In a previous post I wrote about being approved for a Google AdSense account.
A few months into the program and I can say that for us at AND Inc., AdSense is more about overall web relevance than actual (monthly) revenue. That is why we keep ads limited to our Downloads page where we offer freebies while soliciting attention to text advertisements only with a less intrusive format in terms of upload time.
That’s how advertisements work: something for almost nothing, right?
As said, websites and blogs such as ours are less likely to yield consistent ad revenue. In the Social Media context however, partnership programs with sites such as YouTube are a different story. That’s where AdSense tangibly pays off due to large numbers of views therefore increase in potential relevant clicks.
With AND Inc.’s YouTube Channel overall viewership numbers entering the five digit realm, I decided it was time to apply for the YouTube Partnership Program. For the ones unfamiliar: under this program the clips/channels YouTube deems relevant are allowed to display targeted advertisements and subsequently make money based on viewership ad clicks. I believed we had a decent chance and I applied just to have my submission instantly bouncing back with the dreaded “We regret to inform you… not at this time… maybe later”. It was a frustrating rejection in need of immediate reality check: ask for professional advice.
I consulted with our social media specialist. (Yes, we are fortunate to have an adviser with a major in International Communications and an award winning thesis about Facebook and its implication in social dialogue… and if you will visit our Facebook page you’ll understand what I’m talking about.)
Back:
“Well,” our advisor said “YouTube is a social site. You don’t just ‘show-up’ open a free account and hope it happens. Like anything else this is hard, sustained work.”
I listened.
For weeks after I updated our YouTube Channel continuously, referencing the videos on several forums. The true spike in numbers came evidently once we offered free .flv download of the most viewed clip(s) on our site.
Then I completely forgot about the main purpose of this exercise: getting an AdSense YouTube Partner account. Besides, one has to admit that our 3D videos are not necessarily a priority for AdSense amongst the million weird-funny-crazy YouTube videos with seven digit views. Or so I thought until a few days ago when I got the email: “YouTube invites you to apply for revenue sharing for your video…” and proceeded with the logistics of the program requirements.
Once again here is our approved for revenue sharing video:
In an earlier post about this video clip dealing mostly with the software and the way this was made; I mentioned the snowball effect on view numbers. I can confirm now with certainty not only that this is true in terms of viewership, but in terms of ad revenue as well. There is a power in number of views that directly translates in click on ads and subsequently in revenue. For skeptics only personal experience will confirm this as being true.
Weather one business can rely on this as major income source it remains to be seen. I’ll revisit the subject when numbers will become conclusive.
Until then, be well.
DOWNLOADS: 30k and counting!
