Yesterday I was searching for [ipad cases] and then have been noticing AdSense ads with ads for iPad Cases, even though the ads were not relevant to content on that page.
I then spotted a thread on WebmasterWorld from the AdSense moderator, martinibuster who said the same thing but dug deeper. First let me show you what I mean and then I’ll share martinibuster’s comments.
I was searching for [ipad cases] and clicked on a bunch of search results. I then was checking some feeds and web sites and noticed ads for iPad cases, such as this one:
So it seems to work and work quickly. Try it yourself. Search for something that would generate ads in Google, then go to a web site with AdSense ads on them. They should show you interest based ads, which technically launched a year ago. I should note that AdSense publishers can choose to disable IAB (interest based ads) from showing on their sites.
Now, read martinibuster’s post:
I have been clicking AdSense ads like a chicken on corn for the past two weeks. I’ve been researching fishing gear and keep seeing these ads for fishing outlets and sales on fishing gear.
I needed photos for a project I’m working on. Researched at different sites. Then I started seeing ads for discounts on stock royalty free photos at leading websites. My fingers started clicking on ads everywhere I went, chasing down offers like 10 free and 15% discounts.
I have never clicked on ads before. Since IAB rolled out I have clicked on dozens of ads. I buy stuff online. So yes, I have made purchases as a result of the IBA’s. I was researching my purchases. Ads for discounts popped up. For me, as a consumer, IAB worked.
Is IAB resulting in an increase in earnings for me? No. I have not noticed a dramatic increase in earnings. But I’m not seeing a decrease either. Earnings are doing fine, but I can’t say positively whether that is a result of IAB because I have not seen a dramatic lift in earnings.
I am not saying that IAB is a good thing. I am only stating that for the first time in my life I am clicking on AdSense ads.
Do you agree? I mean there is something a bit creepy about seeing ads on third-party sites based on your Google search query. But there is also something nice about it as well.
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.
