Best/Easiest vB Ad Management Mod?

[1adam12]

Hi,
I've spent some time searching this topic and I've found a few options. But, it's not clear on most of them how the ad stats are managed or the types of ads that can be sold (pay-per-click, pay-per-N-impressions, pay for time range). What kinds of reporting is built in to provide to advertisers?

Also, if I have vB 3.7, do I need to get a skin that has extra side-columns (OK, yes, I am fairly new to vB) or does vB have those areas already?

What are people using and happy with?

Thank you!

-A

[soundbarrierpro]

The mods are not the ad management.

The mods edit the templates to place the scripts via your ACP. The ad management is completely controlled by whomever you register with to utilize ad management. There's several different ad management sites you can sign up with.

I use google, you have to signup for google adsense. Once you are completely registered, you can start creating your scripts. Then you add your scripts to your ad management mod in you ACP.

[Princeton]

I recommend Google Ad Manager.
The best way to integrate your direct advertisers and Adsense.

[TOMC28]

The only problem (correct me if I'm wrong) with Google Ad Manager is.....if you get banned by Google Ads...then you are up-a-creek....and my experience with forums and google ads is.......be prepared to be dropped by google.

[Justine]

Google Ad Manager is not directly tied to an Adsense account.
(that is optional)

Ad Manager is a tool to use for your direct advertiser but it gives you the option to show Adsense ads for unsold impressions, etc.

[fattony69]

Just use conditionals and the template areas made for advertising.

[Justine]

thats fine if you want to use just one banner

but what if you have many forums/slots?
but what if you want rotating banners?
but what if you want campaign to stop after a certain date?
but what if you want campaign to stop after a certain # of impressions?
but what if you want to keep track of sales, etc?
but what if you want to change slots for a certain campaign? add/remove slots?

I can go on but I think you get the idea.

[Videx]

I use Rotating Banner System (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=188328). Easy to install and use. We just sell sponsors time ranges and use a custom calendar to keep track. None of them has ever asked me for click info.

[Brandon Sheley]

I like using openX
you can install it yourself on your server, or using their hosted free plan.
That way you don't have to be limited by placing ads where a mod has them, or even to your forum. You can have rotation ads on all your sites and keep track of all the stats in one spot. ;)

[Princeton]

openX was our ad manager but we gave up on it.

Ad Manager is a good replacement.
I like the Adsense integration and that it's continually updated/tweaked for ease of use.

[1adam12]

Thanks for the advice. Why did you give up on openX? Do you have a link for 'Ad Manager'

[Princeton]

I believe an Adsense account is required.

Openx was phpadnews. For me, it was bloated software. Too many features not needed. Made the whole learning process difficult. Updates were also an issue.

With Google Ad Manager there's no need to worry about "updates", security issues, etc. Now, I have just the right amount of features - no clutter.

If you do decide to use Ad Manager take a look at their Getting Started video and help section. Will get you started in no time.

Be advised though...
their is a learning curve.

good luck

[Brandon Sheley]

You can go with the hosted openX
https://login.openx.org/sso/login
and not have to worry about updates as well ;)

It was pretty easy for me to pick up, just make a site, zones and place the banners. (it took me about 20 mins to figure it out the first time)
I haven't messed with the google version, but to me it's a "if it's not broke" type of thing
openX works effortlessly, and I think there is even a vb mod that you can use with it, not that it's needed.