Google is now providing image ads as well, they are still contextually targeted, but now they can be displayed in an image form.

I'm not sure whether this is a good thing or not, I haven't tried it, I'm just wondering if its more than one ad per ad if you "banner"

What are your thoughts on this?

I have not seen any "live" ads on my site, even though I changed about 4 hours ago. I suspect that is because I am in a really weird market (books) that doesn't make any sense. Anyway, from their examples page, it is only 1 ad per banner space. I would expect it to be another month or so before these become popular (if ever) as publishers must get someone to design a nice graphic after they even decide to change over.

Changed my settings, hoping to see a few in the next couple of days :)

Nice. Some image ads are more effective than text ads. For example ads for Playboy ;-)

Or any ads with girls for that matter ;)

They just mailed out the notice to AdWords advertisers a few hours after AdSense. Don't expect to see image ads til advertisers decide to start experimenting.

I did, and it broke my AdWords account. I can no longer view or edit my campaigns. I can't change my bids or edit my ads. All from adding an image to my campaign.

A few bugs to work out. They better fix it by morning, it's messing my sales.

Well, it's just another gimmick from Google. I'm sure they'll come up with some new advertising methods soon, maybe some singing ads :D That will be annoying for sure :)

I think image ads are pointless (unless its ads that RajanUrs and recipher talked about, but those are no good for normal business web sites). With text ads visitor immediately sees site name and short description so he knows what he clicks. With images noone knows what site is behind that banner so users would click less.

Originally posted by CyberAlien
I think image ads are pointless (unless its ads that RajanUrs and recipher talked about, but those are no good for normal business web sites). With text ads visitor immediately sees site name and short description so he knows what he clicks. With images noone knows what site is behind that banner so users would click less.

The effectiveness of banner ads depends on the placement. If you have a very clean, light colored, and mostly text-based site, darker banner ads are going to stand out well.

Ads with girls on always attract clicks ;)

Originally posted by RajanUrs
Nice. Some image ads are more effective than text ads. For example ads for Playboy ;-)

I agree maybe we could get more clicks lol