Reminder: WidgetBucks Rolling Out New Ad Type

As indicated in a recent newsletter to publishers, WidgetBucks publishers should soon begin seeing an increase in display CPM rates due to the introduction of pop-under ads. These are ads that display in a new browser window behind the current browser window, and will appear to both U.S. and international viewers. Revenue and impressions from these ads will be rolled into the existing "CPM Display Ads" buckets, and as a reminder, log-in to your active widgets and confirm if you would like to opt-in or opt-out of this revenue opportunity. This opt-in/opt-out option is also provided when creating new widgets. Currently the pop-under frequency is set to one display for each visitor per day (24 hours).

WidgetBucks Cracks comScore's Ad Network Report

Just six months after inception, WidgetBucks is getting recognized as one of the Internet's leading ad networks, according to the March 2008 comScore Media Metrix U.S. Ad Network report. See comScore's Ad Network press release, where they focus on niche ad networks, such as WidgetBucks, that are emerging to help advertisers target specific audiences. Also see our own release for more details.

Ranked No. 33, WidgetBucks is the first-ever ad widget network to enter this advertising-focused report. While they don't hand out 33rd Place ribbons, presence on this list is more significant than actual position, according to Jeff Hacket, vice president sales at comScore, Inc.:

“The addition of WidgetBucks in our March 2008 report underscores the growth of niche ad networks and the role widgets are beginning to play in online advertising."

Inclusion in the March 2008 report comes as WidgetBucks, which has gone from zero to three billion impressions in its first six months, expands beyond shopping widgets. Publishers will soon be able to earn money through interactive travel, pay-per-call and local ad widgets (currently in private beta), and later this quarter, real estate, auto and text link ad widgets.

- Dean