An advertisement is a promotional message placed on a site to help monetize it. Ad services such as Google AdSense can select ads relevant to an audience, while the site owner can choose placements or allow automated optimization to choose placement, size, and ad type. section 10.1
The goal is not simply to show more ads. Ads should support revenue without interrupting the reason visitors came: the site’s content. Relevant, well-integrated ads are less likely to feel like an unwanted interruption. section 10.1 section 10.2 section 10.2.1
Avoid ad choices that damage the visitor experience:
- Do not rely on pop-ups that cover content, hide or delay their close control, or open another tab. section 10.2
- Avoid flashing, animated, brightly colored, or otherwise disruptive visuals; they can distract visitors and reduce accessibility for people sensitive to stimulation. section 10.2
- Do not autoplay audio or video. Let visitors decide whether to play an ad. section 10.2
- Do not crowd or cluster ads around content, use unrelated ads, or use clickbait that promises something the click does not deliver. section 10.2
- Test pages containing large image or video ads for loading speed, especially for visitors on slow connections. section 10.2
- Avoid interstitial ads that completely block site content. section 10.2
Reviewing a busy ad-supported homepage
A gift-finding homepage with many ads can be improved by simplifying busy navigation and design elements, streamlining page sections, limiting animation, and making partner ads blend more naturally with the layout. A screenshot can be submitted to a multimodal AI system with a prompt asking for ways to make ads unobtrusive and user-friendly. section 10.2.1
