Publishers: How To Bypass Ad Blocking Software
A recent trend in anti-spyware and anti-virus software is to eliminate virtually all graphical advertisements while a user is browsing the internet. The most popular ad blocking software today is the free AdBlock Plus Firefox extension, followed closely by the paid software Norton Anti-Virus.
Let me start of by disclosing a little secret, I use and enjoy AdBlock Plus for Firefox. I know that may lead you to think that I am being hypocritical in writing this guide to bypass AdBlock Plus, however, often times I turn AdBlock Plus off for respectable websites and blogs that I frequent. I should also note that I have not personally followed my own advice yet as I am in the process of renovating my sponsorship model.
Why You Should Bypass Ad Blocking Software
The benefits will mostly be passed on to your sponsors who are paying to place their banners on your blog or website. AdBlock software can often break design elements of your website or make certain areas look awkward. Banner impressions will rise which in turn allows you to charge a higher price for your ad space.
AdBlock Plus is this single most popular Firefox extension to date!
How To Bypass AdBlock Plus
First we must examine why this software is blocking your graphic advertisements through their various filters. Listed below I describe the most common ad block filters.
- Block URLs to third-party ad servers (Google Ads, FastClick, etc.)
- Block images of specific sizes (468×60, 125×125, etc.)
- Block javascript which opens pop-ups (pop-overs, pop-unders, etc.)
- Block URLs which contain certain words (ad, banner, click, etc.)
- Block image names with ad sizes (ad468×60.jpg, ad120×60.gif, etc.)
Now it becomes fairly obvious what you must do to bypass adblock filters…
1. Remove “Ad” and “Click”: If you use banner ad management software such as phpAdsNew or a certain WordPress Plugin to manage advertisements make sure it does NOT contain “ad” in the folder name. You should also go one step further and remove the words “ad” or “click” from any and all file names.
2. Use Slightly Altered Ad Sizes: Even if your standard size graphic advertisements are promoting your own business or something very mundane they will still be blocked by default ad blocking filters. The easiest way to bypass this is to add or subtract a few pixels from the width and height of your banner ads. Some examples; use 470×58 not 468×60, use 124×126 not 125×125, use 122×58 not 120×60.
3. Host Locally and Name Wisely: It would be nice of you to inform your sponsors that you are modifying the banner ad sizes slightly so that they may ensure their images are not distorted. You should always host the images on your own server and never include pixel sizes or the words “ad” or “banner” in the names of your image files.
Publish Advertisements Wisely
As a general rule for good publishing you should be selective of your sponsors. Don’t run loud and obnoxious, blinking, obtrusive advertisements in the middle of your content. This is why people install AdBlock Plus in the first place. Be smart and try to put youself in your visitor’s shoes.
Popularity: 15% [?]
February 27th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Thanks for the great tips. I’ll be heading into OpenX and start checking all the ad names!
February 29th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I’ve noticed this happening more and more. Thank you for the advice! I have a bad habit of making things more difficult than they really are so having someone suggest an easier fix for things is always welcome!
March 1st, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Interesting post… I never knew how AdBLock worked, so I just assumed it was unbeatable :). You’re right about the smart advertising, people are getting better at this and I haven’t been bothered by most ads in a while. That’s why I never felt the need or desire to insall AdBlock, even though some people I work with have pressured me to do so.
March 12th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
[…] Publishers: How To Bypass AdBlock Plus […]