“Show More Ads” link and 4-in-1 AdSense Ad Units

Few days ago, I spotted an unusual AdSense large rectangle ad unit with a “Show More Ads” link. Then, I saw an AdSense rectangle ad unit with 4 button size ads in one rectangle ad unit on Problogger.net. Google is testing new AdSense formats at the year end, huh?

AdSense Ad Unit with “Show More Ads” link

I spotted this ad format for the 1st time on my own post “Review: Eneloop Rechargeable Battery“. It has an extra “Show More Ads” at the left hand side of “Ads by Google” at the bottom of the ad unit.

Clicking the link will show a page of related advertisements, same as you click on a AdSense link units.

You probably have see the ad unit before, a Google search has returns many discussions about the new format. It was spotted earlier in August 2007. I guess the new ad format is about the final testing, or is it final already?

AdSense 4-in-1 Boxes Ad Unit

Darren published the following screenshot of AdSense ad unit with 4 smaller size (button) ads in one large rectangle ad unit.

Current large rectangle ad unit lists the ads in horizontal format. The new ad format shows the ads in boxes. Basically, it still shows the same amount of ads but more eyes attracting with box alignment.

My two cents

I think readers are getting “familiar” with AdSense ad format and start to be ad blind. It is good that Google always testing new ad formats.

I like the both new ad formats. The “Show More Ads” ad unit is a combination of ad unit and link units. It might increase the click-thru rate (CTR) of ads, better still change the link text to “Show More Links” :P

For the AdSense 4-in-1 Boxes Ad Unit, the CTR rate will depends on your web page layout. It will work well if your web page layout in different boxes/sections and content is not in a page flow.

What do you think about the new AdSense formats? Would you apply them if you have the choice?