How to figure out price for selling ads on my site? (Not AdSense)

How can I figure out what might be a reasonable price for selling ads on my site? I'm just looking for a way to estimate whether it is worth the effort.  How can I make some sort of educated estimate given my daily views and audience?

I am already using AdSense successfully, but I feel like I could sell ads directly because I have a such a targeted audience for a specialized niche.  I just don't really know what is involved. 

I also would be willing to reduce the ad cost (or give it away free) in exchange for a reciprocal link under certain conditions... in some cases a link from a would-be advertiser could bring me a lot of Google love (I would like some of their PR and they would like some of my traffic).

• Post Points: 5 |

Well, if anyone is interested -- it occurred to me that looking at my years of Google Adsense CPMs is a place to start -- since the CPMs reflect just what I earn from Google, I know advertisers are paying quite a bit more than that, total, to get ads on my site via google.

• Post Points: 20 |

This really depends upon the Niche. I think you are right and the CPM you are currently offering is a good start, but also take into account your own PR, site saturation, etc.. I think the average now is $10-$20 per CPM. Of course this mainly depends upon the Niche. For instance if you are selling ad spec to law firms  then that should bring a better price than selling ad space for shovels.  

 

hth

Bruce 

• Post Points: 5 |