Everyone in the Affiliate Industry should at least be a little concerned about AdBlock

AdBlock was designed to block dreadful annoying popups and was created to give users more control.

But what is irrefutable is just how commonplace it is now compared to years past.

Again.. think about this for a second. The world’s most popular browsers today are being released with AdBlock technology built in. Translation? Never before have the odds been so instantly stacked against even the best do-gooders of the publishing & digital media world today.

That said, these previously optional services are being forced on more and more people and in turn could threaten livelihoods if advertising and affiliate marketing is your main source of revenue. 

It used to be up to the visitor to decide, but not anymore.

The growing popularity of Adblock has led to decreased earning opportunities all-around since nearly all the mainstream ad networks have found themselves victim to various AdBlock filter lists.

BUT HERE’S HOW YOU CAN ADVERTISE SMARTER…

Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

1. Host your own banner ads and name the file names something unique
2. Change file names routinely
3. Avoid using highly filtered keywords, such as: “banners,” “ads,” “advertisements,” “static,” “sponsors,” in file names and directories

Whether it’s a .JPG, .GIF, or a Flash based campaign, you can typically host any of these advertisements on your own website. 

THE TWO-STEP PROCESS FOR GETTING AROUND ADBLOCK

In some cases, an entire URL will be filtered and Adblock won’t allow you to click it.

Fear not! Here’s the simple 2-step process for getting around this:

1 – Create a New File

When you create a new file, you are creating a new inbound link. In some severe cases of a sponsor’s entire URL being blocked, one alternative option is to create a new file name in your directory (e.g., /newfile.html), and place a simple HTML meta element in the header.

2 – Redirect it

Have your newfile.html redirect to one of CPAHub’s offers directly! Choose the offer of your choice, and then redirect to your CrakRevenue direct.

Other Solutions Webmasters Have Been Turning to…

• Adding a Message that AdBlock Users Will See

In fact, one noteworthy AdBlock Detection campaign comes from Wired.

Wired reminds its audience that ads for them help keep the lights on, and encouraged its users to either whitelist their site or pay $1 a week for an ad-free version.

The premise is always the same; remind the user that the site is supported by ads.

• Making two versions of the same site

Another approach is offering an alternative version of your site.

One with ads… and one without.  

But of course, for users to experience the truly “ad free one” … you might ask your visitors to pay a one-time (or even monthly) fee for greater convenience 

• Third party sites

BlockAdBlock, Blockthrough, ReviveAds can be excellent resources as well.  WordPress users, check out these Anti Adblock plugins here.

Putting it all together

With usage at an all time high and more downloads than ever before, it’s clear AdBlock’s a double-edged sword that isn’t going anywhere and webmasters must continue to adapt if they don’t want to leave money on the table.

We explored the super simple two-step workaround you could be using to give your advertisements more power in being seen as well as an overview on some of the common Anti-detection campaigns of today.

What are your thoughts on this technology?

Have you viewed AdBlock as an obstacle or do you see it as one moving forward?  Share your thoughts in the comments!