Design, UI, UX, Insights, Inspiration, Website Examples
16 Examples of Websites with Ads That Look Cool
Check out these 16 websites with ads that feature banner ads, sidebar ads, and in-content display ads, and still look great.
Ever wondered how websites offering free content manage to stay profitable? The answer lies in selling ad space.
Many sites, including news outlets, blogs, and content creators, depend on advertising to generate income. For many popular websites, ads are the main revenue stream that keeps them running.
As a site attracts more visitors, it can charge higher rates for ad placements. More page views mean greater exposure for advertisers, creating a cycle where increased traffic leads to more revenue. As long as the traffic keeps coming, the potential for monetization remains strong.
In short, while ads help keep many sites running, there are still plenty of free advertising opportunities available online. To illustrate this, we gathered 18 examples of websites with ads that demonstrate banner ads, sidebar ads, and in-content display ads that help these websites get revenue and still look cool while doing so.
17 Websites with Ads That Do It Right
Digital marketing plays a significant role in shaping web design. Designers aim to create visually appealing and cohesive sites that reflect the brand’s identity.
However, many websites depend on ad space to generate revenue. This means developers need to consider advertisements when planning layouts and color schemes. The challenge arises because designers don’t always know which ads users will see, so they have to plan for various possibilities. If you’re still figuring out how to incorporate ads into your site, don’t worry. We’ve gathered examples of monetized sites that handle this balance well. These can offer some inspiration on how to incorporate digital marketing thoughtfully.
1. Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur is a well-known resource for anyone interested in starting or growing a business. Their website offers a mix of inspiring success stories, practical advice, and the latest news in the business world.
The blog makes money from ads by displaying them on its website. Advertisers pay to show their products or services in different formats, like in-content display ads. For example, the thumbnail with the title “Have great ideas? Here’s why the best thing you can do is give them away.” is a sponsored article that advertises a product. When visitors click on it, Entrepreneur earns revenue.
Visit Website2. Chron
Chron is a helpful online resource for small business owners and offers practical advice on a range of topics like marketing, finance, and operations. The website displays a mix of different ads across its website, including banner ads and pop-ups. These ads promote various products and services related to business needs, from marketing tools to financial services.
You’ll also see in-content ads that appear as part of the articles, offering relevant suggestions and promotions. In this case, it’s an in-content banner ad for Puzzmo. These ads help the site make money while also providing useful content to its readers.
Visit Website3. Amazon
Next, we have one of the largest online marketplaces in the world Amazon that has just about anything you can think of—books, electronics, clothing, groceries, and almost everything else. Their website is designed to make browsing and buying as straightforward as possible, with personalized recommendations, detailed product reviews, and plenty of deals to explore.
Amazon makes money through affiliate marketing, product recommendations, and display ads. They affiliate with marketers to promote products with special links, so Amazon earns a commission when someone purchases through those links. It also recommends products to shoppers and earns a fee when customers buy them, just like in the sponsored ad in the example.
Visit Website4. 101 Cookbooks
Next, the food blog 101 Cookbooks focuses on healthy and flavorful recipes. The site offers creative, plant-based dishes that home cooks can easily recreate.
It also displays a mix of ads, such as banner ads and in-content display ads. These ads typically promote food-related products, kitchen gadgets, and other items relevant to the site’s content, but there are also unrelated services. These ads help support the website while allowing readers to access free recipes and content.
Visit Website5. Steam
Steam is the most popular platform for video games where users can purchase, download, and play games on their computers. Lord Gaben’s digital distribution service has community features like forums, game reviews, and achievements, creating a space where players can connect and share their experiences. And of course, the platform is also “notorious” for its insane Christmas sales that gamers expect each year (as compensation for the lack of Half-Life 3 for the last two decades).
Their banner ads usually promote products related to their platform. Currently, like in the example, these ads promote the Steam Deck, which is a handheld gaming device that lets users play their favorite PC games on the go. Other ads highlight game sales, bundles, and new releases.
Visit Website6. eBay
eBay is a very popular online marketplace where people can buy and sell new and used items, ranging from electronics to clothing to collectibles. Sellers can list products through auctions or fixed-price listings, while buyers can browse and bid on items they’re interested in. The website offers a wide variety of goods, and its auction-style format gives it a unique twist compared to other online stores.
The site features sponsored ads for products that are related to the user’s search or browsing activity. These ads usually appear as banner ads or in the search results, highlighting products that sellers have paid to promote.
Visit Website7. HubSpot
Next, we have HubSpot which is the go-to platform for marketing, sales, and customer service tools. It helps businesses manage customer relationships, automate marketing, and improve sales processes. The site also provides helpful resources like blogs, webinars, and courses aimed at educating marketers and business owners on best practices for growing their companies.
HubSpot uses in-content display ads to promote its reports, guides, and other resources. These ads appear within blog posts or articles, offering readers valuable content like eBooks, templates, or industry reports in exchange for contact information or email sign-ups. They are designed to be relevant to the topic of the article, so visitors are more likely to find them helpful and engaging.
Visit Website8. Labnol Digital Inspiration
Labnol, also known as Digital Inspiration, is a website for tech tutorials and tips on a wide range of topics like digital tools, gadgets, Google services, and web development. The site is especially helpful for those looking to learn practical tech skills, offering step-by-step guides and tips for everyday internet users.
The site displays banner ads that reflect the specific content of its articles. These ads are usually linked to products or services that match the theme of the post. For example, if an article is about using Google Maps, the banners may feature tools or services related to maps or location-based services.
Visit Website9. Lifehacker
Next, the popular website for practical advice and life hacks Lifehacker covers topics such as productivity, technology, health, money management, and personal development.
It displays a mix of in-content display ads and banner ads throughout its articles. These ads usually promote products, tools, or services that match the content of the article, but not exclusively. For example, in this post about best shows you can watch when you need cleaning inspiration, the in-content ad promotes IGN.
Visit Website10. Animal Corner
Next, we have the awesome Animal Corner website which is the go-to library for information about different animal species, their habitats, behaviors, and unique traits. The site is aimed at animal lovers, educators, and students, and has a full collection of detailed articles and guides on a wide range of animals.
In terms of ads, the site includes various banner ads and in-content display ads throughout its pages. These ads are random and rarely have anything to do with animals, but the resources are free, so the ad revenue is what keeps the site going. These ads are placed in a way that does not interrupt the content flow but still offers relevant products or services that align with the site’s theme of animals and nature.
Visit Website11. Len Penzo dot Com
Len Penzo Dot Com is a personal finance blog where Len Penzo shares his views and advice on money management, investing, and financial planning. The blog covers topics such as saving money, building wealth, budgeting, and achieving financial independence.
The author allows in-content and banner ads throughout the blog’s pages but they aren’t on the topic of financial services; they do help support the site though.
Visit Website12. TV Guide
TV Guide is a popular website for TV schedules with up-to-date listings of shows, movies, and events. The site also provides TV listings, TV Guide provides reviews, news, and recommendations.
TV Guide displays a mix of in-content and banner ads throughout its website. These ads are typically placed within the content users are reading or in prominent positions on the sides of the page. The ads often promote relevant topic, such as, in this case, the Fandom website.
Visit Website13. Outside Magazine
Next, Outside Magazine for outdoor adventure, travel, fitness, and exploration covers a wide range of topics such as hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, and various activities that connect people to the natural world. The site features gear reviews, destination guides, and expert advice, appealing to those who love adventure and want to stay informed about the latest outdoor trends.
Its resources position ads that are related to the Outside brand only, so they focus on outdoor activities and adventure. These ads often highlight products related to outdoor gear, travel, and wellness. They may showcase promotions for hiking boots, camping equipment, or travel destinations, providing readers with options that match their active lifestyles.
Visit Website14. Flipkart
Flipkart is one of India’s largest eCommerce platforms for electronics, home appliances, fashion and beauty items. It connects shoppers to thousands of brands and sellers, similar to AliExpress, and has a similar system of frequent deals and discounts.
On Flipkart, in-content display ads and banner ads appear throughout the site, often highlighting deals on various products. These ads feature a variety of items like electronics, fashion, home goods, and more. They are positioned within product categories or at the top and sides of the page, catching the attention of shoppers as they browse through the site. These ads offer promotions, new arrivals, and special discounts.
Visit Website15. GSM Arena
GSM Arena has been around for more than two decades (which is very easy to guess from the |GSM” in the name and url). The platform is a solid place to get details reviews and information about mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. It offers hands-on reviews, specifications, and news on the latest gadgets, so users can compare devices and make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing new technology. The website is known for its in-depth analyses and up-to-date coverage of all things mobile, making it a go-to resource for tech enthusiasts and casual consumers alike.
On GSM Arena, in-content display ads often appear alongside articles or product reviews. These ads are usually related to the tech world, showcasing products like mobile accessories, or new gadgets. For instance, an ad about electric vehicles might pop up within a review about the latest tech innovations or in a related section. These ads are designed to catch the eye of users browsing for tech news, offering products or services that might align with their interests.
Visit Website16. Search Engine Land
And last, we have another classic. The famous site for news and updates in the world of search engine marketing and optimization Search Engine Land where everone can find insights into SEO, paid search, and other online marketing strategies. The site offers in-depth articles, guides, and expert advice on all things related to search engines and digital marketing, helping marketers stay up-to-date with the latest trends and tools.
In terms of ads, Search Engine Land allows in-content display ads alongside articles discussing the latest SEO strategies or marketing techniques. These ads are typically for SEO tools and marketing software, offering products that help optimize websites or improve search engine rankings. For example, a banner ad for a popular keyword research tool might show up within an article about search engine optimization trends. These ads are relevant to the content and aimed at professionals looking for tools to boost their marketing efforts.
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👍Why Are Ads Important?
Online advertising has become a major part of the marketing world. Companies often invest heavily in digital ads to boost their visibility and drive sales. Compared to traditional methods, online ads offer unique benefits that make them essential in today’s market.
A large chunk of marketing budgets now goes toward social media and website ads. It’s easy to see the appeal—popular sites can attract millions of visitors daily. While traditional ads like billboards and TV spots still have their place, online advertising gives businesses more control over who sees their ads.
Since the ability to use analytics and traffic data has changed the game, advertisers can work with websites that attract their target audience, improving conversion rates and driving more sales.
So, who benefits from online marketing? Just about any business can use this tool. It’s especially popular with eCommerce platforms looking to boost sales and brand recognition, but you’ll also find ads for professionals, B2B organizations, and many others.
Types of Online Advertisements
Placing ads on a website isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. The goal is to display ads that connect with the right audience while keeping the main content accessible and engaging.
Different ad types can help achieve this balance, allowing advertisers to reach users without being overly intrusive. The kind of ads chosen often depends on the advertiser’s objectives. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Display Ads
These are the most recognizable. Think of them as digital billboards that fit into the site’s layout. You’ll often see them at the top of the page or along the sidebar. They’re straightforward to set up, making them a favorite among publishers.
Native Ads
For a more subtle option, native ads blend into the site’s content. These might be sponsored posts or articles that match the look and feel of the website. Advertisers usually collaborate with publishers to make these ads feel like a natural part of the content.
Affiliate Ads
Affiliate ads work well on sites like Amazon. Instead of banners, these ads use direct links to the advertiser’s page. Publishers earn a commission for every sale or lead that comes through these links.
Interactive Ads
Interactive ads are more noticeable but can be integrated thoughtfully. These might include pop-ups, scrolling features, or videos that capture attention without disrupting the overall user experience.
The Downsides of Displaying Ads on Your Website
👎 The Impact on Page Load Speed
Visiting websites packed with ads, like The New York Times for example, often comes with noticeable delays in page load times. This isn’t just a small annoyance—it can seriously affect your browsing experience. Page load speed is a critical factor for website performance, and too many ads can slow things down considerably.
On sites packed with ads, like LifeHacker, these delays could be holding back their potential success. The reason for these slowdowns comes down to several factors: ads require extra data to load, complex ad scripts can slow the processing of the page, and ad content often includes large images or videos that take longer to load. As a result, browsing these sites means dealing with longer wait times that can diminish the overall user experience.
👎 Security Risks from Excessive Ads
Websites filled with ads don’t just slow things down; they can also pose security risks. Ads can be a gateway for malware and phishing attempts, putting your visitor’s personal information at risk.
Even reputable sites like The New York Times or LifeHacker can unintentionally serve harmful ads. Here’s what can be dangerous for your users:
- Malicious ads, often called “malvertising,” can include harmful software that infects your device.
- Phishing scams can also be embedded in ads that seem legitimate, tricking users into revealing personal information.
- Additionally, some ads may automatically download dangerous scripts that compromise your security without you realizing it.
Hey, before you go, don’t forget to check out our other awesome articles on UI/UX design! We’ve got loads of tips and inspiration to help you create stunning designs that will blow your mind.