Although relatively few people other than me are likely to be excited about this, I’ve finally figured out my ad server software well enough to have rotating ads. What does this mean? It means that I can soon offer EXTREMELY CHEAP local ads on the Spark, that’s what.
I’m still a few weeks away from launching this service, but the idea is create a couple of spaces on the homepage for locals businesses, bands, artists and the like to give their project a little extra boost while helping to grow the Spark. We’ll also be able to place ads on certain targeted pages, allowing a band could “stick” their ad to the music listings page, for instance.
Which brings me to the point of this post: What’s a reasonable rate for a smallish text-only ad? It’d be roughly like a print classified, but with the option to upgrade to images and animations for a premium of some kind. This will be our starting point for ads on the Spark, so I thought I’d throw it out to the readers to discuss.
I was thinking about something around a flat $5 per week to start (just being placed in the standard rotation), and a dedicated ad (always on the homepage) being more like $20 a week.
Also, we’re totally up for ad trades, and we’ll offer special deals to nonprofits and community groups whenever possible.
Thoughts?
Steve Shanafelt
Speaking of changes to the Spark, I’m also kicking around a few new ideas over at the forums. Check it out if you have a moment.
Left my own comments at the forum. As for ads, the door is wide open.
If memory serves me correctly, ads in print publications could be quite pricey for what you got. On the paper that I worked for, part of that price included some basic (very) basic design if needed, but it was preferred to have something we could just insert into place.
I think the proposal of the fees is more then fair. I also like the idea of “add on” fees for higher quality layout, graphics etc.
I am looking forward to seeing how all this comes together