Banner Advertising

A banner advertisement is an advertisement in the form of a graphic image that runs across the top of an internet web page or in a margin or other space reserved for ads. Banner ads are usually Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) images. Different types of banners can be created, such as static banner, animated banner or interactive banner. There are also different kinds of interactive banners--HTML interactive banners allow users to have interactions, and rich media banners allow users to have even more interactions such as playing games. Banner advertising needs to adhere to certain specifications. In addition to being limited to a certain physical size, many web sites also limit the size of the file to a certain number of bytes so that the banner advertising will display quickly. Banner ads are often animated because animation has been shown to attract a larger percentage of users. Banner advertising can cost anywhere from $25 to $150 per 1,000 hits, depending on the web site an advertiser chooses. But you may be able to post your banner for free on one of the various sites available These sites offer the service for free, and they often have subject themes, so your website is advertised to people with similar interests, and your advertisement

will be well-targeted. You might also participate in banner exchanges with complimentary businesses. The other business owner gets to place a free banner advertisement on your web site and you, in turn, get to place one on his site promoting your product or service. There is a downside however to this form of advertising. Many consumers find banner advertising intrusive and annoying. Nobody wants to be bombarded with advertising while they're on the web. Epidemic Marketing Inc. has started a promotion to pay registered users to put banner advertising on their personal email. The registered users are then paid cash incentives when recipients click the banner and use the banner's web site.