Think Before You Engage: 100 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Social Media Marketing Campaign

21. Should I Have Ads on My Website?

Again, the answer to that question is another question (or two). If you put ads on your site, what would be their purpose and would they have a positive impact on your brand? If you have ads on your website because you are using a free service, you may actually be causing damage to your brand. By using a free service, you might potentially show consumers that you don't want to invest in yourself, which might make them question whether or not to invest in you.

If the ads are there because you are a blogger, and the advertisers are supporters and sponsors of the website from which you make your living, readers will likely understand that because your content is free to them, and the advertisers will help to ensure that they continue to receive valuable content at no cost.

Websites that promote particular products might also consider advertising that supports the brand. For example, a fitness studio website might contain advertisements for nutritional supplements. This showcases a strategic partnership that supports the fitness studio's role as a knowledgeable industry participant. On the other hand, a web design studio advertising free website templates might be contradicting the brand expertise while drawing people away from the website.

When considering advertisements, the main thing to remember is that the advertisements (like collecting email ...