As I previously posted, Google has started a referral program for AdSense and Firefox. Chitika also has a referral program with pretty much the exact same banner format.

Well, I decided to try it out on Blogaholics. First, low on the sidebar, then higher up.

My results after a couple of weeks… nothing. Absolutely nothing. About 2 clicks total. But, since you make money only when someone signs up and/or uses the product, clicks are worth nothing.

Here’s the problem as I see it:

1) relevancy - they were fairly relevant on Blogaholics, but would be perhaps more on Blogging Help. Would that mean more clicks? Maybe a couple more, but I don’t expect them because….

2) format - they are not "text ads" - they are banners. Graphical banners. And, as well all know, people tune out graphic banners. Hence why AdSense does so well with text ads over image ones. Surprise surprise.

I think after one more week I’ll dump all referrals. I’ll leave up Firefox, since I love Firefox, but that’ll be it.

How have your experiences been with the referral program?

Tags: google, google referral, referral program, google adsense, adsense, firefox, chitika, banner ads, ad formats, making money with blogs

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