Articles

Banners; The Next Generation

By M.L. Benton

Banners at one time, were utlized to promote your site, not anymore. In the beginning of personal and business sites, banners were the main marketing tool for websites. In our fast-paced progress of internet marketing, banners are now used for multiple services, products, events and strong web presence. With authors this is a plus. Here are a few uses:

Book Banners- Create a banner for your new title. Add a catchy tag line to entice the viewer, the cover of your book and link it directly to where it can be purchased. Or link it to the page you have the blurb and except at.

Newsletter Banners - want to create new subscribers? Make a catchy banner for your newsletter.

Blog Banners - want new visitors who comment, make a snazzy banner for your blog.

Site Banners - create an author brand and have your site banners to match.

Contest Banners -Having a contest? Create an eye-catching banner.

Service Banners –Offering a Service. Put it on a banner.

Event Banners – Are you hosting an event? Put it on a banner.

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Prices vary for banners anywhere from 5.00 and up, to have professional banners made,
and if you are creative and have a program you can make your own.

There are several sites that have free banner generators and you can make your own banners if you do not have a program, or the money to hire a professional designer.

However as well as price you should also consider quality. Remember your banner will represent you, your book, your product or service. Although you want to watch your money…you want a professional look and feel to your banner. This is one of those times where the old saying really applies…”you get what you pay for.”

Now you have your banners made, where are you going to put them? Naturally first on your site, then your friends and family. Go to Google and type in banner exchange and look for those in the same field as your site.  

For a business you can sign up for banner click ads. These services offer pay-per-click. I only recommend this if you are a business and not an author, as the price for these can add up pretty quickly. 

Several sites such as review and interview sites offer rotating banner services beginning at 5.00 for so many weeks. Grab your change from the piggy bank and pay for this service.

M.L. Benton
Moonglade Marketing

M.L. Benton specializes in web design, literary marketing and promotion services. Bringing her experience in sales, a flair for extraordinary promotional ideas and her unique talent in design, she has built an extensive clientele and various Moonglade Divisions. She participates in guest speaking spots for various groups and organizations. You can find her at www.moongladedesigns.com and www.moonglademarketing.com.