels. Thank you for your patience.

- Dean