Business etiquette is something that is taken for granted in many industries, and tends to be more important based on various geographic areas. Many respected link builders stress that finding back links to a website is more of a process of entering into a relationship than just bartering for links. What about the links that you show your site visitors? If they are AdSense links should you ensure to follow a specific etiquette when placing the links in your layout?
A recent manifesto of sorts was introduced to the WebMasterWorld Forums community by member Vince. He wrote a nicely worded piece titled: A Modern Etiquette for AdSense - Or: keeping respectable in the race for money. Some of his comments are very insightful, such as:
Common usage has it that the server upon which your files are held is the web host, and the person providing the files to the public the web master. I suggest that is the wrong way around, as the person providing the files is hosting the visit of guests into his domain, whilst the server delivering the files is perhaps like a master butler overseeing the smooth operation of the visit.He followed with his ideas, some of which are worth considering:
Google’s heat map strongly suggests that immediately below your title should be placed your major AdSense block. Good etiquette undoubtedly dictates that the premise for the page must precede any other motive such as advertising. Placing a large rectangle at the bottom of the page, alongside links to other pages or other information on your website, provides the visitor with nothing but the utmost politeness as you are offering not just more of your pages but also the pick of external advertisers.
Some good comments follow. One thing to wonder is if a more concerted effort on etiquette could translate into a higher page quality score if used as a landing page? Also, perhaps this could backfire a-la "the nice guy never wins," since the ads might get less traffic.
Join the discussion at WebMasterWorld Forums.
