Bidswamp (http://www.bidswamp.com)
With many advertisers looking to buy Ad Space direct, the open auction provides a useful venue to search, compare, bid on and buy available online advertising space.
The website is designed to allow advertisers and marketers take control of where they place advertisements.
Unlike automated placement services provided by ad networks and search engines, the open marketplace enables buyers to browse or specifically search Ad Space up for sale, to examine the space at depth if they need and to deal directly with the sellers.
Sellers of Ad Space (formally called “publishers”
The website accommodates for small niche sites and highly trafficked publishers alike by enabling them to list multiple static or rotating banners using the Dutch auction system.
Bidswamp says this alternative means of locating advertising comes at a most important time.
According to Forbes.com 2009 Ad Effectiveness Survey, a key finding stipulates “respondents appreciate the halo effect that a website or publication can have on their brand” with 43% of the senior marketing executives stating “that sponsoring a website, page or digital publication is the most effective digital tool when it comes to affecting brand perceptions”
Another key finding showed respondents were “by far the least happy with ad networks, with half saying that the results did not meet expectations”
“Through our transparent auction system, we hope to help both sellers and buyers by providing a simple solution to dealing with Ad Space direct”, says Luke Bryant, co-founder.
Publishers will have an alternative means of monetizing their sites while buyers can adequately research their placements to match the target audience.
Currently, there are no set amounts on how much publishers should charge for Ad Space and many are left in the dark when negotiating.
Whilst there are guiding principles such as traffic levels, quality content and ad sizing and placement, direct negotiations are largely undertaken on an ad hoc pricing basis.
To assist in pricing comparisons, users can watch other auctions at Bidswamp.com to examine how much is being paid.
If publishers are stumped on what to charge, they can either set an estimated buy out amount, provide an offer range or use the auction format to let the price be determined by the highest bidder.
Buying and selling Ad Space direct is essentially cutting out the middleman, which can lead to great savings. This is particularly important for small business trying to gain exposure through online advertising in these difficult economic times.
To celebrate the launch, Bidswamp is offering free $100 credit for every member to use during the 60 day grand opening period.
To find Ad Space up for sale, visit http://www.bidswamp.com.
